I avoid Christmas Day Wi-Fi disaster thanks to lesser-known tricks and first step is putting router at the right height
CHRISTMAS is a time for sharing gifts, food, merriment, kisses under the mistletoe – and your Wi-Fi.
Of course, the more people there are under one roof, the more pressure is placed on your bandwidth.
To avoid disaster – or, not being able to tune into the final Gavin & Stacy special on Christmas day without iPlayer buffering – follow these four essential tips.
Right height
First, make sure your router is elevated – but not too high.
Roughly 1 to 1.5ft high on a table or shelf is ideal.
Although make sure to avoid putting it on a shelf that is too enclosed.
This can not only block the signal but also cause the box to overheat.
Make sure your Christmas tree isn’t blocking it either – you want it to have a good line of sight with your devices.
Try moving the router around and testing the signal on different devices to find the perfect spot for a strong connection.
Away from Christmas lights
Christmas lights are a common but perhaps unexpected blockade on your internet signal.
These twinkling lights create an electromagnetic field, which can block your router’s Wi-Fi signals.
The more lights you have, the stronger the field they create.
This is especially the case if they lead to a big bundle of wires.
Because Wi-Fi routers are emitting electromagnetic radiation, having the two gadgets next to each other can create a clash.
It’s the same reason your microwave, wireless speakers or even a baby monitor might also interfere with your internet strength.
Overheating
The frosty weather can urge you to turn the thermostat up, light the fire or even drag out a space heater.
But be cautious that an overheating router will produce slow speeds – which is why it’s worth keeping it away from a radiator or fireplace.
Radiators are bad news not least because they emit heat, but also because they are metal.
Metal, as well as water and glass, can block Wi-Fi signals and stop them from reaching your devices.
Avoid the kitchen
For this same reason, it’s best to steer clear of the kitchen when moving your router.
Although the kitchen is usually full of festive action, it is also brimming with Wi-Fi-blocking objects, like the microwave, oven, fridge, or a Bluetooth speaker.
Even the water in the taps can interfere with a sturdy signal.
What appliances interfere with your WiFi?
Avoid placing your router near these...
- Speakers
- TV
- Microwave
- Oven
- Christmas lights
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Cordless phone
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Water pipes
- Other people’s WiFi routers