UK homes are being urged to check their Wi-Fi and make a very simple change to the position of the router.
We all dislike dismal broadband speeds, especially as millions of UK homes now rely on an internet connection to work, play and stay entertained. With more of us streaming content online, downloading huge files and installing massive games onto consoles, faster access to the web is becoming vital.
Of course, the overall speeds being whizzed around your rooms are controlled by your Internet Service Provider along with how much you are willing to pay – the quicker the downloads, the higher the price.
However, even if you have rapid broadband the position of your router can still start slowing things back down again and there’s one place you really don’t want to put it.
The team at broadband comparison site Fibre Compare have just released some Wi-Fi advice and they reckon that shoving the router under the stairs is a really bad idea.
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“Like keeping your router in cabinets, you should avoid placing your router under the stairs. Even if this means it is “out of sight”, explained Geoff Pestell, CEO at Fibre Compare.
“This can seriously slow down your Wi-Fi speeds because the stairwell walls can block your signal and cause performance issues.”
Those stairs aren’t the only worry for your Wi-Fi as being near water – including fish tanks – is also terrible for getting a decent connection.
“Make sure you also avoid placing your router near any water sources or windows. Things such as outside windows and walls, or moisture from showers, sinks and washing machines can damage electronic components or interfere with Wi-Fi signal, degrading its performance over time.”
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Windows are bad as some of the signal is beamed outside rather than around the room and routers can also get hot if they are in direct sunlight.
Other things to consider are getting that flashing black bos as central in your home as possible and up off the floor.
Finally, Fibre Connect says, if you can, it’s a good idea to move your router around your home to see where you get the best signal.
“You could experiment with different spots in your house to determine the ideal location for your Wi-Fi router and signal in order to get the most out of both,” said Pestell.
“Where it works best can completely depend on its location. Its ideal position could be found by moving it and testing its speed to find the strongest signal.”
