If your internet is lagging or completely cut off this Christmas, it might be due to the placement of your Wi-Fi router. Here are six essential checks you should go through to guarantee swift coverage over the festive season
It’s isn’t quite Christmas until you hear one of your guests cave in and ask: “So, what’s the Wi-Fi password?” But, with an influx of people hoping onto your beloved broadband (as well as eating all of your food) your connection might struggle a little and begin to slow.
Lagging Wi-FI is hardly ideal, especially when the little ones want to test out their new phones and tablets, while your parents are adamant about streaming the King’s Speech. Luckily, UK broadband company Hyperoptic has revealed six simple checks you should complete to make sure you have the best connection this Christmas – and they all revolve around where your router is placed.
“With Christmas decorations going up and living rooms being reorganised in the process, many people will move their router which can lead to connectivity issues, as the router won’t perform at its best in certain areas,” Lutfu Kitapci of Hyperoptic said. “While it’s easy to overlook, tucking your router behind the Christmas tree or crowding it with baubles and fairy lights could spell disaster for your Wi-Fi connection – just when you need it most.”
Remember, Wi-Fi signals travel downwards, not just forwards and sideways, so there’s actually no need to place your router on the floor for everyone to trip over. In fact, putting it on a shelf might be your best bet for ‘higher coverage and stronger signal’. If you dislike the look of your router, shoving it in the kitchen isn’t the best idea – as metallic appliances like your microwave make weaken your signal.
“Radio signals are the enemy of your router and will interfere with the broadband connection,” Hyperoptic wrote on its website. “This means your TV, radio, wireless phone, or even remote-control toy can all lag your Bridgerton binge-watching.” Therefore, it recommends putting the router around five feet away from other electronics.
Where to place your Wi-Fi router over Christmas – and where to avoid
- Place your router in a high, central location for the best signal across your entire home. Remember, a shelf is always a good idea!
- Keep it away from dense decorations, such as your fully decked-up Christmas tree or Santa ornaments.
- Consider relocating your router if signal issues arise.
- Don’t hide your router behind large furniture or festive clutter. Signals need space to travel.
- Don’t position it near electronic devices which can interfere with the signal.
- Don’t place it near a window. This can lead to much of the signal escaping outside and passers-by could access your Wi-Fi passwords. Keep your Hyperoptic Wi-Fi connection secure by keeping your router out of sight.
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