WiFi router placement mistake could be slowing down your internet, says expert

22 April 2024 , 12:50

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Your router's placement may be causing the internet to run slowly (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)

Name something worse than those four dreaded words: The WiFi is down...

In an increasingly digital age, we all rely on a stable internet connection more than we'd like to admit. It's essential for working during the day, watching Netflix at night, and even needed to switch the lights off (if you're addicted to Alexa). But, even in the tech-obsessed year of 2024, there are times when our beloved WiFi struggles to maintain a connection.

If you're tired of dodgy connections and slow speeds, it may be all down due to where you've placed your WiFi router. So, here are the top places to avoid, and where to put your router to guarantee fast internet.

Not many people know that WiFi signals that be 'blocked' when placed next to solid objects including cabinets and walls. Alan, an expert at Increditools, points out: "Placing a Wi-Fi router behind furniture or inside cabinets may seem like a convenient way to hide unsightly cables. But it can significantly hinder Wi-Fi performance.

"Additionally, routers placed near metal objects or electrical wiring may experience signal reflection and attenuation, further worsening performance." Wales Online reports that devices like your microwave or TV emit electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can 'disrupt Wi-Fi signals and degrade their quality'.

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If your router is tucked neatly into a corner - that's another no-no, as WiFi routers work by radiating outwards in all directions. Instead, centralise your router and place it on a high shelf to reduce any interference.

If you're still struggling with slow internet, Alan recommends using a WiFI extender or 'mesh systems to amplify and extend your Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home'. "By strategically positioning your Wi-Fi router and minimising interference, you can ensure optimal signal strength and coverage for all your devices, providing a seamless and reliable internet experience," he said.

Liam Gilliver