IF you’ve been wrestling with a dodgy Wi-Fi connection for a while, it’s likely to be one of these 10 culprits.
But before you make any sudden decisions – like knocking down walls or – check with your internet provider to ensure there is no local outage, or whether you can get an upgrade.
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1. Bluetooth Devices
Wireless devices such as headsets, keyboards, and speakers can interfere with the Wi-Fi signals.
This is because Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use similar frequencies, so this can result in disruption to either of them.
In general, too many smart home gadgets on one network can really slow it down.
2. Radio Signals
Likewise with Bluetooth signals, radio waves can also mess with your internet connection.
So baby monitors, walkie talkies or even a radio locator can all be big Wi-Fi killers, because they emit signals which interfere with your router.
3. The TV
This is perhaps the most common cause of weakened Wi-Fi signals.
It’s wise to keep your router away from the telly.
4. Water
Water can block Wi-Fi signals.
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So, if you have a big fish tank, aquarium, or even underfloor heating – these can all slow down your internet speeds.
5. Microwave
Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves to heat food.
And although these mini ovens are well covered, there do leak some waves that can interfere with your internet connection.
But don’t worry, it’s not enough to cause any harm to humans.
6. Thick Timber
Timber walls can also be a significant obstacle to wireless signals.
If you live in an old house or cottage, you might notice this more often than your pal in a new build.
But timber walls are often not the sole culprit as their impact isn’t that substantial.
7. Concrete and Masonry Walls
Instead of timber walls, Wi-Fi signals are most weakened by having to go through thick walls, reinforced walls, like concrete.
8. Separate Wireless Networks at Home
If you have multiple wireless networks in your home that are designed for different devices, this can be disruptive for your main router.
However, few households have more than one Wi-Fi option.
9. Metal and Floor Heating
Metal, like concrete, can act as a real shield against Wi-Fi – which is no good for streaming or working from home.
When you mix metal and water to come up with underfloor heating, this can also wreak havoc on your internet speeds.
10. Your Neighbour’s Network
When lots of networks are close together, it hurts their wireless capacity as the signals can get confused.
The competing frequencies interfere with each other and slow down your speed.
So if you live in a terraced house or apartment block, this might be why your Wi-Fi is slow.
Even if you can’t see it, it’s there, and helping deny you the internet speeds you’re paying for.
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