The big Wi-Fi router mistake people make that drastically slows their internet – and it takes only seconds to fix

WEB surfers are unknowingly sacrificing their internet speed when trying to hide their router, according to Virgin Media.

The error can drastically slow down your internet speeds, but fortunately, it only takes a few seconds to fix.

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The placement of a wireless router can have a big impact on the speed and quality of broadband.

While your router is easier to hide when you lay it flat, it’s not a wise idea.

According to experts at Virgin Media, it is important to keep your router in the position it’s designed to stand in.

For Virgin Media customers, this means having your router stand vertically, instead of laid horizontally.

This is because the Wi-Fi antennas are built inside the router, unlike older boxes that have them visible on the outside.

The antennas kick out your internet signals and help boost your range.

Standing your router correctly will also give the fans enough room to breathe.

“Keep your router upright with the front lights facing into the room to ensure the Wi-Fi antennas inside the router are in the most efficient orientation and less of your Wi-Fi signal is wasted,” experts explained.

“Having the router upright will also ensure optimal air flow through the Hub and help avoid overheating.”

If the reason you’ve turned the router on its side is to hide it, then there are ways to make the box less of an eyesore without bruising your internet quality.

If you have a older router with antennas that stick up and outward on the top, then it’s important to angle these correctly.

Network provider Plusnet has previously encouraged customers to turn the antennas sideways if you’ve placed the router upstairs and want to achieve a stronger signal across two floor.

If the router is placed on the ground floor, its advised to turn the antennas upwards.

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk