The placement of your router and the objects surrounding it can significantly affect your home’s Wi-Fi speed.
Router, also known as a gateway or Wi-Fi access point, is a device that allows users to share their Internet connection with computers, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices in the home through Wi-Fi signals. Once connected, these devices can access the network, serving various needs such as browsing the web, reading news, watching movies, playing games, or working…
Today, the presence of Wi-Fi routers in households is essential. At least one router is found in every home, while larger homes or multi-story buildings may have 2-3 routers. However, even with careful installation and setup, a small mistake by the user can lead to an unstable or weak network, resulting in increased energy consumption. One of the most common mistakes relates to the placement of the Wi-Fi router and the objects situated nearby.
According to experts, here are the items users should avoid placing next to or near their Wi-Fi router.
1. Metal Objects
The first category includes metal objects. These items can block the network signals emitted from the Wi-Fi router, causing users to experience weak or unstable connections even within their homes. For instance, experts have noted that when a user enters a metal elevator, both network and phone signals significantly diminish. This is primarily due to the elevator’s metal structure blocking the signals and affecting the network transmission speed.
Therefore, it is best for users to keep their Wi-Fi router away from metal objects.
2. Household Appliances and Electronic Devices
The second category includes household appliances and electronic devices. These devices generate electromagnetic waves that can inadvertently interfere with the Wi-Fi signals when placed nearby, impacting network speed.
Wi-Fi routers should not be placed near other electronic devices such as TVs and computers. (Illustrative image).
Microwaves are also on the list as they can cause Wi-Fi signal interference. (Illustrative image).
Devices that fall into this category include computers, TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, sound systems, and cameras. Additionally, keeping these devices near the Wi-Fi router for extended periods may lead to faster wear and tear of the router, while also raising the temperature of the appliances, thereby increasing energy consumption for users.
3. Mirrors and Glass Items
The reflective coating on mirrors or glass objects can also be a “culprit” that causes unstable Wi-Fi signals in users’ homes. Therefore, electronics experts recommend limiting the placement of cups, water jugs, vases, fish tanks, and mirrors near the router.
4. Other Wi-Fi Routers
As mentioned earlier, many households may own not just one but 2-3 Wi-Fi routers. To achieve optimal network performance, users should avoid placing these routers next to or too close to each other.
Placing multiple Wi-Fi routers next to each other does not strengthen the network and can have the opposite effect. (Illustrative image).
Additionally, some home decorations, such as Christmas trees or smart bulbs, can also cause interference, as highlighted by Aman Bhatti, Director of SKY Network, in an interview with The Sun. These items can disrupt signal transmission from the Wi-Fi router.
Along with avoiding the placement of the Wi-Fi router near the aforementioned items, to find the ideal position, users should also consider the “30cm Rule.” Specifically, the Wi-Fi router should be placed at least 30cm away from obstacles such as walls, furniture, or other electronic devices. This seemingly simple action can significantly improve network performance.
