If you place your internet router in the ‘wrong’ room of your home or in the wrong place in the right room, you may be slowing down your home network.
A WiFi expert told DailyMail.com that knowing where you place your router can make ‘all the difference’ to a good and bad signal on connected devices.
Alex Tofts, from broadband comparison service Broadband Genie, says routers should never be placed under stairs, on windowsills, in kitchens or balconies, or near flower vases or fish bowls.
Your router is a radio transmitter, and whenever possible you need to try and have a clear ‘line of sight’ from the router to devices that need a fast connection, without thick walls in the way.
WiFi signals don’t travel well through metal, water, hard walls or heavy furniture, so elevating the router and placing it in an open area can help, Toft explains.
A general rule of thumb to consider is to look nearby for any obstacles that might cause problems.
‘Do not place behind large furniture or near other gadgets that may interfere with the signal.’
He added: ‘There are certain rooms in the home that are particularly problematic, so with that in mind, here are some things you should think twice about.’
Under the stairs
‘We know routers aren’t the most pleasant things to have in your home, but don’t treat them like Harry Potter and lock them under the stairs.’
Moving the router away from walls ‘frees up the signal’ – and the same goes for floors, so raising it up may also be beneficial.
The kitchen
Electrical devices that use radio signals, such as cordless phones or baby monitors, can interfere with and damage your router’s signal, Toft explains.
He said: ‘The kitchen is sometimes home to a few of these and the main culprit is your microwave.
It uses the same 2.4 GHz signal that competes with your router when heating some food.’
near the window
It is a bad idea to place your router near a window or in direct sunlight.
If your router is getting hot, especially in the summer, it can be a problem.
Tofts said: As with any electrical appliance, it’s important to keep it cool. This can be more severe in the summer, but don’t put it near any windows where it’s in direct sunlight.’
A shaded area unobstructed by large objects should be fine. Make sure there is proper ventilation in the room.’
Next to a flower pot or fish bowl
Water isn’t good for Wi-Fi signals, so make sure your router isn’t nearby — and your network doesn’t depend on Wi-Fi traveling underwater.
Tofts said: ‘Water can block Wi-Fi signals, so don’t place your router near anything with a lot of water – that’s an indoor fountain, aquarium, fish bowl or even vases with a lot of water in it.’
On the roof
In general, you want your router to be in the center of your home rather than on the edge, Toft explains.
Toft said: ‘The attic space is not good for signal strength.
Ideally, you want your router to be located on the ground in the middle of your home, this will give it the best chance to reach every room in your home.
The insulation material in the attic also makes it difficult to get a better signal. If you’re using your loft space and looking for internet there, you should use a Wi-Fi booster.’
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