If you are experiencing slow internet speeds and frustratingly long download times, the solution might be simpler than you think
If you are battling sluggish internet speeds, and painfully slow downloads, the answer might be simpler than you would expect. Before pointing the finger at your broadband provider for dodgy Wi-Fi, think again – the real villain could be hiding right in your kitchen.
One everyday appliance might be sabotaging your internet connection, warns tech guru Drew English from Charter & Co. He said: “You might not realise it, but microwaves and Wi-Fi can interfere with each other. This can be a real pain if you keep getting dropped from conference calls or having issues watching HD videos or doing something important online.
“Both your microwave and Wi-Fi router use the same 2.4GHz radio frequency. While your microwave uses these waves to heat food, your Wi-Fi router relies on them to transmit data around your home. This results in slower Wi-Fi speed but not less hot food.”
Whilst microwaves are built to keep their energy contained within the unit, they can still mess with your WiFi, despite this not being their purpose, reports the Express.
Drew explained: “Microwaves leak energy. Microwaves from lesser-known brands often aren’t built to the same high standards as those from big-name manufacturers.
“This means there’s a higher chance of leakage occurring sooner than with a branded model. Even pricier microwaves can develop leaks in their seals over time, though.”
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So, how to fix this problem?
Drew advised: “While moving the router away from the microwave is a definite plus, it might not always be practical for everyone’s setup. If your router has a 5GHz band, switching to that could be a winner. It’s less likely to get messed up by the microwave.”
Zen Internet echoed this sentiment, warning Brits about the potential interference caused by everyday household appliances like microwaves. A survey conducted by the Internet Service Provider revealed that most people in the UK are oblivious to the fact that common items such as cooking devices can disrupt their internet signal.
In fact, Zen is urging users to steer clear of placing their routers near these appliances as the electromagnetic waves they emit can meddle with Wi-Fi signals.
Other items to keep your router away from include baby monitors, cordless phones and even fish tanks as Wi-Fi despises water. Other top tips to ensure your broadband operates smoothly include restarting your router once a month and ensuring it is placed out in the open rather than hidden in a cupboard.
