Raise your hand if you’ve never experienced the stress of a lousy internet connection. Sometimes, the problem originates in the router’s settings or the poor service offered by the hired company. But most of the time, a bad WiFi connection arises because of specific objects or furniture that we have at home that are too close to the router or our computers.

We want to tell you which items are your WiFi’s main enemies. You’ll find useful tips at the end of the article that you can use to avoid encountering a bad connection, don’t miss them!

1. Large electronics

Large appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, air conditioners, and microwaves are the worst enemies your Wi-Fi connection has. Besides containing large amounts of metal, these electrical appliances also circulate water which can block the wireless waves.

2. Metal surfaces and furniture

Metal is a conductor, which means it absorbs electricity. Since your WiFi releases electromagnetic waves, any metal surface or object in your house will prevent the waves from spreading. If you want your internet connection to work problem free, it’s necessary to place the router away from metal.

3. Brick and stone walls

Some types of walls stop your WiFi signal. Between the most common materials that prevent a reliable connection are marble, cement, concrete, plaster, and brick. This explains why in 2-floor houses, people usually experience a very weak internet connection on one of the floors. To fix this, place your router in an open area and away from walls.

4. Windows

As we all know, most houses have windows. Besides letting the morning light gently caress your face, windows also block your Wi-Fi signals. Even the cleanest windows can reflect electromagnetic waves. Moreover, tinted glass has transparent metallic films which can interfere with specific types of waves, slowing down your connection even more.

5. Mirrors

The material that lets us see our reflection in the mirror also reflects the signal released by the router. This object acts as a shield, making the internet connection bounce. When it’s close to the router, it can make the signal strength feel slower and unstable.

6. Baby monitors

Baby monitors have a similar 2.4GHz frequency as the Wi-Fi, which will substantially diminish the strength of the connection. If two devices have the same frequency, they overlap and their performance is reduced. Although baby monitors are something we cannot give up, make sure you don’t place them too close together to make sure they work properly.

7. Your neighbors’ Wi-Fi

One of the biggest sources of Wi-Fi interference is actually your neighbors’ Wi-Fi network. Most Wi-Fi equipment operates on the 2.4GHz band, so imagine the number of overlapping channels in a densely populated area. However, you can improve the performance of your wireless network by purchasing a dual-band router that uses simultaneously 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

How to enhance your WiFi connection

There are different measures you can take to improve your internet connection at home. Keep them in mind if you regularly encounter a bad signal:

– Based on the items listed above, choose a proper location to place your router.

– Keep your router updated.

– Get a more powerful antenna.

– Encrypt your WiFi and protect it with a strong password, one that can’t be guessed easily.

– Buy a WiFi amplifier, also known as a WiFi extender.

– Try using only the latest and most modern WiFi technologies.

– Broadbands operating at 5 GHz usually offer a much faster connection than others, because it’s a less busy channel than the 2.4 GHz band.

– Reset the router, even if it sounds like a cliché. This action will erase its memory and will enable you to install updates.

Do you usually encounter a lousy WiFi connection? Do you have any other advice to add to our list? Tell us in the comments!

Sources: brightside.me, intoposts.com