Boost Your Wi-Fi: Avoid These 3 Router-Blocking Items for Faster Internet

Closeup of a wireless router and a young man using a smartphone.
If you're looking to boost your Wi-Fi, watch out for these three common household items that could be unknowingly throttling your signal strength. (Image: Casezy idea via Shutterstock)

Whether you’re in the heat of an intense gaming battle or lost in the climax of a thrilling movie at home, nothing is more jarring than an Internet outage or a sudden lag due to a weak signal. Such annoyances are often caused by particular objects that inadvertently block your router’s signal.

Understanding the fundamental principles behind router operation is crucial. Routers are designed to transmit and receive signals as part of their functionality, which involves generating and handling electromagnetic waves. When these signals encounter obstacles, their strength diminishes, leading to a decline in Internet speed.

Avoid these 3 categories that can block your Internet speed

1. Large metal objects

Metallic items are inherently conductive, and their capacity to obstruct signal transmission increases with their size. A common example illustrating this effect is the significant weakening or complete loss of mobile phone signal when an elevator door shuts, encasing you within a metal box.

Large metal objects can block Wi-Fi signals and disrupt your Internet speed.
Just like elevators obstruct signal transmission, large metal objects situated near your home router can have a negative effect on your Wi-Fi’s reach and effectiveness. (Image: Adam Radosavljevic via Shutterstock)

It is, therefore, advisable to keep metal objects away from your router. Whether it’s large furniture pieces with metallic components or smaller metal decorations, their proximity to the router could harm your Internet connection’s stability and speed.

2. Common household appliances

Everyday appliances such as televisions, computers, ovens, microwaves, and electric kettles can inadvertently affect your router’s performance. In the quest for convenience and reduced cable clutter, some might place the router close to these devices. However, this seemingly minor adjustment can have a long-term impact on your router’s signal quality.

These appliances emit electromagnetic waves during operation, which can interfere with the router’s signal. To ensure optimal Internet speed, it’s best to maintain a safe distance between your router and these household devices.

3. High-density glass products

Decorative items made from dense glass, such as flower vases or fish tanks, can also impede the router’s signal if placed too close. Their substantial mass and volume, combined with the material’s properties, make them potential disruptors of signal transmission.

A fish tank sitting on a wooden table.
With their dense glass, fish tanks can act as unexpected culprits in weakening your home Wi-Fi’s signal. (Image: Africa Studio via Shutterstock)

Another frequently overlooked factor contributing to poor router performance is the continuous operation of the device without any breaks. A router that remains active and heated over extended periods can suffer from internal component wear and data caching issues. Instituting a routine where the router is turned off, allowed to cool down, and then restarted after about half an hour can lead to a noticeable improvement in Internet speed.

In conclusion, while the digital age offers unparalleled connectivity and access to information, maintaining an optimal home network requires attention to the physical environment surrounding your router. By avoiding placing particular objects near your router and adopting regular maintenance practices, you can enjoy a stable and swift Internet connection, enhancing your online experience whether you’re working, gaming, or streaming your favorite content.

Translated by Eva

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  • Mikel Davis

    Mikel serves as editor and sometime writer for Nspirement. He loves foreign cultures and foreign places. They have taught him many lessons. He hopes his work can impact others so they have a better life, or at least a better day.

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