When you’re paying for blazing-fast fiber from ThinkBig Networks, you can expect a great online experience on all your devices. If you’re suddenly experiencing slowdowns, we want to get that corrected.
The first step is to look for sneaky suspects that could be causing interference with your Wi-Fi and to ensure your router is placed in the optimal place for a strong signal throughout your home. Read on to learn more—but if you continue to have issues, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know. We’re here to help with 24/7 LIVE technical support via phone (888) 318-1372, option 4 or via our webchat tool.
Wi-Fi Router Placement Problems Due to Physical Interference
Poor router placement is one of the most common problems that plague homes with slow internet. To begin with, it’s important to remember that a router disperses its signal both horizontally and vertically (straight ahead and up and down). Objects that are physically “in the way” of that signal can interfere with the quality and strength of the Wi-Fi signal before it reaches your devices. Below are the most common physical interferences in many homes that lead to slow internet speeds.
- Glass and Windows
One of the biggest slow internet speed culprits is glass and windows. Glass and windows can cause significant interference. Avoid placing your router too close to windows or other glass, as that can “deplete” too much signal and waste precious internet speed your smart TV needs to stream your favorite content.
- Walls and Similar Obstructions
Fireplaces, wall units, cabinets and similar obstructions will all interfere with the Wi-Fi signal. Reinforced concrete, which some walls in your home may consist of, is a particularly obstructing material. Try to minimize interference by placing your Wi-Fi in a central location, with as few walls as possible between it and your most commonly used devices.
- Televisions and Other Electronic Equipment
A TV is another typical problem for Wi-Fi. In many homes, the Wi-Fi router is located near the television or even behind it, so it’s hidden from view. This is a big no-no, as your television is loaded with electronic equipment that blocks Wi-Fi signal and its ability to spread throughout your home. Do your best to give your router as wide a berth as possible from your television and other electronics-heavy equipment like receivers and DVD players.
Signal Interference
Beyond the physical objects that interfere with Wi-Fi, other items in your home put off signals that can cause slower internet speeds, too. Three of the most common are highlighted below, and you should take care when placing your WiFi router too closely to any of them.
- Microwave Ovens
In many homes, the Wi-Fi router is in the kitchen. Unfortunately, microwaves operate at the same frequency as many Wi-Fi routers (2.4GHz). That means that microwaves can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
Provide your router with as much distance from your microwave as possible and consider removing it from the kitchen if the interference continues.
- Bluetooth Devices
You should also know that Bluetooth devices can obstruct Wi-Fi signals and slow down internet speeds as they “hop” around different frequencies. There may be many more Bluetooth devices active in your home than the common ones you’re probably thinking of, such as your smartphone and tablet. A Bluetooth mouse, ear buds, speakers and even toothbrushes are typical in nearly every home. Be mindful of using too many Bluetooth devices simultaneously and turn off devices you’re not using.
- Baby Monitors and Walkie-Talkies
This one surprises many people, but baby monitors and similar devices that transmit sound waves over a distance can interfere with Wi-Fi! Like microwave ovens, baby monitors and walkie-talkies operate on the same frequency as Wi-Fi. Try to be careful where you place baby monitors in the house or consider moving your router if the interference persists.
When you upgrade your Wi-Fi to the latest, higher-speed capacity technology and wisely locate it, you can significantly improve your internet experience and enjoy the blazing-fast speeds our network can provide!