As families gather for Christmas, many will face the annual struggle of slow broadband speeds as multiple devices compete for bandwidth. A new survey by Virgin Media, conducted by YouGov, reveals that one in ten UK adults would be willing to sacrifice alcohol to stay online this Christmas, a trend dubbed 'going Dry-Fi'. The research, which polled over 2,000 adults, found that two-thirds (67 per cent) plan to be online on Christmas Day, with one in five 25 to 34-year-olds saying that having Wi-Fi is 'essential' for a successful festive celebration.
To help households avoid festive streaming disruptions, experts have shared five simple tricks to give struggling broadband a helping hand. The position of your router is key to decent Wi-Fi speeds. Placing it close to a wall or under the television can seriously restrict the signal, slowing internet speeds to a snail's pace. Ideally, the router should be central, within sight of where you use your wireless internet most often. Mounting it on a wall or setting it on a high shelf can also ensure a solid connection across multiple floors.
Rebooting the router regularly is another effective measure. Like a computer or smartphone, switching it off periodically can clear up technical issues and speed things up. Some experts advise rebooting as often as once a week, though a monthly reset should suffice for most. Additionally, it is worth checking that your PC or smartphone is not running internet-hungry programmes in the background, as this can have a significant impact on your service.
Interference from neighbouring networks is another common issue. Routers can interfere with one another, causing both to slow down. If possible, try to position your router away from neighbouring properties and, if you are on good terms with your neighbours, find out which channel they broadcast on to avoid overlap. Even microwaves can cause problems, as they operate on a similar frequency to wireless routers. If your kitchen sits between your router and your lounge, zapping a quick meal could disrupt your signal without you realising it.
Finally, timing matters. Research shows that users can see a drop in broadband performance of up to 35 per cent during peak traffic, typically between 7pm and 9pm. For those seeking the ultimate speeds, you may need to wait until 2am to enjoy uninterrupted streaming.
