Microwave ovens are among the household appliances that can disrupt Wi-Fi signals, according to a renewed reminder from Wi-Fi pioneer Alex Hills. Speaking to the BBC, Hills explained that these devices emit radio waves at the same 2.4GHz frequency used by many Wi-Fi routers, causing interference that slows down internet connections.
How Microwaves Interfere with Wi-Fi
Hills noted that older microwaves are more likely to cause problems due to less effective shielding. "It's one of the most significant sources of interference that people talk about," he said. He added that modern microwaves are built better and less likely to leak signals, while newer Wi-Fi routers operating on the 5GHz band are less affected. However, for households with older equipment, defrosting a TV dinner can interrupt streaming and browsing.
Other Obstacles That Block Wi-Fi
Beyond microwaves, Hills highlighted other unexpected items that can impede Wi-Fi signals, including fish tanks and mirrors. These objects can absorb or reflect radio waves, weakening the connection. He advised keeping devices that require high speeds, such as televisions and laptops, in direct line of sight of the router and not too far away.
Tips to Improve Wi-Fi Performance
To maintain a strong connection, Hills recommended placing the router off the floor and out of cupboards, as well as rebooting it periodically. "A radio signal naturally gets weaker with distance," he said. "Think of a straight-line path between your router and the device you're trying to serve." Switching the router off and on again can resolve many issues and restore normal speeds, reducing buffering when streaming movies or music, or working from home.
