Money Saving Expert (MSE) says a stronger Wi-Fi connection could be as simple as rearranging what's around your router. The Martin Lewis-founded site explains that router placement can have a big impact on performance, and that slow broadband can be caused by a range of everyday issues.
Clear the area around your router
One of the first things to try is clearing the area around the router. This may involve moving any objects that may be interfering with the signal. MSE explains: "When using Wi-Fi, obviously the nearer you are to the router, the better your signal will be, and therefore the faster your broadband.
"Wi-Fi signals can't travel through large objects such as thick walls, so it's crucial you have a clear path for the signal to travel to your laptop, tablet or smartphone."
It adds that "the positioning of your router can also make a massive difference to the speeds you get." Because of this, it suggests placing "your phone far away as possible from electrical equipment such as baby monitors, speakers, TVs or monitors."
Tips for better router placement
If you can't move your phone away from a baby monitor - for example, if you keep it by your chair in the living room, try moving the monitor instead. Where possible, try to:
- Position your router high up with no obstacles around it.
- Don't camouflage your router with picture frames or ornaments.
- Don't hide your router away in a cupboard or drawer.
- Choose a central location for your router.
Does the weather affect Wi-Fi?
Yes. MSE says while indoor equipment, such as a router, is usually well protected, it's the external network that's more likely to be affected. It explains that heavy rain, snow and strong winds can disrupt broadband and slow Wi-Fi by damaging outside infrastructure like cables and wiring, especially during high winds or flooding, which can interfere with the connection into your home.
Sky broadband tips
Sky, which has more than six million UK customers, has encouraged people to try a few quick fixes to improve slow broadband. And it's not advice limited to Sky customers - anyone with a router suffering from sluggish speeds could find these tips useful.
It explains that the signal can be affected by:
- The number of apps or web pages that are being used. This includes ones being used in the background.
- The number of devices that are connected to your Wi-Fi and what you're using them for.
- The layout and construction of your home.
- Your phone, tablet, laptop or other device. Some devices can handle higher speeds than others – check your devices maximum download speeds.
It also notes that you may struggle with a signal if your router is "tucked away in a cupboard or surrounded by clutter." For the clearest signal, it suggests:
- To avoid electrical interference, try keep it away from other electrical items, like microwaves, washing machine and even fairy lights. And keep your cable tangle free.
- Try put it where you use the internet most - the signal is stronger near your hub.
- Keep it out in the open - not in a cabinet, on the floor or stuck behind the tv. About 30cm of space around it is best.
- Keep it away from other wireless devices like your cordless phone, games consoles and even speakers – these can cause interference.
