Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has shared why your broadband speed may be an issue and suggests moving certain items around your home to improve your Wi-Fi speed and signal.
In its list of top tips to boost your internet speeds, MSE shared that the positioning of your router could be what's slowing down your internet, and notes that broadband speed can dip for a range of reasons.
Move blocking devices
To fix this issue, the first step is to move devices that could be blocking the signal. It 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." 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.
Router placement tips
Where possible, try to:
- Choose a central location for your router
- Position your router high up with no obstacles around it
- Don't hide your router away in a cupboard or drawer
- Don't camouflage your router with picture frames or ornaments
MSE also notes that weather can affect Wi-Fi signal strength. It explains that indoor equipment, like the router, is usually protected, but it’s the outside network that tends to take the hit.
It explains that weather like heavy rain, snow, and strong winds can affect your broadband and slow down your Wi-Fi. Bad weather can damage external infrastructure, such as cables and wiring, particularly during high winds or flooding, which can disrupt the connection to your home.
Sky broadband tips
Sky, which has more than six million UK customers, has urged people to try a few simple fixes to tackle slow broadband. And it’s not just Sky users who could benefit - anyone with a router experiencing sluggish speeds may find these tips helpful.
It explains that the signal can be affected by:
- Your phone, tablet, laptop or other device. Some devices can handle higher speeds than others – check your devices maximum download speeds.
- 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 WiFi and what you’re using them for.
- The layout and construction of your home.
It also notes that you may struggle with a signal if your router is "tucked away in a cupboard or surrounded by clutter."
It suggests for the clearest signal:
- 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.
- 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.
