Slow WiFi can be a major frustration, but a simple placement change could significantly improve your connection. The UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has shared advice on how to optimize home WiFi without spending extra money.
Router Placement Matters
According to Ofcom, where you place your router can greatly affect your WiFi signal. WiFi signals weaken as they pass through objects, and some materials block the signal more than others. For instance, brick internal walls hinder WiFi more than hollow walls, and water, metal, and glass also block signals. Therefore, it's better to keep your router away from objects like radiators and fish tanks.
Ofcom also suggests placing the router in the center of your home and off the floor, such as on a shelf, since routers send signals in all directions. This prevents the signal from being wasted outdoors or into the ground. If your router has multiple aerials, point them in different directions (e.g., vertically and horizontally) to maximize coverage.
Interference and Other Tips
Some electrical devices can interfere with the router's signal, so keep it away from microwave ovens, baby monitors, fairy lights, and cordless phones. If your WiFi is still slow, Ofcom recommends checking your broadband service first, as upgrading to a faster package might be necessary.
Other suggestions include upgrading to a newer router model, using a mesh network, WiFi boosters, optimizing router settings, upgrading older devices that don't support WiFi 6, and reducing the number of connected devices.
Ethernet as a Last Resort
If WiFi continues to underperform, Ofcom notes that Ethernet cables often provide a better connection. If your device has an Ethernet socket and doesn't need to be moved often, using a cable may improve the connection. Ensure the cable supports your broadband speed to avoid performance limitations.
