The location of your broadband hub can make all the difference to the speed, stability and strength of the signal.
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“Struggling to connect or experiencing slow WiFi?” Sky posted on X.
“This might be why….!”
The company shared five “not spots” around the home.
So if yours is placed anywhere like these you might want to consider moving it for a speed boost.
1. Boiler cupboard
The boiler cupboard might seem like a good place to keep an unsightly router but it’ll impact your connection.
A confined space like this doesn’t give your hub the space to spread the signal evenly.
The heat generated from the boiler can also slow it down – and it could be a fire hazard too.
2. On top of the microwave
Microwaves can really disrupt your Wi-Fi signal when it’s in use.
It gives off a tonne of electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with your router’s signals.
Generally, the kitchen isn’t the most ideal place so best to move it.
3. Baskets
Some people have come up with the idea of putting their router into fancy wicker baskets.
This may look pretty but your connection will be far from attractive.
Enclosing the router like this is not good for the signals to spread out.
4. Basement
The basement may seem like a good idea as it keeps the hub out of the way.
But far underground will not help the Wi-Fi connection reach up to the bedrooms, so you’ll notice issues here.
A central spot in the home is generally best.
5. Stuck under cupboards
One bizarre example shown by Sky shows a person who has stuck their router upside down underneath a kitchen cupboard.
Firstly, the router should always be kept face up.
And as we previously explained, the kitchen isn’t a great place for it anyway given all the electrical appliances around.
Three important tips for fast and stable Wi-Fi
- Keep the router out in the open, with at least 30cm of space around it if possible
- Keep the router away from wireless devices
- Try put it where you use the internet most