We’ve all experienced occasional slower internet speeds from time to time.
And too often, this happens at the worst times, like when you’ve finally gotten a moment to binge that show everyone is always harping on about! For some of us, though, slower internet speeds and poor streaming are regular occurrences.
We get the frustration. And just because you have the fast and reliable fiber internet provided by DE Fastlink, there can be many reasons why you still get slower speeds and poorer performance.
Below we discuss some of the sneaky suspects that slow down your speed and recommend ways to improve it.
We discuss the problem of continuing to use outdated technology. We then go through the next most common issue: Wi-Fi router placement and two kinds of interference that can cause slowdowns, physical interference and signal interference.
With a few simple changes, you’ll experience consistently faster internet speeds.
Walls and Similar Obstructions
Fireplaces, wall units, cabinets and similar obstructions will interfere with the Wi-Fi signal. Reinforced concrete, which some walls in your home may consist of, is a particularly obstructing material. With this in mind, choose your Wi-Fi router’s location, and try to minimize interference with these sneaky speed-stealing objects.
Televisions and Other Electronic Equipment
A TV is another typical problem for Wi-Fi.
In many homes, the Wi-Fi router is located near the television; and perhaps behind it, so it’s hidden from view. This is a big no-no, as your television is loaded with electronic equipment that blocks Wi-Fi signals and its ability to spread throughout your home.
Do your best to give your router as wide a berth as possible from your television and other electronics-heavy equipment like receivers and DVD players.
Signal Interference
Beyond the physical objects that interfere with Wi-Fi, other items in your home put off signals that can cause slower internet speeds, too. Three of the most common are highlighted below, and you should take care when placing your Wi-Fi router too close to any of them.
Microwave Ovens
In many homes, the Wi-Fi router is in the kitchen. And it’s likely your microwave oven is slowing down your Wi-Fi.
Microwaves operate at the same frequency as many Wi-Fi routers—2.4GHz. That means that microwaves can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Provide your router with as much distance from your microwave as possible, and consider relocating it out from the kitchen if the interference continues.
Bluetooth Devices
You should also know that Bluetooth devices can obstruct Wi-Fi signals and slow down internet speeds as they “hop” around different frequencies.
There may be many more Bluetooth devices active in your home than the common ones you’re probably thinking of, such as your smartphone and tablet. A Bluetooth mouse, earbuds, speakers and even toothbrushes are typical in nearly every home. So be mindful of using too many Bluetooth devices simultaneously if your internet speeds are slow.
Baby Monitors and Walkie-Talkies
This one surprises many people, but baby monitors and similar devices that transmit sound waves over a distance can interfere with Wi-Fi!
Like microwave ovens, baby monitors and walkie-talkies operate on the same frequency as Wi-Fi. Try to be careful where you place baby monitors in the house or consider moving your router if the interference persists.
When you upgrade your Wi-Fi router to the latest, higher-speed capacity technology and wisely locate it, you can significantly improve your internet speeds.
But don’t forget that appliances, devices and equipment cause slowdowns, too! Doing so will make your streaming and browsing experience much more satisfying.
To learn more ways to improve your home’s internet speed and performance, follow DE Fastlink’s social pages!