Websites that don’t load fast enough and files that download at a snail’s pace? It turns out there’s more to it than just a weak internet connection.
Frustrated by slow Wi-Fi? Before you point fingers at your ISP, look closer to home.
It may surprise you, but technology guru Drew English of US marketing agency Charter & Co says a common household item could be sabotaging your broadband connection.
The source of those “buffering” web pages and emails ending up in your Outboxes may be your household microwave.
English said: ‘You may not realize it, but microwaves and Wi-Fi can interfere with each other.
Websites not loading fast enough and files downloading at a snail’s pace? It turns out there’s more going on than just a weak internet connection (stock image)
“This can be very annoying if you keep getting bounced from conference calls, have trouble watching HD video, or experience problems with important online activities.”
Both microwaves and WiFi routers operate on the 2.4GHz radio frequency.
While microwaves use these waves to heat food, Wi-Fi routers use these waves to transmit data throughout your home.
This overlap can lead to slower Wi-Fi speeds when the microwave is in use, but it will not affect the heating of your food.
Microwaves are designed to concentrate their energy inside the device, so in theory they shouldn’t affect your Wi-Fi connection. However, sometimes energy can escape.
The expert added: ‘Microwaves leak energy. Microwaves from lesser-known brands are often not built to the same high standards as those from major manufacturers.
“This means that there is a greater chance of leakage than with a brand name model. Even more expensive microwaves can develop leaks in their seals over time.”
To counteract the interference, English recommends moving the router further away from the kitchen or switching to a higher frequency setting.
The source of those ‘buffering’ web pages and emails ending up in the Outbox could be your household microwave (stock image)
To counteract the interference, English recommends moving the router further away from the kitchen or switching to a higher frequency setting (stock image)
He said, “Moving the router further away from the microwave is definitely a plus, but it’s not practical for everyone.”
“If your router has a 5GHz band, it might be a good idea to switch to that. There’s less chance of the microwave messing it up.”
In the meantime, if you’re experiencing poor WiFi performance and suspect your microwave is the culprit, it might be worth checking for leaks and considering upgrading to a higher-quality model.
Additionally, there are a few other, less intuitive ways you can do this. slow down your own internet speed.
Some of the seven common household items that can block your WiFi connection include mirrors, Bluetooth devices, and cordless phones.