Websites don’t load quickly enough and files download at a snail’s pace? It turns out that the cause may not just be a weak Internet connection.
Frustrated by slow Wi-Fi? Before you blame your internet provider, consider looking closer to home.
It may come as a surprise, but tech 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 page loads and emails stuck in your Outbox could be your home microwave.
He said: You may not realize it, but microwaves and Wi-Fi can interfere with each other.
Websites don’t load fast enough and files download at a snail’s pace? It turns out that the cause may not just be a bad internet connection (file image)
“This can be a real pain if you’re constantly getting disconnected from conference calls, having trouble watching HD videos, or facing issues when doing something important online.”
Both microwaves and Wi-Fi routers operate on the 2.4 GHz radio frequency.
While microwaves use these waves to heat food, Wi-Fi routers rely on them to transmit data throughout your home.
This overlay may result in slower Wi-Fi speeds when using the microwave, although it does not affect the heating of food.
Microwaves are designed to concentrate their energy inside the appliance, so in theory they shouldn’t interfere with Wi-Fi, but sometimes energy can leak out.
The expert added: “Microwaves leak energy. Microwaves from lesser-known brands are often not built to the same quality standards as those from more well-known manufacturers.”
“This means there is a greater chance of leaks occurring sooner than with a brand name model. However, even more expensive microwaves can develop leaks in their seals over time.”
To combat interference, English recommends moving the router away from the kitchen or switching to a higher frequency setting.
The source of those buffering web page loads and emails stuck in Outboxes could be your home microwave (file image)
To combat interference, English recommends moving the router further away from the kitchen or switching to a higher frequency setting (stock image)
He said: “While moving the router away from the microwave is a definite plus, it may not always be practical for everyone’s setup.”
“If your router has a 5GHz band, switching to that might be a good option. It’s less likely to be damaged by microwaves.”
In the meantime, if you’re experiencing Wi-Fi performance issues and suspect your microwave may be the culprit, it might also be worth exploring for leaks and considering upgrading to a higher-quality model.
Plus, there are some other less intuitive ways you might be… slowing down your own internet speed.
Some of the seven common household items that could block your Wi-Fi connection include mirrors, Bluetooth devices, and cordless phones.
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