How flashing symbol on your Wifi router is key to speeding up your slow internet & most Brits ignore it
YOU have probably noticed that your Wi-Fi router features several symbols, including a flashing symbol.
Despite most Brits probably ignoring it, this little icon can be the key to speeding up your slow internet connection.
The downstream data indicator is what you need to look for.
It is labelled with a down arrow and indicates a modem's ability to receive information from the internet.
This light will blink slowly while your router boots up and quickly as you download data.
However, if your downstream light is red or off, you may not be connected to the internet.
More on Wi-Fi tips and tricks
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"Typically, a rapidly blinking light means your connection is working and transmitting data, but this can vary for different manufacturers," experts High-Speed Internet explained.
Therefore always make sure to check this often-ignored flashing symbol.
ALL sorts of objects and materials are the home can interfere with your Wi-Fi.
But we bet you didn't expect your heating system to be a possible problem.
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Underfloor heating can cause big problems when it comes to internet speed, according to .
This is particularly a problem if, like most households, you want your Wi-Fi router signal to reach multiple floors.
Underfloor heating can be an issue because of the metal material, which is harder for signals to penetrate.
To avoid interference, you should love the router off the ground and having it in the most central location in your home.
The same goes for any other metal objects around the house.
Your router emits radio waves and these are electromagnetic.
That means metal can absorb them and reduce the strength of your Wi-Fi.
Secondly, if you use hydronics to heat your home then you may also face problems.
Hydronic heating involves liquid water or gas moving around pipes in your home.
Water is another bad substance for Wi-Fi signals to travel through.
That's because water easily absorbs the radiation sent out by your router, leaving a black hole with no signal around the area in question.
If you're having issues with your router and it's near large amounts of water or pipes, try moving it elsewhere.
A very large vase full of water or a fish tank can also have the same effect.
The same goes for human bodies that naturally contain a large amount of water.
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Need more tips on how to troubleshoot your Wi-Fi router? We have shared more explanations to help you out to understand what the 8 router symbols really mean.