CHRISTMAS is a time for sharing gifts, food, merriment, kisses under the mistletoe - and your Wi-Fi.
Of course, the more people there are under one roof, the more pressure is placed on your bandwidth.
To avoid disaster - or, not being able to tune into the final Gavin & Stacy special on Christmas day without iPlayer buffering - follow these four essential tips.
Right height
First, make sure your router is elevated - but not too high.
Roughly 1 to 1.5ft high on a table or shelf is ideal.
Although make sure to avoid putting it on a shelf that is too enclosed.
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This can not only block the signal but also cause the box to overheat.
Make sure your Christmas tree isn't blocking it either - you want it to have a good line of sight with your devices.
Try moving the router around and testing the signal on different devices to find the perfect spot for a strong connection.
Away from Christmas lights
Christmas lights are a common but perhaps unexpected blockade on your internet signal.
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These twinkling lights create an electromagnetic field, which can block your router's Wi-Fi signals.
The more lights you have, the stronger the field they create.
This is especially the case if they lead to a big bundle of wires.
Because Wi-Fi routers are emitting electromagnetic radiation, having the two gadgets next to each other can create a clash.
It's the same reason your microwave, wireless speakers or even a baby monitor might also interfere with your internet strength.
Overheating
The frosty weather can urge you to turn the thermostat up, light the fire or even drag out a space heater.
But be cautious that an overheating router will produce slow speeds - which is why it's worth keeping it away from a radiator or fireplace.
Radiators are bad news not least because they emit heat, but also because they are metal.
Metal, as well as water and glass, can block Wi-Fi signals and stop them from reaching your devices.
Avoid the kitchen
For this same reason, it's best to steer clear of the kitchen when moving your router.
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Although the kitchen is usually full of festive action, it is also brimming with Wi-Fi-blocking objects, like the microwave, oven, fridge, or a Bluetooth speaker.
Even the water in the taps can interfere with a sturdy signal.
What appliances interfere with your WiFi?
Avoid placing your router near these...
- Speakers
- TV
- Microwave
- Oven
- Christmas lights
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Cordless phone
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Water pipes
- Other people’s WiFi routers