In an age when so many devices rely on seamless internet connectivity, even slight slowdowns can disrupt everyday tasks. From streaming content to downloading files, it all depends on the internet speed your device receives. Keep in mind that simply opting for a fast internet plan isn’t enough. You also need to make sure the router doesn’t interfere with nearby gadgets.
A wide range of devices and gadgets interfere with your router, and many of them are present in almost every home. Gadgets like baby monitors, cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, security cameras, smart TVs, and even unshielded power cables can cause interference and directly impact internet speeds on your PC or smartphone. As long as these devices are away from the router, interference is negligible, but when placed in close proximity, you start to notice differences in network speed, connectivity, and reliability.
The good news is that you don’t need to upgrade the router, change plans, or change ISPs to increase your internet speed. In many cases, it is enough to change the router’s position or move interference-causing devices away from it. Results are visible almost immediately.
Baby monitors, cordless phones and other wireless devices
If you have a digital baby monitor at home, it is likely causing interference with the Wi-Fi router. This is because many baby monitors operate on the same 2.4 GHz frequency as the router. You have the option to switch to an uncongested, non-overlapping channel, such as 1, 6, or 11, on the 2.4 GHz band. To find out, you’ll need a Wi-Fi analyzer app.
It’s a little too complicated for the average user, but there’s an easier solution. Simply move the baby monitor away from the router if the two are currently within a few meters of each other. Maintain a distance of at least 8 to 10 feet between the two.
Likewise, some cordless phone models operate on the 2.4 GHz band, which can cause interference and slow internet speeds for other devices. You can either switch to a model operating on a different band or simply move the cordless phone away. Bluetooth speakers also cause some interference because they use the same 2.4 GHz frequency band. A distance of 3 to 5 feet should be maintained between the two. Remember that any device operating on the same band as your router can contribute to wireless interference when placed near it. When there are too many people in the home, it increases congestion and can worsen the situation.
Security cameras, TVs, and smart home devices
As people become increasingly concerned about their security, many are now equipping themselves with security cameras to keep a closer eye on what is happening in and around the home. But these can also cause interference with your Wi-Fi router if both are nearby. Besides moving the security camera away, switching to a wired model is also an option, but this comes with its own drawbacks. Additionally, security cameras that continuously upload video to the cloud can exhaust available bandwidth, slowing internet speeds on other devices.
Another common source of Wi-Fi interference is your smart TV, even modern ones. These are connected to your Wi-Fi router and also use Bluetooth to connect to devices such as speakers or soundbars. This increases wireless interference in the area, and any nearby routers will bear the brunt. Experts often recommend connecting smart TVs to your router via an Ethernet cable. This reduces interference and improves your TV’s Internet speed.
Likewise, smart home hubs should be placed away from the router. These are also connected to many devices simultaneously and can overload the area with signals that interfere with your router.
The problem is more significant on routers that rely heavily on the 2.4 GHz band. On modern routers that support the 5GHz and 6GHz bands, you can switch critical devices to these bands to protect them from the effects of interference on the 2.4GHz spectrum. Or, you can always choose the best place to install your Wi-Fi router.
