A Device You Should Turn Off to Speed Up Your Home Internet

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Many people experience unstable or slow Internet speeds at home without identifying the root cause. One often-overlooked factor is the impact of devices like the microwave oven on Wi-Fi signals.

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This essential kitchen appliance can interfere with wireless networks, particularly those operating on the 2.4 GHz band, leading to connection disruptions and slowdowns.

This occurs because microwaves and Wi-Fi use similar frequencies, causing electromagnetic waves from the microwave to interfere with data transmission.

While the issue is not constant and only happens when the microwave is in use, it can be frustrating when video calls or downloads are interrupted.

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Why does this happen?

Microwaves use electromagnetic waves to heat food, operating on a frequency band very close to 2.4 GHz, one of the most common bands used by Wi-Fi routers.

When in operation, the microwave emits a small amount of radiation that can “collide” with Internet signals, causing interference in the connection.

Although modern routers include a 5 GHz band that is unaffected by microwave waves, many household devices like smartphones, security cameras, or smart TVs still rely on the 2.4 GHz band. This can result in significant interference, especially if the router and microwave are near each other.

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How to avoid interference?

The simplest solution is to turn off the microwave when not in use.

If you need to use it while connected to the Internet, ensure the router is placed far away from the microwave, ideally in a different room. The greater the distance between the two, the less interference there will be.

Another option is to choose dual-band routers and configure your devices to use the 5 GHz frequency. This band not only avoids interference with microwaves but also provides higher speeds, although with a slightly shorter range.

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Other devices to watch for

In addition to the microwave, other devices can impact your Wi-Fi connection quality.

Older cordless phones, baby monitors, and some Bluetooth devices also operate on the 2.4 GHz band and can interfere with the signal.

To minimize these issues, try placing the router in a central location in your home, away from thick walls and other electronic devices. Changing the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings can also help avoid interference with nearby devices.

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