Households across the United Kingdom are being issued a crucial piece of advice that could dramatically improve their home internet speeds: keep your Wi-Fi router away from common Bluetooth devices.
The Hidden Culprit in Your Living Room
Experts have revealed that any gadget using Bluetooth technology can significantly disrupt your wireless network's performance. This includes ubiquitous smart home products like Amazon Alexa speakers and Google Home devices, which are now found in millions of British homes.
The problem stems from a clash of radio frequencies. Both Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth devices operate on similar bandwidths. When placed in close proximity, they interfere with each other's signals, leading to frustrating drops in connection speed and stability.
More Than Just Bluetooth: Other Household Hazards
Bluetooth gadgets are not the only domestic items causing issues. According to the guidance, Wi-Fi signals are also commonly weakened by everyday objects including:
- Kitchen appliances like fridges and microwaves
- Decorative items such as mirrors and fishbowls
- Other electronic devices like baby monitors
Furthermore, the physical placement of your router is critical. Ensure the modem's vents are not blocked by its location, and avoid tucking it away in corners or behind furniture, as this can severely weaken the signal throughout your home.
How to Diagnose and Fix Your Wi-Fi Woes
A quick and simple test can determine if Bluetooth is the source of your slow broadband. Temporarily disable Bluetooth on your devices to see if your connection improves. On most smartphones, you can do this by sliding down the notification shade and tapping the Bluetooth icon.
Virgin Media has echoed this advice, highlighting common reasons for sluggish internet. "One of the most common is that too many devices are using the same WiFi at once," a spokesperson explained. "If your phone, laptop, TV, and even smart home devices are all connected to the same router, they can crowd the network and slow everything down."
The Institute of Physics describes Bluetooth as a "wireless system for connecting devices together such as computers and mobile phones when they are close to each other." In any connection, one device acts as the main unit (like a phone) and the other as the peripheral (like a speaker or headphones). When these signals overlap with your router's, interference is almost guaranteed.
By simply relocating your router away from Bluetooth devices and other obstructive objects, you can take a major step towards achieving the fast, reliable home broadband you pay for.
