In today’s digital age, where internet access has become essential for most homes in Chile, the location of the router Wifi may be more important than many realize. This small device is the heart of home connectivity, and its performance can be affected by a number of factors, including the appliances around it. To ensure an optimal connection, it is essential to know which appliances can interfere with the signal and where it is best not to place it.
One of the most common mistakes people make is placing the router near certain home applianceswithout realizing that this can significantly affect the quality of the connection. According to telecommunications experts, the microwave is one of the main appliances that should never be near the router. This appliance, present in most homes, emits a signal at a frequency similar to that of Wi-Fi, which can cause interference that deteriorates the speed and stability of the connection.
Juan Luis Palma, an academic at the Faculty of Engineering at the Central University, points out that microwaves can be the router’s “great enemy” due to these interferences. By using the same 2.4 GHz band as many routers, the microwave can cause distortions in the internet signal, especially when it is in operation. This interference can not only slow down the connection, but also cause service drops, affecting activities such as remote work or streaming.
In addition to microwaves, there are other appliances and objects that can also interfere with the signal. WifiAlejandro Reid, a professor at the Faculty of Communication at the University of the Andes, suggests avoiding placing the router inside furniture, since wood and other materials can absorb and weaken the signal. He also recommends keeping the device away from water pipes, metal surfaces and thick concrete walls, all of which can block or distort the signal, reducing its range and effectiveness.
To maximize signal quality, experts advise placing the router in a central location in the house, preferably in an elevated and clear area, where the signal waves are Wifi can be evenly distributed. Avoiding “cornering” the device and allowing the signal to reflect and bounce off walls can significantly improve coverage throughout the home. Just like light, the Wi-Fi signal travels and reflects, so strategic router placement is key to maintaining good connectivity.
