ARE you suffering with sluggish internet for no apparent reason? Well, your router might be planted next to a little-known Wi-Fi killer.
There are tons of household objects and appliances that could be zapping your internet connection.
But one stylish but sneaky item most houses have may also be contributing to your connectivity woes.
The item? Your mirror.
Being conscious of where to place your router is something that often gets overlooked.
Gareth Lister, Director of Connectivity at Virgin Media O2
Some especially large wall mirrors can impact connectivity as the mirror is made up of a thin coat of metal which may cause interference to the hub, Virgin Media O2 has revealed.
So you should try to keep your hub at least one meter away from large mirrors.
The revelation comes as a poll by the provider of 2,000 adults shows many of us know where we should and shouldn’t place the router – yet we still put them there.
Just over two in five admit to putting their router next to or behind their TV (41 per cent).
12 per cent said they left it on the floor.
And some even put it under their bed (6 per cent).
Nearly half (45 per cent) of Brits are open to rearranging their home to create a clearer route for their Wi-Fi signal.
Another useful tip to improve your Wi-Fi is the eye contact test.
If you can, try to make sure you can see your hub where you need it most.
So if it’s most important purpose is in the office, it’s best situated in there.
Gareth Lister, Director of Connectivity at Virgin Media O2 said: “Broadband is an essential part of everyday life.
“Whether working from home, doing an online shop, or catching up on that must-watch series, connectivity sits at the heart of it all.
“Yet being conscious of where to place your router is something that often gets overlooked.”
Click here for more Wi-Fi connect boosting tips.
Wi-Fi tips from Virgin Media
Gareth Lister has previously revealed some pro tips for Wi-Fi boosters to The Sun.
“Similar to a mobile phone or a hub, avoid putting your pod in direct sunlight,” says Lister.
This means avoiding window sills, especially during the warmer months.
Leaving any bit of tech in the sun puts it at risk of overheating.
But its particularly bad for Wi-Fi routers and boosters because they are always switched on.
You should also deter any pets – namely cats – who fancy using the booster as a cosy seat.
Overheating can slow down the efficiency of the device, reduce the speed of Wi-Fi and in the worst cases, stop extending your connection altogether.
Not getting the speeds you pay for?
Virgin Media customers can get their hands on a free Wi-Fi booster if they’re not getting the speeds they’re paying for.
The company promises download speeds of 30Mbps in every room.
If you’re not getting bang for your buck, the network provider promises a free, W-Fi boosting gadget, or £100 in bill credit.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Wi-Fi boosters essentially pick up the connection from your normal router and spit it out into further flung corners of the home.
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