The placement of your Wi-Fi router is crucial—not all locations are equally suitable for this essential device. Improper placement can lead to signal interference, damaged items, and even health concerns.
Our modern lives are deeply intertwined with Wi-Fi routers, as the internet powers everything from remote work and streaming to video calls. However, many of us place routers in suboptimal spots, such as atop refrigerators or in narrow hallways, without considering their surroundings. Here are ten items that should never be kept near your router to ensure better performance and safety.
1. Bank Cards and Magnetic Stripe Cards
Wi-Fi routers can demagnetize cards with magnetic stripes, such as credit cards and store loyalty cards, rendering them unusable. Cards with chips, however, are unaffected and can be stored near the device.
2. Car Key Fobs
A router’s electromagnetic waves can interfere with car key fobs, causing connectivity or operational issues. It’s best to keep these devices far from your router to ensure they function correctly.
3. Intercom Keys and Bluetooth Devices
Electronic keys for intercoms or other Bluetooth-enabled gadgets may experience disruptions in signal quality when kept close to a Wi-Fi router. Relocate these items to avoid performance problems.
4. Microwave Oven
Microwaves operate on a frequency similar to that of Wi-Fi routers, causing severe signal interference when they are in use. Keep your router far from the kitchen to avoid disrupted connections.
5. Vacuum Cleaners and Motorized Appliances
Devices with motors, such as vacuum cleaners, can disrupt Wi-Fi signals when operated nearby. Their electrical activity can interfere with the router’s electromagnetic field, reducing signal strength.
6. Metal Objects
Metal can scatter electromagnetic fields, weakening Wi-Fi signals significantly. Avoid placing metal objects, such as shelves or decorations, near your router for better signal distribution.
7. Concrete and Brick Walls
Placing a router near thick concrete or brick walls can severely reduce signal range, especially to distant areas of your home. For optimal coverage, position the router in an open space.
8. Sleeping Areas
Avoid placing your router near beds or sleeping areas. While the radiation emitted by routers is minimal, prolonged exposure over time may have health implications. Prioritize safe distances from resting spaces.
9. Electrical Interference Sources
Devices like cordless phones, baby monitors, or other electronics that operate on similar frequencies can create interference. Place the router away from such devices to avoid connection disruptions.
10. Household Items Sensitive to Radiation
Some household items and gadgets may malfunction when placed too close to a router due to exposure to electromagnetic waves. For example, smart home devices may experience connectivity issues.
Conclusion
If your internet connection is poor, it might not be your provider’s fault. Instead, evaluate your router’s placement and ensure none of the above items are nearby. Recent studies suggest that routers, while essential, should be handled with care. For example, a study involving rats exposed to active routers showed increased health risks, including tumor development in a small percentage of cases.
Although routers aren’t inherently dangerous, following basic safety precautions is essential. Experts recommend placing routers on a balcony behind glass to ensure safety for both household members and gadgets. With a few simple adjustments, you can maintain a stable connection while safeguarding your home environment.