Telecoms: Microwave can cause disruption on your Wi-Fi signal ─Survey

*Experts have advised that telecoms consumers should avoid placing their routers in the kitchen as electromagnetic waves from the microwave can interfere with their Wi-Fi signal

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Currently experiencing slow Wi-Fi at home? Researchers have advised that you do not rush to turn off your Virtual Private Network (VPN), or restart your router after all. Why?

They opined that truth is, it could be your microwave that is causing all the havoc on your effective Internet connection in your apartment.

ConsumerConnect gathered that a strong Wi-Fi signal at home is important as never before as several individuals, companies and organisations are switching to a hybrid work model, which means that you will still attend various meetings from your couch. Likewise, a lot of telecom consumers believe that video during the call slows down the Internet connection, CyberNews report noted.

Aside from turning the video off, users also rush to restart their routers. Some even believe that hitting the router will solve the problem.

However, if anything, it can only make things worse, according to experts.

But then, how can you speed up your Internet connection? Well, put it away from your microwave and place it at the centre of your apartment.

With 79 million ready meals eaten in the UK every week, a survey commissioned by Zen Internet discovered that 75 percent of respondents did not realise that popping one in the microwave could be causing dodgy Wi-Fi signals if the router is placed too close.

Experts say, generally, you should avoid placing your router in the kitchen as electromagnetic waves from the microwave can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.

Paul Stobart, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Zen Internet, in a statement was quoted as saying that “the past year (2020) has entrenched our reliance on a solid Internet connection with home broadband suddenly being used for work and leisure throughout the day.

“However, there are still steps that users can take themselves to maximise the potential of their broadband.”

A survey carried out in the UK similarly found that 8 percent of people believe hitting their router will improve connectivity.

Needless to say, it will not solve the problem, said the researchers.

72% of respondents believe that restarting the router will fix connectivity problems, and 49% do this once in a while.

It is not a permanent solution to connectivity problems. Yet, experts at Zen Internet agree that it may fix minor hiccups in the here and now.

As remote working, or Work-From-Home (WFH) regime has risen too, several people have turned to video calls to keep connected with colleagues and clients.

Still, numerous people believe the video element is adversely affecting their connection, whereas 40 percent are convinced that turning off video on conference calls improves connectivity.

Experts argue that today’s Internet speeds are more than a match for videos. So, if issues are occurring, they’re likely to be caused by a broader problem.

Other top misconceptions the researchers have identified include: Not realising that storing the router in a cupboard out of the way will affect their Internet connection (29%)

Thinking the router is a fire hazard (19%), and believing Wi-Fi can cause harmful radiation (12%).