People are just realising three hidden Wi-Fi killers in the house – but there’s still a way to boost your broadband

Three unlikely Wi-Fi killer criminals could be hiding in your house, making you think twice about where you want to live.

Fortunately, there is a solution that goes beyond destroying your home.

1

wooden floor

According to experts at Signal Booster, having hardwood floors in your home can affect your WiFi connection and even your phone reception.

“While the finishing of the doors, floors, patios, etc. may be nice for the natural look, they block cell phone signal. Each wood slows down a signal,” they wrote in a report.

The thicker the wood, the more the signal strength is affected.

Softer woods like pine may not affect strength significantly.

But with a bit of buffering on Netflix, you can’t exactly tear the floorboards.

WiFi can be vulnerable to obstacles like walls and floors, but you can get a strong connection that isn’t compromised by a beautiful oak floor.

drywall

Experts say drywall can completely block your signal when it’s already weak.

3G, 4G and 5G data connections can also be affected.

“Enclosed rooms, meaning those that are not part of an open floor plan, are more susceptible to cell signal interference than rooms with sheets that are part of an open floor plan,” experts said.

But again, you don’t have to tear down walls to increase your internet or data speeds.

brick

People often don’t realize how the type of house you live in affects WiFi.

“Even though brick is incredibly resistant to the elements, it’s one of the best materials for blocking a signal,” explained Signal Booster experts.

“First there is the thickness of the brick, which slows down the signal.

“Second, you have mortar between the bricks that doesn’t allow for a signal.”

This means web browsers in run-down buildings may not get the broadband speeds they pay for.

And for those not lucky enough to have access to full fiber optic internet, accessing Google or even streaming shows on Netflix can be an annoying nightmare.

So what’s the solution?

It’s important to think about where exactly your WiFi router is located – and what might be hiding behind those walls.

However, you should consider upgrading your wireless hub to what is known as a “mesh” router, which aims to eliminate dead zones using plug-in pods.

With mesh networking, multiple mini-routers are spread throughout the home, which can provide better coverage of a larger space than if you only had one hub in one location.

When set up in the right places, it creates a bubble of Wi-Fi connections throughout the property.

These pods send the signals from the main router to the parts of the house where they are connected.

Depending on the size of your home, you can add more points for additional WiFi coverage.

As long as they are within range, they can communicate with each other without a router or switch, allowing for fast and efficient data forwarding.

Most broadband providers offer a few WiFi extenders, including Virgin Media and BT.

Just check your provider’s website to set it up.

Each provider has a different offer.

But earlier this year, Virgin began offering customers with select plans a free WiFi booster, with the promise of top broadband speeds or a £100 bill credit.

Depending on your package, in some cases the solution is completely free.

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