Nothing is more frustrating than slow internet in a digital world, but it’s probably not your fault. Check out these surprising reasons you have slow internet.
Nearly everything we do these days requires an internet connection—and, more specifically, a relatively fast connection. The problem is that a lot of us expect and feel entitled to fast internet––this is the digital age, after all. Unfortunately, you’re probably like many others and experience a slow internet connection more often than you’d like. We have some good news, though; there are several surprising reasons you have slow internet and most (if not all) aren’t your fault. Check out a few of these causes for slow internet below.
Your Microwave
We know it sounds “old-school,” but it’s true—microwaves produce frequencies that can interfere with your network. Of course, you’re going to need a microwave; otherwise, how are you going to eat? The best way to keep your microwave from interfering with your connection is to keep it as far away from your router as possible. The good news is the microwave shouldonlyinterfere when you’re using the microwave. In other words, wait for your download to finish before making your meal.
Furniture and Walls
Large pieces of furniture (specifically, solid pieces like dressers and couches) and walls are Wi-Fi’s worst enemy. The reason furniture and walls can reduce your internet speed and connection is simple––they act as a barrier between your device and your router. The more barriers between your router and your phone, tablet, or computer, the harder your router has to work. For the best connection, your device should be as close to your router as possible.
The Weather
Even in our day of technological innovation, the weather is still one of the most common culprits for slow internet. Obviously, the weather’s out of our control, so there’s not much you can do to improve your connection, but there’s one thing you can try that often helps. The best way to reduce interference from external factors (such as the weather) is to reduce the barriers between your device and your connection. In other words, you should connect your device directly to your router using an ethernet cable, as it provides a much more reliable connection.
There are several other surprising reasons you have slow internetincluding Bluetooth, old TVs, and even holiday lights, but the three we mentioned are overwhelmingly the most common. Connecting devices directly with an ethernet cable and resetting your router are usually the best ways to reclaim your internet connection.
