For a stable, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi connection while browsing the internet on your computer, it is essential to avoid certain factors that can hinder your experience. The presence of specific devices or objects near your computer can often result in a poor wireless connection. This can be attributed to various reasons, as there isn’t a singular factor that solely affects the network.
Experiencing a subpar internet connection on your computer can significantly impact your daily activities. For instance, attempting to stream series or movies in high quality would result in frequent interruptions. Similarly, downloading or uploading files to the cloud may encounter difficulties, and normal web browsing may be hindered.
What to move away from a PC connected by Wi-Fi
Primarily, we are discussing laptops as they are commonly carried from one location to another. However, the same principles can be applied to desktop computers. In either case, if the Wi-Fi signal does not reach your device properly, you may encounter difficulties when performing daily tasks that rely on a stable internet connection.
Bluetooth devices
A prime example of this is ensuring that devices utilizing Bluetooth technology are kept at a distance from your computer. Devices such as headphones, game controllers, and keyboards, among others, operate on the 2.4 GHz band. Having these devices in close proximity may cause interference and hinder their proper functioning. However, an alternative option is to connect them using the 5 GHz frequency, as most devices nowadays are compatible with both bands. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the 5 GHz frequency has a shorter range limitation due to its sensitivity. Therefore, you would need to be in close proximity to the access point to effectively utilize this frequency.
If you are fortunate enough to have a WiFi router equipped with the new Wi-Fi 6E standard and wireless clients that support it, like the Intel AX210 or Intel AX211, you can take advantage of the 6GHz band, which offers a completely interference-free experience. This new band brings several advantages:
1. Interference-free band: The 6GHz band is free from interference, ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted connection.
2. Greater real speed in close proximity: With the combination of a laptop and an Intel AX210 or similar card, you can achieve real speeds exceeding 1Gbps in nearby locations, providing a significant boost in performance.
3. Three available channels with 160MHz width: The 6GHz band offers three channels with a wide 160MHz contiguous channel width, enabling high-speed WiFi synchronization and delivering maximum throughput.
However, it’s important to note some drawbacks of this new frequency band. One major drawback is its limited coverage, as the signal weakens quickly, making it challenging to connect from remote areas compared to the 2.4GHz band. While the coverage of the 6GHz band is better than the 5GHz band, the difference compared to the 2.4GHz band is still noticeable. Additionally, the current compatibility of WiFi clients with the 6GHz band is limited, meaning only a few devices support it at present.
Metal objects
Another factor to consider is the presence of metal objects in the vicinity. Items such as furniture, tables, or any metallic surfaces can disrupt the proper functioning of your Wi-Fi network. Placing them in close proximity to your computer can lead to connectivity issues. It’s important to be cautious of any decorative ornaments that may contain metal as well. Particularly, when using a metallic table to support your laptop, you need to be careful about its placement. If the table obstructs the path between the router and the Wi-Fi receiver, it can weaken the wireless network signal, resulting in a weaker and more unreliable connection.
Metal objects tend to reflect Wi-Fi signals, causing signal bounce and reducing the effective speed of your connection. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep computers and other wireless devices away from metal objects to ensure optimal Wi-Fi performance.
Some appliances
Another significant example of a device that can interfere with Wi-Fi signals is the microwave. Microwaves operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency, which coincides with the frequency used by Wi-Fi networks. Consequently, when the microwave is in use, it can cause interference and negatively impact Wi-Fi performance. Although microwaves are not constantly in operation, each time they are used, you may observe a noticeable disruption in the Wi-Fi signal. Similarly, other devices such as washing machines or dishwashers can potentially cause interference due to the water they contain.
Water and Wi-Fi are not a favorable combination, so it is advisable to keep them as far apart as possible. This applies not only to devices like washing machines and dishwashers but also to water sources such as pipes or large fish tanks located in close proximity to the router. By maintaining a distance between these water-related elements and the router or Wi-Fi repeaters, you can minimize signal attenuation and ensure that the Wi-Fi signal reaches all desired areas within your home.
The placement of your computer plays a crucial role in establishing a reliable internet connection. It is important to avoid positioning it near thick walls, as they can hinder the proper transmission of wireless signals. This can result in decreased speed and frustrating interruptions in your connection. Ideally, both your computer and router should be situated in open spaces where there are no devices, walls, or barriers that can block the signal.
If your internet signal needs to pass through multiple walls, you may need to consider alternative solutions such as using an Ethernet network cable or Powerline Communication (PLC) devices. Ethernet cables provide a direct and stable connection, while PLC devices allow the internet signal to be transmitted through the electrical network. While PLC devices may be more expensive than running an Ethernet cable, they offer a viable solution in cases where running a cable is not feasible due to home circumstances.
As you can see, placing your computer in an optimal location for internet connectivity is essential. Ensuring it is positioned away from potential sources of interference, objects, and obstructive walls will help maintain a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Thick walls
La ubicación del ordenador es clave y el hecho de tenerlo cerca de grandes muros, es un error. No tengas paredes gruesas cerca, ya que van a impedir también que la señal inalámbrica vaya de un lugar a otro correctamente. Podrías notar que la velocidad disminuye o que aparecen los molestos cortes. Lo ideal es que el ordenador, igual que ocurre con el router, esté en un espacio abierto donde no tenga interferencias de aparatos, pero tampoco de muros y paredes que puedan frenar la señal.
If you need to “go through” several walls, then you will have to resort to solutions to pass the Internet connection via Ethernet network cable, or using PLC devices so that the signal goes through the electrical network. The latter is clearly more expensive than running a network cable, but in many cases it is not possible to run the Ethernet network cable due to the circumstances of the home.
As you can see, placing the computer well to connect to the Internet is going to be important. It is essential to keep it away from possible interference that may exist, as well as from objects that may affect or walls and walls that slow down the Wi-Fi signal.