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What you shouldn't put next to a Wi-Fi router: 12 main mistakes
A Wi-Fi router is one of the main characters in any modern home. We hardly notice it, but without it, there are no TV series, no YouTube, no working “smart” equipment. Devices connect to it around the clock: smartphones, laptops, TVs, lamps, and even refrigerators.
But have you ever thought about where to place it correctly? After all, not only the speed of the Internet, but also your safety depends on it. Let's figure out where you can't put a router - and where it will be truly comfortable.
1. Flammable materials
My friend had a router in a coat closet. As usual, a jacket fell on it. The result was that the router melted and almost caused a fire. The reason was poor ventilation. The router gets very hot, especially if many devices are connected.
Important: do not place the router in closed cabinets, under a pile of rags or near paper. The fire does not start from the Wi-Fi signal, but from overheating and possible short circuit.
❌ 2. Metal objects and mirrors
Metal reflects the signal. A safe, a radiator, a metal door or even a mirror with a metal coating can significantly weaken Wi-Fi. And you will curse the router, not knowing what is interfering - the mirror!
Fact: Mirrors often use a metallic coating, so large mirrors act almost like screens, reflecting the signal back.
❌ 3. Aquariums and water
Water absorbs radio waves. An aquarium, a vase, a bottle of water — all of this literally “jams” the signal. Check: put a five-liter bottle next to the router and check the signal level in the app — it will be worse.
❌ 4. Household appliances
Microwaves, televisions, refrigerators, especially old ones, can create electromagnetic interference, because they operate at the same 2.4 GHz frequency.
Tip: If you have a dual-band router, switch to 5 GHz — it's less susceptible to interference and works faster. However, its coverage radius is smaller and walls have a greater effect.
❌ 5. Fluorescent lamps
Older power-saving devices can create noise in the radio frequency and interfere with Wi-Fi, especially when turned on.
❌ 6. Books and furniture
A wardrobe, a sideboard, a shelf with books - all of this weakens the signal. Even if the objects are not metal, they can physically block the passage of the wave.
❌ 7. Bedroom
Although science has not proven the harm of Wi-Fi, experts advise against placing a router in the bedroom - especially at the head of the bed. It is better to place the device in a common area.
❌ 8. On the floor
The floor is not the best place. Especially concrete. The signal goes down, the router gets dusty faster, the risk of accidentally hooking is higher.
Tip: Place the device at adult chest level, approximately 1.2–1.5 meters from the floor.
❌ 9. Near the child's crib or workplace
Children are a sensitive category. It is better not to expose them to constant radio waves. The router can be placed in the corridor or hall, but not in the children's room.
❌ 10. Without taking into account the layout
Thick concrete walls, partitions, heated floors and non-standard layouts - all this affects the quality of the signal. It is better to test different areas in the apartment and find the best position.
❌ 11. Alone on a large area
Is your apartment larger than 70–80 m²? Then one router may not be enough. Use repeaters (signal boosters) or install a mesh system to ensure uniform coverage without gaps.
❌ 12. With outdated firmware and default settings
Sometimes the router is installed correctly, but works poorly. Why? Because the firmware was not updated, the password was not changed, and the channels were not configured. And in vain!
Advice: regularly go to the router settings. Update the firmware, disable WPS, select a free Wi-Fi channel (for 2.4 GHz - 1, 6 or 11), turn on the night timer.
✅ Where is the correct place to place a router?
Here's a quick checklist:
- In the center of the apartment or house.
- At a height of at least 1 meter from the floor.
- Keep away from windows so as not to distribute Wi-Fi to passers-by.
- Away from equipment, metal and water.
- Not in the closet, not on the floor, not in the bedroom.
A properly installed router is not only a stable Internet, but also less interference, overheating and problems.
Check - where is your Wi-Fi?
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