Experts have revealed some of the surprising things that can wreck your WiFi speed.
Everyday household objects, including fish tanks and even Christmas tree lights, can interfere with your internet connection.
In a survey of more than 2,000 UK internet users, researchers found that many people are not aware of simple mistakes they are making that restrict their WiFi.
Experts have revealed some of the surprising things that can wreck your WiFi. Everyday household objects including fish tanks and even Christmas tree lights can interfere with your internet connection (stock image)
Placing your router near any electronic device, including a fish tank, TV or baby monitor, can drop WiFi speeds.
This is because these electrical appliances transmit radio waves, which are similar to the signals sent out by your wireless router.
Yet the new research found that 27 per cent of UK internet users surveyed do not keep their routers away from electronic devices in the home.
A further 24 per cent said their router sits at the top of the house or by a window or wall, which can obstruct WiFi signals.
The research found that as many as two in five internet users with a problem with their connection admit they do nothing to try and resolve it.
Twelve per cent of those surveyed have even gone as far as buying new devices such as laptops or mobile phones in a bid to improve their home broadband speed.
The broadband study, led by Post Office Telecoms and London-based Opinium Research, asked 2,001 UK-based respondents about their internet connection.
‘We are increasingly reliant on the internet for so many aspects of our lives and it’s therefore so important that we can trust in the reliability of our service,’ said Meredith Sharples, director at Post Office Telecoms.
‘However, the public told us they suffer from a slow internet connection, have had their connection drop at random times and experience a poor WiFi connection in certain rooms.
‘We also learned that many are not aware of the simple steps they can take to ensure their home is optimised to receive the best broadband connections possible.’
In a survey of more than 2,000 UK internet users, researchers found that many people are not aware of simple mistakes they are making that kill their WiFi speed (stock image)
Additional advice from the team included ensuring your router is plugged into your master socket, which is usually found where the phone line enters the house.
Plugging in here rather than an extension will reduce the chance of your home wiring affecting the internet speed.
The researchers also recommended protecting your router with a password, as without this security anyone can use your WiFi and slow your connection down.
Getting the latest version of your internet browser can also improve your download speed, the experts added.
They also suggest knowing what internet speed best suits the demands of your household.
If you have a big household with members who stream, download and game, especially in the evenings, you may just need higher speed.