Slow broadband speeds? 5 really simple ways to boost your Wi-Fi signal

It’s Christmas Day and that means your broadband is about to get a real pummeling. Millions of us will all be opening new connected gadgets, smartphones, gaming consoles and smart TVs which all rely on speedy internet access to get the most out of them. Then there will be the afternoon lull where streaming a movie on Netflix or Disney+ will be top of the agenda.

Throw in a few Zoom calls to the family and some internet shopping and it’s not hard to see how your internet will be feeling the strain. Although you can’t physically make the speeds that arrive via your Internet Service Provider (ISP) any faster, there are plenty of ways to improve the signal that whizzes around your property.

So, if you want to make sure your broadband can cope with the strain that Christmas Day will put on it here are some top tips and tricks to boost the all-important signal.

BEWARE OF THE TREE

Yes, your Christmas Tree might look pretty but it can seriously hamper your broadband.

Whether real or artificial, these towering additions to your home can easily bring your streaming to a stutter.

Make sure your router isn’t tucked under it or behind all those piles of neatly wrapped presents. In fact, that flashing black box needs to be out in the open and away from anything that can block its signal.

Another thing to be aware of at this time of year is tinsel. It helps make things festive but this glittery accessory is also broadband’s worst enemy. That’s because it’s made of shredded foil that can reflect your Wi-Fi signal and bring your Netflix binge to a grinding halt.

It’s also a good idea to keep your router upright and not have it on the floor so find a table to place it on – that should help improve things.

DON’T COOK IN THE MICROWAVE

If you’ve noticed your internet speeds slowing down whenever you are reheating leftovers or quickly zapping the sprouts for Christmas lunch – you’re not imagining things.

Microwaves operate around the same frequency as wireless routers and the radiation that escapes the microwave oven can easily disrupt your signal.

If your kitchen is in-between the lounge and your router – this could be the simple answer to your broadband woes.

TURN IT ALL OFF

Yes, that old saying “turn it off and on again” can really help your internet speeds.

Switching things off for a few minutes then rebooting the router can clear any hidden issues that might be slowing things down.

Some experts advise doing this as often as once a week although every month should probably be enough to do the trick.

Just make sure nobody is in the middle of a Zoom call or important download as it can take around 5 minutes for the system to reboot and your home to be back online.

PICK YOUR TIME

If you want to download a new PS5 game or get a family movie ready to watch it might be worth thinking ahead.

It’s an annoying fact, but peak times can mean slower speeds as, like a motorway, the more traffic that flows along it the more congested it gets.

Research shows that users can see a drop in broadband performance of up to 35 per cent when traffic is at its heaviest.

As you might expect the worst time to surf is between 7pm and 9pm and with everyone at home on Christmas Day things could get busy.

If you want the ultimate speeds you’ll have to be prepared to stay up late – the ultimate time for downloads is 2am.

WATCH OUT FOR PET FISH

Own a fish tank? Make sure your aquatic pets aren’t in the way of your router as water can seriously disrupt things when trying to get online.

If you are a fan of fish make sure where they are swimming is nowhere near your internet equipment.