If you’re experiencing slow Wi-Fi connection and it happens to be during the holiday season, then the problem could be caused, in part, because of your Christmas lights. According to Ofcom, a UK independent agency regulator, recently noted that indoor Christmas lights could be screwing up you Wi-Fi connectivity to your wireless router.
The British regulator agency also points out that Christmas lights can affect Wi-Fi performance due to unshielded wires that causes interference, which no surprising is the same problem that will occur by poorly house wiring setup, baby monitors, cordless phones, microwaves, fluorescent lights, and other equipment.
While it’s possible that fairy lights may cause interference because of the lack of insulation, it would take a significant amount of lights to cripple your Wi-Fi network. However, fairy lights now add up to the list of things you need to consider when you’re experiencing a slow Wi-Fi connection.
Troubleshooting tips to boost your Wi-Fi signal
- Try shutting down the router and disconnecting it from the power source, wait for a few minutes and then restart the router.
- Move your router to an open space, don’t keep it hidden under a table on the floor, and don’t place the router near to electrical devices, including TV, monitor, halogen lamps, electrical dimmer switches, speakers, Christmas lights, and other equipment that may cause interference and those YouTube video to buffer.
- Use a Wi-Fi checker app to test the signal performance of your wireless network. There are many apps out there, including Wifi Analyzer on Android, WiFi Analyzer (preview) on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile, and WiFi Explorer for iOS. These apps will give you an idea of how weak or strong is your Wi-Fi signal around the house. You can also try the Ofcom app for Android and iOS, which will help you with additional troubleshooting tips to improve your wireless network.
- You can also try replacing your wireless router antennas with high gain Wi-Fi antennas, such as the 12dBi Antennas from Super Power Supply on Amazon. Or if you’re looking to boost your Wi-Fi signal to one corner of the room, you can try the directional Asus WL-ANT-157 Antenna, which you can also get in Amazon for about $22.
- Whenever possible opt for a wire connection instead of wireless. An Ethernet cable can offer better performance than using a Wi-Fi connection.
In addition, keep in mind that Wi-Fi performance will always change, as it’s affected by a number of factors, as such you have to make sure to check your wireless setup several times a year.
If you have additional tips that can help others to boost their Wi-Fi performance don’t forget to let us know in the comments below.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].