10 Things in Your Home Slowing Your WiFi

#1: Microwave ovens — Operate at 2.4 GHz, same as your router. Kills WiFi when active. Switch to 5 GHz.

#2: Thick concrete or brick walls — Attenuate 5 GHz signal by up to 60 dB. One wall can cut speed by 50%.

#3: Router behind the TV — Metal chassis reflects and blocks signal. Put the router in the open, centrally.

#4: Baby monitors — Many operate at 2.4 GHz and continuously broadcast, creating constant interference.

#5: Neighbors on same WiFi channel — Use 5 GHz and enable auto-channel selection. Apps like WiFi Analyzer help.

#6: Old router firmware — Security patches often include WiFi driver improvements. Update firmware monthly.

#7: Too many connected devices — Each device consumes a radio slot. 30+ devices on one router causes packet collision.

#8: Router overheating — Thermal throttling drops WiFi throughput 20–40%. Add ventilation clearance around it.

#9: ISP rental modem/router combo — These units are often underpowered. Your own router is almost always better.

#10: WiFi extenders — They create a second network hop that doubles latency. Use mesh nodes instead.

Test your WiFi speed and identify problems on DCSpeedTest.