Speedy broadband is more important than ever now that many of us are working from home. But if you're struggling with slow download speeds, there could be a few simple reasons why - including where you've put your router.
Like all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) BT says that the router's position in your home is key. However if it's placed on a window ledge, then it could be time to move it.
Windows are not Wi-Fi’s best friend, the broadband supplier says. This is because the signal can often beam right through the glass and out into the open rather than get reflected back into a room and around the home, the Mirror reports.
BT explains on its website: "Move your hub away from the window – your hub broadcasts wi-fi in all directions and half of your signal will go outside, rather than your home". It also says it's a bad idea to put the hub behind your TV or near metal objects as they can reflect and disperse the signal.
Other hidden reasons for bad broadband are the age of the gadgets you're using. Ageing smartphones or laptops simply can’t keep pace with today’s demands, making it seem like your connection is slower than it actually is.
BT says: “If your wi-fi isn’t as fast as you expected, it might have nothing to do with your connection, but could be due to the age and power of your device. Typically the newer it is, the faster the wireless speed it will support. For example, a smartphone from 2013 can handle around half the wi-fi speeds of a modern phone.
The final thing you might not think of checking is how many people are using your connection - and what they are doing with it. The number of number of devices using your broadband at the same time can have an impact on how fast or slow it feels.
Streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, online gaming and video conferencing use more of your broadband speed than checking Facebook or sending an email.
