Fairy lights on Christmas trees could cause slower broadband speeds, regulator Ofcom has warned.
The watchdog's newly launched free Wi-Fi Checker app, for smartphones and tablets, allows homeowners to test the quality of their internet signal and suggests practical steps to help people get the best from their connection.
Ofcom estimated up to six million homes and offices could improve their broadband connection, saying wireless networks are often not set-up correctly. It could be down to something as simple as interference from other electronic devices, such as a microwave oven, baby monitor, a lamp - or even Christmas fairy lights.
Check whether your in-home Wi-Fi is giving you the best service. YouTube:
Free download Ofcom Wi-Fi checker app
Troubleshooting: tips to improve your broadband speed
1. Move your router away from electrical devices: Halogen lamps, electrical dimmer switches, stereo or computer speakers, fairy lights, TVs and monitors and AC power cords have all been known to cause interference to broadband routers.
2. Move your router to a different part of your home: The walls and furniture in your house act as an obstacle to the Wi-Fi radio frequencies. Ideally routers should be kept centrally within the home and placed on a table or shelf rather than on the floor.
3. Try restarting your wireless router: This may automatically select a less busy Wi-Fi radio frequency.
4.Use an ethernet cable to connect directly to your router: An ethernet cable is a computer networking cable which should give you a faster, more reliable connection.
Source: Ofcom
Troubleshooting: tips to improve your broadband speed
1. Move your router away from electrical devices: Halogen lamps, electrical dimmer switches, stereo or computer speakers, fairy lights, TVs and monitors and AC power cords have all been known to cause interference to broadband routers.
2. Move your router to a different part of your home: The walls and furniture in your house act as an obstacle to the Wi-Fi radio frequencies. Ideally routers should be kept centrally within the home and placed on a table or shelf rather than on the floor.
3. Try restarting your wireless router: This may automatically select a less busy Wi-Fi radio frequency.
4.Use an ethernet cable to connect directly to your router: An ethernet cable is a computer networking cable which should give you a faster, more reliable connection.
Source: Ofcom
