Many people use the internet to work remotely, stay in contact with family and friends, or even watch videos. As demand for global broadband networks is increasing, people are starting to find that web speeds are slowing down. But it's not just our computer devices that use a valuable bandwidth. There are also some domestic devices that slow us down online. It's a different matter within your own home. If everyone tries to use data-heavy online services simultaneously to stream movies or play games, your Wi-Fi network will likely become overloaded and slowed down.
Some solutions are relatively simple, such as downloading movies beforehand, rather than streaming them. But some are more surprising, such as avoiding using your microwave, and even turning off your television.
Microwave ovens are reducing Wi-Fi signals according to UK media regulator Ofcom. So you shouldn't use your microwave when making video calls, watching HD movies, or when someone else is in need of an uninterrupted connection in your home.
Microwave ovens use the same 2.4 Ghz frequency as Wi-Fi routers, and your Internet connection can be disrupted or even shut down. Some routers offer the option of switching to 5Ghz, as suggested by Microsoft if your Wi-Fi signal is interrupted.
With many people at home together using the same connection, another alternative is to connect directly to your router using an Ethernet cable, says Ofcom. If you choose to still rely on Wi-Fi, you should make sure that the router is on a table or a shelf away from other devices.
Wireless phones, baby monitors, halogen lamps, dimmer switches, stereo and computer speakers, TVs and monitors can all reduce your Wi-Fi speed. And you should plug your router into your main phone socket to avoid interference with the use of extension cables. Mobile phones and tablets also often use your home Wi-Fi network to improve speed by switching off Wi-Fi on these devices. Using a landline phone will also reduce the demand for your home network.
Online firms are trying to relieve pressure on worldwide broadband networks as well. Facebook, Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube have already announced that the quality of streaming videos has been reduced in an effort to reduce the bandwidth they take in.