Broadband expert shares advice on router position

Whether employees are operating in the office or at home during hybrid working hours, access to the internet is critical.

Today, more business processes require fast, reliable broadband than ever before for key activities like video conferencing, sharing files and even using web-based office applications. As a result, optimising internet access equipment is essential, and this includes where broadband routers are sited.

The CEO for Fibre Compare, Geoff Pestell, recently imparted his expertise on getting the best signal from a broadband router. The head of the broadband comparison website stated that the mistake made most often was to keep routers out of sight in closed cabinets.

While routers might not match the aesthetic of an office design or home décor, they work best when out in the open. A concealed router can considerably impact broadband signal strength as the device lacks access to sufficient airflow. As a result, a router enclosed in cupboard can start to overheat and then underperform.

Placing a router beneath stairs was also cited as problematic. While it might keep the equipment out of the way freeing up available space, according to Pestell, stairwell walls can have a serious slowing effect on Wi-Fi speeds.

The CEO also advised router users against positioning them close to other electronic devices located in the office and home, like phone systems and TVs. He asserted that such equipment emits electrical interference that can reduce signal quality and consequently causes poor performance in routers.