Wi-Fi connection problems are not always the fault of the internet provider or the router itself. Various everyday elements, such as aquariums, microwaves, mirrors, and even severe weather conditions, have the potential to disrupt the quality of the wireless signal.
Experience with radio interference
Alex Hills, a pioneering specialist in Wi-Fi technology, explains these factors. In 1993, while teaching at Carnegie Mellon University in the USA, he led a team in building one of the world's first large Wi-Fi networks. He compiled this experience in the book 'Wi-Fi and the Bad Boys of Radio,' where the 'Bad Boys' refer to objects and phenomena that affect the functioning of wireless networks, not researchers.
Impact of microwave ovens
A notable example of interference is the microwave oven. Astronomers in Australia spent 17 years investigating mysterious radio signals captured by a telescope, initially considering solar or extraterrestrial causes. It was later discovered that the energy bursts originated from the microwave oven used in the office during lunch. This same principle affects Wi-Fi networks because they use radio waves. Although there are dedicated frequencies for services like air traffic control and security forces, the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) band is widely used by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, coinciding with the frequency of microwave ovens.
Hills clarifies that despite the appliances being shielded, old, damaged models, or improper use (such as opening the door before heating is complete) can generate interference, making it one of the most cited sources. Similar phenomena can occur with fluorescent lamps or car ignition systems. However, Hills points out that microwaves are less problematic today, as modern appliances are better protected and many networks operate on 5 GHz, reducing the risk. Nevertheless, an old router next to a heavily used microwave can cause temporary failures.
Shadowing caused by aquariums
Another lesser-known obstacle is aquariums. Hills explains that the radio signal loses strength with distance, but it can be weakened when passing through certain objects, an effect called 'shadowing.' Water hinders the passage of radio waves because its molecules act like small magnets, absorbing some of the signal's energy. Thus, an aquarium placed between the router and the receiving device can create areas of low coverage, with shadowing being the main challenge for Wi-Fi networks.
In addition to aquariums, walls made of brick and concrete greatly impede signal propagation, while materials like wood and drywall offer less resistance. The recommendation is to visualize a straight line between the router and the desired device. Although the signal can scatter and find alternative routes, increased obstacles deteriorate the connection quality.
Improving signal reception
To mitigate these issues, Hills advises keeping the router as close as possible to the connected devices. Placing the equipment in a high and central point in the residence generally optimizes signal distribution. If this is not enough, it is possible to use Wi-Fi repeaters to extend the range or replace the router with a mesh system, which distributes the connection through multiple points in the house.
Wave reflection by surfaces
Mirrors and televisions can also interfere because, besides weakening the signal, some objects reflect radio waves. Since Wi-Fi uses electromagnetic radiation, similar to light, reflective surfaces alter its behavior. Mirrors, TVs, and other smooth surfaces, as well as metal structures in walls, can deflect part of the signal. If there is a problematic spot, Hills suggests imagining the straight line between the router and the device to check for mirrors or TVs in the path, suggesting moving them if possible. Otherwise, a repeater can help bypass the interference.
Influence of climate and satellites
Weather conditions generally do not affect home Wi-Fi networks, except when the connection depends on external equipment in other buildings. However, extreme weather events can compromise the entire internet infrastructure. Snow can damage metallic components of cables or block satellite signals over antennas, as can intense heat. Even without direct interference, extreme temperatures can increase internet usage; if everyone is watching videos simultaneously, the connection may slow down, indicating an indirect link to climate changes.
Hills argues that reducing these impacts requires both individual environmental actions and preventive investments by telecommunications companies and authorities. Currently living in Alaska, Hills has seen how satellite services, although useful for remote communities, also suffer from the 'bad boys'; for example, snow accumulation on the parabolic antenna during blizzards requires manual removal to restore service.