Bluetooth phones, microwaves and RSJs (Reinforced Steel Joist) are the bane of wi-fi users’ lives as they can interfere with the router signal, or even block it. But even users with a hard-wired connection aren’t safe from dropped broadband connections and slow bandwidth speeds.
For in the run up to Christmas they could be in for some weird goings on… and it’s all due to something called REIN, Random Electrical Impulse Noise. Apparently, and this isn’t a joke, blinking Christmas lights can produce enough REIN to make a router either slow down a broadband connection or go offline altogether.
Since broadband speeds are contingent to line noise, the added ‘noise’ from another electrical device, in some cases, can tip the safety balance and cause interference or even disconnects. So if your broadband is playing up, try switching off those Christmas tree lights and restarting the router to see if that makes a difference.
Other potential sources of interference are transformers on the same power strip as the router, for example, step down transformers for external speakers and other peripherals.
Also check that there is no electrical equipment located near phone cables and that all cabling, including that to your modem/router, is in good order and not kinked or being crushed by other objects. Consider removing wiring to any redundant extension boxes as this extra cabling can add unnecessary noise.
Another option to explore is fitting a dedicated ADSL faceplate to the master socket. This should help reduce line noise too, but take advice from your ISP first.
