WiFi Signal in Period Properties
Reliable and robust home WiFi has become essential to our daily lives. However, if you live in an older property, you might have noticed that your WiFi signal doesn’t reach every corner as easily as it does in modern buildings. This scenario has puzzled many homeowners, leading to the question: Why do period properties often block WiFi signals? We look at the factors that contribute to poor WiFi coverage in older houses and explore potential solutions to improve connectivity.
Why Some Areas of Your House Have Slow WiFi
1. Thick Walls and Building Materials
One of the primary reasons for WiFi signal blockage in older properties is the presence of thick walls and construction materials used during that era. Traditional construction methods often involved using solid brick or stone walls, which can impede WiFi signals. These dense materials absorb and weaken the wireless signal, making it difficult for it to pass through.
2. Building Layout and Structural Features
Period properties often feature complex layouts and structural elements that can further hinder WiFi signal propagation. Narrow hallways, multiple rooms, and the positioning of walls can create obstacles that disrupt the signal path. Additionally, architectural features like fireplaces, chimneys, staircases, and metallic fixtures can interfere with the WiFi signal, leading to weak or blocked connections in certain areas.
3. Interference from Electrical Wiring and Appliances
Another factor contributing to WiFi signal blockage in older houses is interference from electrical wiring and appliances. Outdated electrical systems, inadequate grounding, and proximity to power lines can introduce electromagnetic interference that disrupts WiFi signals. Moreover, irrespective of the age of your property, certain appliances such as cordless phones, microwave ovens, and baby monitors can operate on similar frequencies as WiFi, leading to signal interference.
4. Lack of Modern Network Infrastructure
Older homes often lack the modern network infrastructure required for optimal WiFi coverage. Inadequate placement of routers and access points, outdated wiring, and limited network connectivity options can contribute to poor WiFi signal distribution throughout the house. Additionally, older homes will not have been designed with wireless technology in mind, leading to suboptimal placement of WiFi equipment.
Improving WiFi Strength in Period Properties
1. WiFi Access Point Placement: Experiment with different wifi access point placement options. Try positioning in a central location, away from thick walls and obstructions. Elevating the access point can also help enhance signal coverage.
2. WiFi Channels and Settings: Adjust your WiFi access point’s channel settings to avoid interference from neighbouring networks. Choosing less congested WiFi channels can help improve signal strength and reduce interference.
3. Network Equipment Upgrades: Consider upgrading your network equipment, such as routers, switches and wireless access points, to newer models that support advanced WiFi standards and offer better signal penetration capabilities.
4. WiFi Network Upgrade: Upgrading to a professionaly installed WiFi system can significantly improve coverage in larger homes. These systems utilise multiple access points placed throughout the house to create a unified network, providing seamless connectivity in every room.
WiFi signal blockage in older houses is a common challenge faced by many homeowners. Understanding the underlying factors that can contribute to this will help in finding suitable solutions. By considering WiFi access point positioning, addressing interference, and making network upgrades, you can significantly improve WiFi coverage in your period property. Remember to experiment with different solutions to find the best result for your property.
If you would like help with addressing WiFi coverage in your home, please do give us a call on 020 3369 0669 or email info@wifiman.london.
