7 Materials That Interrupt Smooth WiFi Connectivity

WiFi connectivity is the boon of the digital age. No more connecting devices using long network connection cables. Wireless internet offers a major advantage – you can easily access the internet from anywhere inside an establishment. But, sometimes even a smooth WiFi connectivity suffers from a few shortcomings.

Every wireless device is susceptible to wireless interference and WiFi is no exception. There are certain materials in your home and office that can interrupt the availability of smooth WiFi network.

Let us check out which materials wreak havoc on your WiFi network's connectivity.

7 Materials Hampering WiFi Connectivity

Do you know the worst culprit behind you not being able to connect to the WiFi network? It is the building materials used during the construction of a private or commercial establishment.

Given below are 7 materials that make it harder for you to enjoy smooth WiFi connectivity.

1. Metal

Metal is the hardest material to penetrate for the WiFi signals. It is a good conductor of electricity. But, what does electricity have to do with WiFi signals? Radio waves are electromagnetic. This means the metal can absorb WiFi signals with ease.

In other words, anything with metal in it be it doors, furniture, or walls can easily kill WiFi signals. The more metal between the WiFi router and connected device, the worse will be the WiFi signal.

2. Concrete Walls

WiFi signals and concrete do not mix well. Concrete is the thickest building material. Due to this, the WiFi signals find it hard to pass through concrete walls. It becomes harder if these contain metal laths. The thicker the concrete, the harder it will be for the WiFi signals to pass through. You can keep the WiFi connectivity smooth by placing the networking device away from concrete walls.

For example, if you have a Rockspace extender then make sure to keep it away from concrete walls. Do this before you start with the Rockspace WiFi extender setup.

3. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles come in handy when you are making floors. Similar to drywall, WiFi signals become weak while traveling through ceramic tiles. Typically, construction engineers use mastic to install ceramic tiles on walls and floors. In combination, these two materials increase WiFi interference.

4. Mirrors

Mirrors are reflective surfaces. Every mirror is made using a thin layer of metal on a piece of glass. Owing to a metal backing, mirrors cause electromagnetic interference. But, the effect of the mirror on WiFi connectivity depends on its size. For example, a wall mirror will interfere more with smooth WiFi connectivity in comparison to a small decorative mirror.

5. Drywall

One of the most commonly used building materials in the construction of homes and offices is drywall. Fortunately, it has the least amount of impact on smooth WiFi connectivity. Although it does not have a major impact on the WiFi signals but can weaken the signal as it travels through the walls.

6. Devices On 2.4 GHz Frequency

Wireless routers typically operate on two frequencies – 2.4 and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz frequency is used by many devices including baby monitors, cordless phones, wireless headsets, and microwaves.

There are specific standards regarding how WiFi devices communicate with each other. This helps reduce signal interference and improves WiFi speed. But, there are many devices that do not need an internet connection to function. But, still, the WiFi signals can suffer as these create signal interference through radio waves.

7. Plaster & Metal Laths

Plaster comprises lime, gypsum, or cement. It is used for coating walls and ceilings. Although plaster walls are not that hard but still have an impact on the quality of WiFi signals. Similarly, many modern architectures use metal laths with plaster to provide a stable framework for interior walls. It also comes in handy for concrete ceilings and floors.

But, metal laths do comprise metal and this leads to thicker walls. In the long run, these lead to issues with smooth WiFi connectivity.

Conclusion

WiFi technology is a boon for businesses and individuals. But, simple building materials can easily influence smooth WiFi connectivity. The information above provides in-depth knowledge on some of these.