On many occasions, either for decoration, to have as many cables as possible together and organized, or so that the WiFi signal reaches what interests you most, which are your series and movies on the Smart TV, put the router nearby. of television is a very common practice, but it turns out to be a horrible idea. Here you will discover why you should not put the router near the Smart TV, and we give you other recommendations to fully enjoy your Internet connection.
Although you think that you will receive a better signal on your smart television simply by having the router installed nearby, it is a very common mistake among many users. But the reality is that it is not a good idea at all. Keep reading to find out where it is recommended to have the router installed and what elements you should keep away from it to enjoy the best connection in your home.
Electromagnetic interference that affects the signal
One of the main reasons why you should not place the router next to your Smart TV is electromagnetic interference. Televisions, being large and complex devices, emit interference that can weaken the WiFi signal. This can result in a slower connection, intermittent outages, or even complete loss of signal.
Additionally, many televisions have metal components inside that block or reflect the router’s waves. Although it seems like a minor detail, these interferences can cause the connection to become unstable, affecting your browsing experience, especially when you use streaming services or play online games.
Overheating problems
Another factor that can affect your router if you place it near the Smart TV is heat. Routers, like other electronic devices, generate heat when they are in operation. If you place it near your television, which also emits heat after being on for several hours, the risk of overheating increases.
Overheating can cause your router to malfunction, crash, or even become permanently damaged. To avoid this problem, it is important that the router is in a place where air circulates well, away from other devices that generate heat.
The ideal distance between the router and the Smart TV
While you don’t want both devices to be too close, that doesn’t mean they should be on opposite ends of the house. Ideally, the router should be between 1.5 and 1.8 meters away from the Smart TV. This distance allows the WiFi to work optimally without interference, while the router can offer good coverage to the rest of the house.
Placing the router in a central location within your home, at a suitable height and away from metal objects or large appliances, will help better distribute the signal and avoid electromagnetic interference.
Other devices that also affect the WiFi signal
The Smart TV is not the only device that can cause problems if it is close to the router. Appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators or audio systems can also interfere with the signal. These devices generate electromagnetic waves that can weaken the connection.
On the other hand, it is advisable not to place the router inside closed furniture or near mirrors or aquariums, since these can reflect or absorb the signal, making it difficult to connect in other parts of the house.
Although it seems like a good idea to have the router near your Smart TV to improve your Internet connection, electromagnetic interference and overheating can cause more problems than they solve. It is best to find a central and elevated location for the router, where it can offer good coverage without obstacles. This way, you will enjoy a more stable WiFi connection and avoid problems in the future.
