Why You Should Try Putting Aluminum Foil Behind Your Router

Why You Should Try Putting Aluminum Foil Behind Your Router
As technology advances and more things in our homes connect, the slower the connections run, especially during peak hours when everyone in the neighborhood or complex is winding down for the day. However, a technology professor shared a hack, suggesting you place a sheet of aluminum foil behind your router. The intention is to help improve your Wi-Fi speed.

James McQuiggan is a Security Awareness Advocate for KnowBe4 and a part-time faculty professor at Valencia College in the Engineering, Computer Programming & Technology Division. As such, he’s studied and thoroughly researched all things technology. He points out an interesting technique for boosting your Wi-Fi connection speed, using a sheet of aluminum foil behind your router.

Aluminum Foil Behind your Router for Faster Connection

Men hands roll off the aluminum foil for household use on a wooden surface.
Source: Shutterstock

Apparently, when more devices are connected to the same wireless network, the signal becomes weaker. ”Like a sprinkler head spraying water in all directions,” explains McQuiggan. As a result, wireless signals go to places where they’re not needed and weaken them where they are.

Additionally, obstructions like furniture or walls can impact the signal strength. That’s where the aluminum foil behind your router takes effect. Placing the aluminum foil behind your router with the shiny side facing outward will reflect the signal. This allows it to travel more freely yet methodically. Additionally, shaping the aluminum foil behind your router will give you more control over where the signal travels.

Testing the Theory

A hand plugging a cable into an internet router. White background.

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