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.

A Professor’s Take

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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

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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

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Although this hack might seem illegitimate, a research team at Dartmouth studied the theory, confirming Professor James McQuiggan’s theory. The team reported they created a “3D-printed shape” that was “covered in aluminum.” And strategically placed it to control where the signal traveled. They boosted the signal in desired places by more than half. Meanwhile, they decreased the signal in undesired places by just over 60%.

How to Place Aluminum Foil Behind Your Router

Because this method isn’t guaranteed to work for everyone, some may be left without hope, wondering if they’re doomed to experience slow connections. However, putting aluminum foil behind your router isn’t the only way to help increase Wi-Fi connectivity. “While foil can help concentrate the signals, it’s usually not a great solution compared with upgrading your router or positioning it more optimally,” added Professor McQuiggan.

The most common way to reboot the router is to turn it off. Always use the power button if it has one as unplugging it while it’s on can cause it to short-circuit. Another helpful, but costly, option is a WiFi extender. This typically plugs into the wall, connecting to the WiFi and helping to extend the signal. Moreover, resources like the national broadband map, are available to help you report, troubleshoot, and fix a problem with Wi-Fi connectivity.

Although putting aluminum foil behind your router may not always be the solution, it’s worth considering because other options can become costly.