Can Christmas Tree Lights Degrade Wifi Signal?

Can Christmas tree lights degrade a WiFi signal? A British government agency suggests exactly that, but tech experts say it's unlikely to have a noticeable effect.

The claim came in a press release for a new app to check WiFi quality. Ofcom, which is roughly equivalent to the Federal Communications Commission, noted that WiFi problems "could be down to something as simple as interference from other electronic devices, such as a microwave oven, baby monitor, a lamp - or even Christmas fairy lights." (Source: ofcom.org.uk)

The app runs some basic checks to see whether data is delayed or even lost while passing from a broadband connection via a wireless router, and then to a device and back again. While it hasn't publicly stated this is the reason, Ofcom may be offering the app to help users distinguish between slowdowns caused by their WiFi and genuine problems with the service and speed of the connection delivered by their broadband provider.

Routers On Floor Less Effective

As part of the app launch, the agency noted some common troubleshooting tips, including using Ethernet cables rather than WiFi wherever practical; restarting a router to have it switch to another frequency with less interference from other users in the neighborhood; and moving the router to a different location, preferably off the floor and in a central room.

It also noted that having a router near electrical devices can cause problems: "Halogen lamps, electrical dimmer switches, stereo or computer speakers, fairy lights, TVs and monitors and AC power cords have all been known to cause interference to broadband routers. Keep your router as far away as possible from other electrical devices as well as those which emit wireless signals such as baby monitors etc."

Christmas Lights, WiFi Warning Overstated

In theory, a Christmas tree full of lights could be a particular problem as, unlike most electrical equipment, the wiring is not heavily shielded and has only a very thin layer of plastic to insulate any radio frequency interference.

However, given how many devices are in the average home, it's extremely unlikely that a set of lights on their own could make a significant difference. Andrew Smith of Gizmodo notes that "it would take a considerable volume of lights to create enough interference to seriously degrade your WiFi network. In fact, you would have to be lighting up your tree like a small sun ." (Source: gizmodo.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Do you find electrical devices and wiring affect your WiFi performance? Have you ever tried relocating your router to improve the reliability and speed of the signal? Do you consider the advice about Christmas tree lights to be useful?