Router signals can interfere with television, but only if they share the same space between each other.
How it works is both the router and the television use signals to reach access points. These signals connect to your devices in order to function properly.
However, these signals travel a long distance to reach your household. There are only so many signals to go around, so it needs appropriate coverage.
If two electronic devices are next to each other, they fight for these signals.
When a router interferes with television signals, you lose reception. It causes your sound and picture quality to drastically go down.
Can WIFI Affect TV Signals?
Wireless devices do affect the performance of your TV signals. It’s due to a collision of signals from different locations.
I use cell towers as an example since smartphones rely on them for usage. Reception issues can result from the close proximity of cell phones and television towers.
Streaming devices also play a role in signal interference.
Consider the HDMI port on your television. Streaming devices tend to use this port for high-quality visuals. Signals often drop due to how close the antenna cable is to the HDMI cable.
Keep in mind your router antenna only affects signals if it’s too close.
How Far Should My Router Be From My TV?
Your router should be five or six feet away from your TV.
The reason is wireless devices need this space to keep to themselves; the closer they are to other electronic objects, the more likely they share the same signals.
Your wireless devices typically use 2.4-GHz or gigahertz airwaves. Since so many devices use it all at once, you have high signal traffic. It’s especially true for routers and your smart TV.
You should also keep your router away from other electronic appliances. I recommend five to six feet, which is the same amount of distance you need for a TV.
Electromagnetic interference disrupts radio signals, which include access points for wireless devices. It lowers your Wi-Fi coverage performance, which results in slow Internet speeds and laggy television shows.
Find yourself a central location to place your router and away from electronic appliances. If you live in a small apartment, this is the best method to ensure you eliminate dead zones in your Wi-Fi connection.
Where Should You Not Place A Router?
I would not place routers in dead zones, which are areas with a bad Wi-Fi connection.
A dead zone includes corners of your room, in hard to reach areas or hallways. Due to the obstruction of several objects, you can also lose signals. For this reason, you should never place a router behind your TV.
You need to position your router in a central area with a power outlet. Walls get in the way, electronic appliances interfere with signals, and corners are far away.
If you place a router near a corner, you can actually lose Wi-Fi range. Most of it ends up outside, which means other people can use it to their advantage.
In a central position, you have better connectivity. It can reach all your smart devices, such as your phone and television.
Can I Raise My Antenna?
If you don’t want your router to interfere with TV signals, you can place your antenna at a higher elevation. Since antenna signals travel downward, you get more coverage.
You should position your router antenna vertically since a horizontal placement sends signals in a different direction from the access points.
Make sure to restart your router once you position it on a wall. As long as it’s kept five or six feet away from your smart TV, there should be no signal interference.
Should I Consider Signal Boosters?
Signal boosters are an effective method to cover more expansive Wi-Fi areas, all without signal interference from your smart TV.
I admit it comes at a higher cost, but it’s worth the price for better coverage. As always, place the signal within the center point of your household.
Fast Internet and high connectivity allow you to enjoy your smart devices without much worry. You can watch your favorite shows without lag or signal interference.
In Summary
A router can interfere with TV signals, but only if you position them right next to each other.
Wireless devices often fight for coverage of radio signals. If you place each of the five or six feet apart, you are less likely to eat up these signals.
I want to watch my shows without Wi-Fi interference, so I recommend you carefully position your electronic devices. It takes time, but it’s worth the effort.
If you find it difficult to place your router near a central power outlet, just do the best you can. Place your antenna at a high elevation for more robust signals.
