Problems? See this thread at archive.org.)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/c...-lights-can-disrupt-wifi-warns-Talk-Talk.html
Internet service provider Talk Talk has warned that Christmas tree lights can disrupt Wi-Fi signals around the home.
The internet service provider said it received dozens of calls from customers over the festive period, complaining about slower than normal broadband speeds.
"A significant percentage of these complaints were due to interference from Christmas lights," wrote Sylvain Thevenot, a senior manager at Talk Talk, on the company blog .
"Our past experience has shown that in-home lighting and wiring, such as Christmas tree lights, can interfere with wireless signals and reduce broadband speeds -- regardless of internet service provider -- by up to 25 per cent.
"We estimate that this problem could affect thousands of broadband users this coming Christmas."
While many broadband users are aware that their distance from telephone exchange and traffic "congestion" on broadband connections can impact speeds, many do not realise that other factors can also affect internet performance, wrote Mr Thevenot.
"Although it might sound silly, interference from domestic lighting and wiring is a major problem across the industry, and at this time of year Christmas lights tend to aggravate it," he added.
Mr Thevenot advised people to keep their Christmas lights as far away from their broadband router and computer as possible. "We also recommend people avoid having their lights flashing as in some cases this can interfere with the wireless connection," he wrote.
The increasing number of high-tech home gadgets means electrical interference is a growing problem. Many routers, television set-top boxes and other equipment operate on similar frequencies and ranges, and can generate "noise" that interrupts the signal to other devices. Broadband users can install an inexpensive "filter" on their phone line to help protect against interference.
Christmas lights can disrupt wifi, warns Talk Talk
Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Tinderbox (UK), Dec 25, 2009.
