Speed can fail inside the kitchen.
Mexico City, April 2026. Internet speed at home is not always reduced by the service provider, the router model or the number of connected devices. Sometimes the problem is much closer and more ordinary: a microwave placed too near the WiFi router. The appliance can interfere with the 2.4 GHz band, one of the most common frequencies used by domestic networks.
The issue is physical, not mysterious. Microwaves operate in a frequency range close to that used by many WiFi connections, which can create interference when both devices are active and nearby. The effect may appear as slower browsing, unstable video calls, buffering or sudden drops in signal quality. In homes where the router is placed in the kitchen or near appliances, the problem becomes more likely.
The solution does not require advanced technical knowledge. Moving the router away from the microwave, placing it in a central and elevated location, and keeping it free from walls, metal surfaces and large furniture can improve signal distribution. Ethernet cables can also help in areas where wireless coverage is weak or unstable. Reducing unnecessary connected devices and reviewing router settings may further improve performance.
The broader lesson is that domestic connectivity depends on infrastructure and environment at the same time. A powerful internet plan can still perform poorly if the signal is blocked, absorbed or disrupted by household objects. WiFi is not only a digital service; it is also a radio signal moving through physical space. That makes placement as important as speed.
The microwave is not the enemy of the internet, but it can become an invisible obstacle when the router is badly positioned. In the connected home, small technical details shape everyday productivity, entertainment and communication. Sometimes the fastest way to improve the network is not to change the provider, but to move the router.
Detrás de cada dato, la intención. / Behind every data point, the intention.