WiFi Router Guard: How It Works and Why You Need One

WiFi routers emit radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation, which has raised concerns about potential health effects. It’s believed that prolonged exposure to WiFi radiation can lead to various health issues, including sperm damage, alterations in brain waves, oxidative stress, depression, fatigue, and cellular changes.

To protect your family from WiFi radiation, investing in a WiFi router guard is a widely adopted approach. A WiFi router guard acts as a shield, reducing the amount of RF-EMF radiation emitted by the router, thereby minimizing exposure and potential health risks.

Understanding WiFi Routers

A WiFi router works by converting wired internet access into wireless signals. This enables devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets to connect to the internet wirelessly. The router does this by broadcasting these signals

These signals are a type of EMF radiation, specifically Radio Frequency (RF) radiation. These are non-ionizing radiation, meaning they do not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules, but they do have enough energy to cause disturbances to our bodies at high levels or over prolonged exposure.

While the scientific community is still conducting research on the potential effects of RF radiation on human health, some studies suggest possible links between long-term exposure to this type of radiation and various health issues, including sleep disturbances, headaches, and even certain types of cancer.

What is a WiFi Router Guard?

A WiFi router guard is a modern application of a Faraday cage, a device created by Michael Faraday in the 1800s to block electric and magnetic fields. Constructed with metal mesh, the router guard acts as a protective box that surrounds your WiFi router. It works by spreading the WiFi radiation throughout the mesh, significantly reducing the amount of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation that reaches you. With a WiFi router guard, you can achieve up to 99% attenuation, effectively minimizing your exposure to WiFi EMF emissions. Installation is simple: just place the router inside the box and securely close the cover.

Benefits of Using a WiFi Router Guard

• The impact on health and wellbeing

Using a WiFi router guard can potentially reduce the health risks associated with long-term exposure to EMF radiation. This could result in improved sleep, fewer headaches, and a reduction in other radiation-related symptoms.

• Reduction of interference with other electronic devices

By containing the EMF radiation from your WiFi router, a router guard can also minimize interference with other electronic devices, providing a more stable and reliable connection.

• Increased router lifespan due to reduced heat exposure

WiFi router guards allow for better air circulation around your router compared to when it’s placed against a wall or in a closed space. This helps to keep the router cool and may increase its lifespan.

WiFi Router Guard Options

When it comes to router guards, there are a variety of styles available in the market. To help you choose the right one for your needs, we have provided detailed information and recommendations for each category. Keep reading to explore the different options and find the router guard that suits you best.

Cages

The WiFi Router Guard offered by Smart Meter Guard is a well-known and trusted Faraday cage designed to block the majority of EMF radiation emitted by your router. Smart Meter Guard claims that this guard can block up to 95% of the router’s EMF emissions. It is available in two sizes: small (12″ x 9″ x 3″ inches) and large (12-3/8″ x 12-5/8″ x 5-1/2″). What sets this cage apart is its ability to provide comprehensive protection by covering the entire router, effectively shielding against EMF radiation in all directions.

The Faraday Defense Router Shield is an enhanced and robust version of the traditional Faraday cage design. Similar to Smart Meter’s model, it effectively blocks radiation in all directions. With interior dimensions of 11″ x 13″ x 3.5″, it can accommodate most routers. According to Faraday Defense, this unit offers an impressive 60 dB attenuation, resulting in a significant 99.9% reduction in EMF radiation. It provides a high level of EMF protection for your router.

Bags

The Signal Tamer is a unique mesh bag designed to function similarly to WiFi router guards. Simply slip it over your router for protection. With dimensions of 10″ x 16″, it accommodates most routers. The manufacturer claims an attenuation rate of 90% to 95%. However, it’s important to note that it may slightly reduce the range of your WiFi signal. The manufacturer assures that you should still maintain a strong signal within a 20-foot radius from the router.

Fabrics

Amradield Nanosilver Fiber Washable Shielding Fabric is a versatile solution for signal blocking. Besides being a router guard, it can be used for various purposes, including personal shielding. The soft and breathable fabric can be draped over your WiFi router, allowing airflow and signal transmission while effectively shielding you from harmful radiation. You can even use it as a blanket for additional protection and comfort.

Build Your Own Router Guard

Creating a DIY WiFi router guard requires welding skills, but it can be a cost-effective option. Using metal mesh and solder, you can bend the mesh to your preferred dimensions and join the ends together. It may be necessary to weld a hole for the router’s cords. The materials needed for this project are typically affordable and accessible at hardware or metalworking stores.

Alternatives to Router Guards

Move Your Router

Place your WiFi router away from commonly occupied areas. Avoid positioning it right next to your couch or near your bed. Ideally, tuck it in a less frequently used space, such as a closet or guest bedroom. If it must be in a main room, isolate it from the rest of the area. Additionally, minimize the use of signal boosters and aim for the lowest signal strength possible to reduce EMF emissions.

Turn Your Router Off at Night

Minimize the risks of WiFi radiation by implementing a nightly routine of turning off your router. You can even set up automatic router shutdown through the router’s software settings. This allows your body to rest without constant exposure to WiFi emissions during sleep, resulting in a substantial reduction in daily EMF radiation absorption. While not perfect, any reduction in exposure is beneficial.

Hard-wire

For those seeking the utmost reduction in WiFi EMF radiation, replacing WiFi with a hardwired Ethernet connection is the optimal solution. Ethernet connections emit minimal RF-EMF radiation, offering faster speeds and enhanced security. Although transitioning to Ethernet requires effort, it allows you to enjoy internet connectivity without the added risk of radiation exposure. While some homes are already equipped with Ethernet wiring, older homes may require cable installation in each room, making the investment worthwhile.

And the No-Tech Solution?

If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a WiFi router guard, here’s a simple and cost-effective alternative. Use an upside-down mesh metal wastebasket to cover your router. While it may not be aesthetically pleasing, the metal mesh acts as a barrier to block some EMF radiation while still allowing the WiFi signal to pass through. To hide the wastebasket, you can place the router behind furniture or in a corner. This budget-friendly solution costs less than $10.

Testing Your Solution

If you choose to create your own solution for mitigating WiFi radiation, it is advisable to assess the EMF levels in your home. Conducting measurements before and after installing your homemade router guard will provide insights into its effectiveness. If you have doubts about the efficacy of a store-bought router guard, you can also test its impact on EMF levels.

The most reliable way to measure EMF levels is with an EMF meter, which is an affordable device specifically designed to detect atmospheric EMF. Ensure that your meter can detect RF frequencies if you are specifically testing for WiFi radiation. We typically recommend the TriField TF2 model.

To assess the levels in each room, use your EMF meter and record the readings. Then, proceed with installing the router guard and retest the levels. If the readings have decreased, it indicates that your router guard is indeed effective.

Conclusion

The reality is that WiFi radiation is omnipresent, and most of us rely on wireless connections for various aspects of our lives. However, it is crucial to protect ourselves and our families from the potential harmful effects of EMF radiation. One effective way to do this is by investing in a WiFi router guard, which can significantly reduce overall EMF exposure. Our carefully curated list features some of the best router guards available today.

Installing a router guard is a straightforward process. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically involve enclosing the router in the case and routing cables through designated slots.

If purchasing a router guard is not feasible, there are DIY options to explore, such as using metal wastebaskets or creating a custom guard with mesh and solder. Additionally, you can relocate the router to an isolated area of your home or turn it off during the night. When it comes to protecting your family from EMF radiation, it may require some creativity and extra effort. However, it is essential to measure the impact of your chosen solution using an EMF meter before and after implementation.

Given the constant exposure to electric and magnetic radiation, it is vital to minimize EMF levels in your home. While you cannot control the external environment, you can transform your home into a sanctuary. Whether you opt for a DIY approach or purchase a router guard, installing one is a crucial step in safeguarding your home from EMF radiation.