Like most electronics, routers get hot, and they need a way to stay cool. Throwing a router into a box may seem like a good idea design-wise, but doing so will suffocate the router and lead to a hot, malfunctioning mess. Instead, opt for a well-ventilated box, like something made of wicker.
A better way to blend your router in with the decor is to place it behind a picture frame, or set it on a bookshelf. Just make sure that the modem or router has at least 4 inches (10 centimeters) of clearance on each side to give it good air flow.
Keep your modem router visible and out in the open. Don't put it inside or behind cabinets or furniture, and make sure the modem router vents are not blocked to prevent overheating. Place your modem router upright and elevated on a shelf or table where it's off the floor to reduce interference.
While maintaining a safe distance from the WiFi router can greatly reduce your exposure to its radiation, keeping the router in your bedroom is not recommendable. Modern WiFi routers are equipped with WiFi 6 and are hugely powerful, supporting multiple devices, and are unlikely to dip below a certain output.
No, in general, it is not safe to keep a router in your bedroom. You will be exposed to an excessive amount of EMF and RF radiation from the router at close proximity. The dangers of this radiation are increased the closer it is to you.
While EMF emissions from different routers vary, for most home WiFi routers, a distance of 40 feet (ideally, or 10 feet at a minimum) will help your body and shouldn't impact your WiFi connection too much.
Consistent and close exposure to Wi-Fi router radiation could range from cellular damage to dizziness. It's recommended to keep a safe distance of 40 feet from your wifi router. Want to know more about Wi-Fi router radiation safe distance?
See if you can lower your Wi-Fi router's output. It may be set to “High” as a default, which could create more intense wireless radiation output than anyone in your household needs. To reduce radiation exposures significantly, many experts recommend using wired devices whenever possible.
Simply lift the lid of the Router Guard and drop your router in the Router Guard with the wires and cables. The Router Guard is made for most small WiFi routers that are SMALLER than 12 x 9 x 3 inches in size. Please measure your router and make sure there at least "1 inch" space for the cables to fit.
A weak signal can happen for a number of reasons: Your router is too far away from devices. Physical interferences like thick walls, floors, or other appliances. Too many people or devices connected to one network.
Avoid electronic items
Cordless phones, baby monitors and other devices that use radio signals to communicate are especially problematic, as these devices will crowd the channel and compete with your broadband connection.
If your wireless router is against an outside wall of your home, the signal will be weak on the other side of your home. It is better to place the wireless router on a table or shelf and keep it at a certain height so that the omnidirectional antenna's transmitting ability can be utilized.
Proper Ventilation
Keep your Modem or Router in a cool place where there is enough room for air flow. Do not place your modem against wall or any surface as it will block one side of its vents resulting in increase in the temperature. Also always put your modem or router on hard surface and not on bed, sofa etc..
Routers send out wireless signals—but physical obstructions can still create problems. Even the ground itself can absorb a good amount of your signal. That's why the best practice is to place your router a few feet off the ground, such as on a cabinet, desk or wall mount.
Common symptoms of overheating are:
slower speeds. unreliability. hardware failure. burnt plastic odor.
The symptoms most commonly experienced include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling, and burning sensations) as well as neurasthenic and vegetative symptoms (fatigue, tiredness, concentration difficulties, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitation, and digestive disturbances).
RF-EMF exposure levels from Wi-Fi
Typical exposure levels indoors range between ~2 V/m at 1m and ~5 V/m at half a meter from the Wi-Fi router. Users of outdoor Wi-Fi networks are usually several metres from the devices. Therefore, exposure levels from Wi-Fi outdoors are typically below 1 V/m.
Turning off your WiFi can significantly reduce EMF exposure!
Note: Turning Wi-Fi off when not in use only eliminates wireless exposures while the WiFi is OFF. However, you will still be exposed when the Wi-Fi is ON. Therefore, be aware you are still getting significant exposure when the Wi-Fi is ON.
To measure the Wi-Fi frequency, you need to use a high-frequency meter such as the HF-B3G and the AF-3500 (which also measures low frequency). Once the measurement is done, it is relatively easy to provide protective measures against the EMF in Wi-Fi.
Most of the routers work just fine, working 24 hours, for years. They are designed keeping in mind that they'll be running all the time. So, if you want to keep it running, no problem, if you want to turn it off, still no problem.
Wireless routers are likely to be transmitting a higher power than smart phones, tablets and laptops so I recommend maintaining some distance between the router and where people sit or lie down for long periods. Working with a wireless device too close to the router can have a detrimental affect on performance.
Excessive WiFi exposure is known to be associated with disrupted learning and memory, sleep deprivation, and fatigue related to reduced melatonin secretion and increased norepinephrine secretion at night. However, the use of any screen time is also associated with these changes.