# Wi-Fi Risks and mitigation strategies

Practical advise.

# Why choose ethernet over Wi-Fi

For just about **€8–€10**, you can buy a good Ethernet cable that:

- Provides stable, high-speed connections  
- Eliminates or greatly reduces any potential Wi-Fi risks

Personally, I’m **not willing to wait for the science to fully settle**-taking precautionary action makes sense.

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## Key recommendations

- **Disable Wi-Fi on your router** when using wired connections  
- Connect critical devices (PC, laptop) via Ethernet

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## Benefits of wired networking

- **Security:** fewer hacking attempts and less packet sniffing  
- **Performance:** stable, full-speed internet without drops  
- **Health:** potential reduction in RF exposure, especially from 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi  
- **Professional setup:** more reliable and controlled network environment

## 1. Potential health risks

Studies, including a 2018 review [1] and [2], suggest that prolonged exposure to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi may be associated with:

- Reproductive system effects
- Impacts on brain function
- Adverse effects on learning and behavior

> 1. Note: The evidence is not universally conclusive, but over 100 studies have reported similar findings, making it reasonable to take precautionary measures.

Key point: Exposure risk depends heavily on signal strength and proximity.

> 2. Repeated Wi-Fi studies show that Wi-Fi causes oxidative stress, sperm/testicular damage, neuropsychiatric effects including EEG changes, apoptosis, cellular DNA damage, endocrine changes, and calcium overload. 
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## 2. Factors Affecting Exposure

- Frequency:  
  - 2.4 GHz penetrates walls easily → higher exposure in living areas  
  - 5 GHz has shorter range, slightly less penetration, but still emits RF  

- Distance from source:  
  - Wi-Fi strength drops sharply with distance  
  - Devices close to the router receive higher exposure  

- Device usage:  
  - Continuous, high-data Wi-Fi use increases cumulative exposure  
  - Passive devices (standby, background scanning) contribute less, but still add up

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## 3. Mitigation strategies

### Wired Networking
- Use Ethernet cables for desktops, laptops, and media devices  
- Benefits:  
  - Eliminates personal Wi-Fi exposure  
  - Provides faster and more stable connections  
  - Reduces latency and packet loss  
  - Feels more professional and controlled

### Selective Wi-Fi Usage
- Keep Wi-Fi off when not needed  
- Enable Wi-Fi only for mobile devices like phones or tablets  
- Position routers away from bedrooms or workspaces

### Minimize Device Emissions
- Use wired peripherals (mouse, keyboard, printers) when possible  
- Reduce always-on Wi-Fi devices in the home  
- Avoid placing devices directly on your body during use

### Environmental Considerations
- Thick walls, metal objects, and distance reduce exposure from neighbors’ Wi-Fi  
- Even weak signals contribute minimally to total exposure

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## 4. Practical Recommendations

1. Connect your PC via Ethernet and disable Wi-Fi on the router!
2. Measure speed via cable to confirm full line utilization  
3. Use short, high-quality cables (Cat6/Cat6a or better, 100% copper)  
4. Enable Wi-Fi only for mobile devices when needed  
5. Keep your sleep and work areas free from active Wi-Fi devices

> By combining wired connections and controlled Wi-Fi use, you maximize performance and minimize potential RF exposure, aligning both with technical and health-conscious goals.


[1] https://www.wirelesseducationaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/WilkeWi-Fi2018.pdf

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573716/