When the power goes off, your internet usually goes with it. Usually it isn't the fibre line or the tower that stops working. It's the router and fibre box in your home, because they need mains electricity. Here's how to keep them running, and what to check before you buy.
What actually needs power
A typical home fibre connection has two boxes: the fibre box (ONT), where the fibre cable comes into your home, and the Wi-Fi router. Some providers combine them into one. Both run from small power adapters plugged into the wall. If either one loses power, your Wi-Fi drops. Wireless (LTE or 5G) routers need power too.
Option 1: a mini UPS for your router
A mini UPS sits between the router's power supply and the router. While the power is on, it charges its battery. When the power goes off, it switches over automatically, so the router keeps running.
Before you buy one, check three things:
- Voltage. Look at the label on your router's power adapter. Most routers use 9V or 12V, and the UPS must supply the same.
- Connector. The plug that goes into the router must fit.
- How many boxes. If you have a separate fibre box and router, you need a UPS that can power both, or one for each.
How long will it last? Here's a rough calculation. A 5,200mAh battery stores around 19 watt-hours. A router and fibre box together often use 10 to 15 watts. After conversion losses, that works out to roughly one to one and a half hours. A router on its own lasts longer. Your adapter's label tells you its maximum power: volts × amps = watts.
The Volkano Mini UPS 5200mAh is built for exactly this. If you're not sure it suits your router, WhatsApp us a photo of your router's power adapter and we'll check.
Option 2: a power station for longer outages
A portable power station holds far more energy than a mini UPS, so it's useful for charging phones, tablets and lamps through a long outage, or for camping. The COYE 60,000mAh power station has a 180Wh battery, built-in charging cables and a lamp. Check its outputs against the devices you want to power before you rely on it for a router.
Don't forget surge protection
Power often returns with a spike, and that spike can damage routers and chargers. A high-surge network adaptor protects your router's power supply. For two devices, use the 2-way router adaptor. Surge protectors don't keep anything running, so pair them with a UPS.
Light for the outage
A 100W solar floodlight charges during the day and lights your yard or driveway at night without using grid power. Mount the panel where it gets direct sun.
Quick checklist
- Check your router's adapter label: volts, connector, and watts.
- Count your boxes: fibre box and router, or one combined unit.
- Add surge protection for when the power comes back.
- Charge your UPS or power station fully before the next outage.
See all of this together on our load shedding setup, or ask us if you're unsure what fits your router.