How to Keep Internet Working During a Blackout
Internet backup is one of the best uses for a small power station or UPS. It is cheap compared with appliance backup, and it can make an outage much less disruptive.
Three setups
UPS only
Best for short blips and instant switchover.
Power station only
Best for longer runtime if a reboot is acceptable.
UPS + power station
Best for work-from-home reliability: the UPS bridges the outage while the power station provides longer runtime.
Test before you need it
Plug in the modem and router, note the watt draw, and run a short test. Do this before a storm, not during one.
Internet backup setup map
Your internet equipment usually has two parts: the modem or gateway from the provider, and the Wi-Fi router or mesh system. Both need power. If either one goes down, the house may look connected but have no actual internet.
| Setup | Best for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| UPS only | Short blips and instant switchover | Limited runtime. |
| Power station only | Longer outages | Some stations do not switch instantly. |
| UPS plugged into power station | Work-from-home reliability | More equipment and some efficiency loss. |
How to test your router runtime
Charge the backup unit, plug in only the modem and router, and let the setup run for an hour while you are home. Note the watt draw and battery percentage drop. That simple test is more useful than guessing from a spec sheet.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not forget the fiber ONT or cable modem. Do not assume cellular service will be normal after a storm. Do not plug the TV, game console, or desktop PC into the same small backup unless internet runtime is no longer the priority.