How to Keep Wi‑Fi During a Blackout: Step-by-Step Home Solutions for 2025
Losing internet during blackouts has become as painful for Ukrainians as losing electricity itself. Most often, it’s not the lamp that “disappears” first, but the home Wi‑Fi: the provider’s network may still work, but the router and modem turn off because there’s no power. Is it possible to stay online even in the dark? What solutions do modern technologies offer, and what really works in real-life conditions?
Internet in an apartment isn’t just a cable from your provider. It usually consists of several components:
- Provider’s line this can be fiber optic (fiber), twisted pair copper (ADSL/VDSL), or Ethernet cable.
- ONT or modem a special device that “receives” the signal from the provider (optical terminal for fiber, modem for ADSL, GPON or DOCSIS modem, etc.).
- Router distributes internet via Wi‑Fi or cables throughout your home.
Critical point: all this equipment consumes electricity and shuts down when a blackout occurs. The provider may keep their line active (with UPS and generators at base stations), but you won’t have internet at home if your devices have no power.
Backup Power: How to Stay Online
1. Mini‑UPS for Router and Modem
Mini‑UPS is a small uninterruptible power supply unit made specifically for internet equipment. It works like a power bank, but delivers 9/12/24V, which is needed for a router or ONT, not just USB.
- How it works: plugs in instead of a wall socket; when the power goes out, it instantly switches to battery.
- Run time: usually 2-4 hours (for router or ONT even more if the devices use little power: up to 10W).
- Advantages: compact, easy to use, noiseless.
What you should know:
- Check the parameters: voltage (V) and current (A) must match your device.
- If you have fiber, you need to back up both ONT and router often two devices with different power supplies.
2. Classic UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a device that powers home electronics from its internal battery during an outage.
- What it’s for: modems, routers, laptops, other low-power electronics.
- Capacity: basic models (400-700 VA) can keep a router and ONT running for 2-4 hours, or a laptop and router together for 1-2 hours.
- Professional UPS (online, pure sine wave): needed for powerful computers, servers, or equipment sensitive to power quality.
Term explanations:
- VA (volt-ampere): nominal UPS capacity.
- W (watt): actual power delivered by the device.
- Pure sine wave: the ideal voltage waveform for sensitive electronics.
Tip: for a router and ONT, even an inexpensive model is enough; just don’t plug in high-power devices (heaters, TVs) or the battery will run down in minutes.
3. Power Bank and USB Modems
A power bank can be used if your router or modem supports USB (5V) power. This doesn’t fit most classic routers, but it works for mobile 3G/4G modems.
Internet Via Mobile Network
If your home internet is down but the mobile network works, use your smartphone as a hotspot (“Hotspot”/“Wi‑Fi Access Point” mode).
- Advantage: quick and convenient for connecting a laptop or tablet.
- Limitations: mobile data can run out fast (especially with video streaming, online gaming, downloads).
- Explanation: 4G and 5G networks have power backup at base stations, but with long blackouts, even mobile internet can go down.
Extended Tips for Maximum Autonomy
- Spare batteries: for mini‑UPS, there are replaceable batteries; you can buy several and swap them.
- Solar chargers: for private homes and cottages, you can set up a solar panel system with an inverter to power the internet and basic lighting.
- Power strips and stabilizers: after the power returns, they’ll protect your router from voltage surges.
Important Details and Common Mistakes
- Don’t forget the ONT (optical terminal): in many apartments, internet comes via a separate optical device. If you only power the router and leave the ONT unplugged, you won’t have a connection.
- After a long blackout, you may need to reboot the equipment: devices can freeze or fail to automatically reconnect.
- Check mini‑UPS compatibility with your devices: different brands may use their own connectors or specs.
- Keep your power banks and UPS charged: batteries lose capacity if left uncharged for long periods.
To stay online during a blackout, you need to understand your home’s connection setup and provide backup power for at least the critical devices (ONT, router).
A mini‑UPS is the best solution for most city dwellers; a classic UPS suits those who want backup for a laptop or home PC. A smartphone with mobile internet is the last line of defense if all else fails.
The main thing is to prepare in advance: check your cables and devices, get a compatible UPS, and learn how to switch devices over.
Only a systematic approach guarantees stable internet even when the lights suddenly go out.
About the Author
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