Outage planning guides
Router and Internet Backup
Keeping a router powered can be one of the cheapest outage wins, but service still depends on provider equipment beyond your home.
Use this guide when the main goal is staying connected for alerts, work, school, smart home access, or communication.
Suggested loads
| Load | Watts | Priority | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi router | 8-20 watts | critical | Actual draw varies by model, Wi-Fi standard, and traffic. |
| Cable modem or ONT | 8-25 watts | critical | Fiber homes may need an optical network terminal powered too. |
| Mesh node | 8-20 watts each | useful | Power only the nodes needed for the rooms in use. |
| Phone hotspot | 5-15 watts | useful | Cellular backup can help if wired internet goes down. |
| Desktop computer | 100-400 watts | optional | A laptop is usually much more efficient during an outage. |
Planning steps
- Identify every device required between the wall connection and Wi-Fi.
- Add their watts together for total network load.
- Choose UPS runtime for short outages or battery station runtime for longer events.
- Test whether internet service continues during a local outage.
- Keep a cellular hotspot option available for broader outages.
Example plan
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Estimated energy
- 250-700 Wh for modem, router, one mesh node, and phone charging
- Battery note
- A small UPS or power station can run network gear for hours because the total load is usually modest.
- Generator note
- A generator is rarely needed just for internet equipment, but it can recharge batteries during longer home outages.
- Solar note
- A small solar panel can help recharge network batteries in daylight, but connectivity may still depend on provider infrastructure.
Mistakes to avoid
- Powering the router but forgetting the modem or fiber terminal.
- Assuming every mesh node must stay on.
- Using a high-power desktop when a phone or laptop would meet the need.
- Counting on home internet without testing outage behavior.
Safety and limits
- Use compatible power supplies and avoid improvised DC wiring.
- Do not overload small UPS units with unrelated appliances.
- Backup power improves local equipment runtime but cannot guarantee internet service.
FAQ
How long can a UPS run a router?
Runtime depends on UPS battery size and total network watts. A low-watt router and modem may run for several hours on some units.
Why is my router on but internet still down?
The provider network, neighborhood equipment, or fiber terminal may also need power. Local router backup cannot control those upstream systems.
Related calculators
UPS Runtime CalculatorEstimate UPS runtime for routers, computers, NAS devices, and other small electronics.Portable Power Station Runtime CalculatorEstimate how long a portable power station can run a load after efficiency losses and reserve.Home Outage Backup PlannerPlan 24, 48, or 72 hour backup needs for critical home loads using battery and generator estimates.Solar Panel Charging Time CalculatorEstimate solar charging time from battery size, charge target, panel watts, sun hours, and system efficiency.