Staying online during a Power Outage
Prerequisites: None
Difficulty Level: Member • Nerd • Platypus
Estimated Time: 30 Minutes
Expected Outcome: Be prepared to stay connected to the internet for a power outage
Tools Required: Uninterruptable Power Supply, Power Banks for Cell Phones, Internet Service, and Preferably a Laptop
Steps to Perform
- If you are using a Laptop you can just purchase power banks for your Cell Phone and use your Mobile Hotspot for internet during a power outage. This will last however long your laptop battery will last.
- If you would like a bit more than your usual battery life, or to keep your full cable internet connection instead of using a hotspot then things do get a bit more tricky.
a. Whether you use a Desktop or a Laptop, if you want more than your laptop's battery life you will need to get a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) like the APC UPS 1500VA UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector. This is basically a Surge Protector with a battery in it.
b. If your computer is near your Modem and Router then you can get by with one of these, if they are in separate parts of the house and you are not using a laptop then you may need 2 UPSs, one for you computer and monitor and the other for your Router and Modem.
c. You just plug everything into it and make sure the battery is connected if you are not having a Nerd install it for you, they come disconnected so they don't drain in the warehouse. Usually this will get you a couple extra hours of usage, during this time you should save your work frequently because the battery will eventually die. These are designed to keep your computer up and running while you save your work and shutdown your computer safely.