Choose a UPS that supports extended runtime to ensure your router operates smoothly for longer periods.
Choose a UPS that supports extended runtime to ensure your router operates smoothly for longer periods.
A few days back there was a power cut that lasted a while. Later I realized the mobile signals faded away gradually. It made me wonder... What if something went wrong and I lost all contact with the outside? Since my carrier lets me make calls over WiFi, keeping my connection active would give me comfort and some entertainment. I didn’t find any details online about the power usage of my Asus RT-AC3200 router. No one mentioned how much energy it draws, nor did they suggest a suitable UPS for several hours. My fiber box also needs power. Here, outages are uncommon, but it’s interesting to think about what could happen.
Verify your power brick... After that, you can decide based on the power usage. By the way, I believe this one could handle it without issues, though building a 18650 battery pack with charging circuit, voltage regulator and overcurrent protection would be an exciting challenge. (These aspects might look tricky, but they’re simpler than they seem)
Based on the size of the ups, it should remain operational for several hours. The label on the router indicates power consumption (volts multiplied by amps equals watts), and you should add an extra 10% to account for conversion from AC to DC at the outlet. Then you can simply match the rated uptime against the wattage you plan to use. Remember, uptime doesn't increase linearly—so 5 minutes at 500w isn't the same as 10 minutes at 250w.
Initially everything @beersykins mentioned was accurate. I own both Cyber Power and APC models, but I recently swapped my CyberPower unit for an APC one. Most networking UPS devices are compact, typically handling around 400 Watts. For longer uptime, you might consider more robust models like the APC Backup-UPS RS 1350MS. My gaming rig would maintain operation for roughly 15 minutes during a power failure, provided I was just browsing the internet. This was with an older system—just one monitor, modem, and router.
It’s worth noting whether you have internet access during outages, which varies by ISP. Fiber requires the media converter to stay active; utility poles need power too. Cable (Coax) needs its modem powered, and some providers use backup batteries. But if those batteries fail—especially in areas with aging equipment—it can disrupt service. During a prolonged outage, like the 4-day event in February during an ice storm, I relied on T-Mobile coverage. I used my car to charge my phone and external battery pack, and visited stores for warmth. Without heat, hot water was available thanks to gas-powered systems—someone might deserve a Nobel Prize for that innovation.