Will My Internet Work During a Power Outage? Fiber vs. Cable Explained
The lights flicker and the power goes out. Is my internet still going to work?
Whether your internet will work during a power outage partly depends on if your internet service provider’s network and your home equipment have an appropriate backup power source.
When you lose your internet connection during a power outage, it doesn’t always mean the network has gone down. Your home’s WiFi equipment will stop working when you lose power, but your internet service provider’s network can continue operating if its critical infrastructure has backup power. And if your home equipment is connected to a generator or UPS (uninterruptible power supply), you may still be able to stay online during a power outage.
To help explain what to expect from your internet service during a power outage, let’slook at the differences between fiber and cable internet.
Fiber vs. Cable Internet: Which Is Better During a Power Outage?
Neither fiber nor cable internet is completely immune to power outages. However, fiber and cable have different network infrastructure that can affect how they hold up during power outages and bad weather.
Fiber-optic cables transmit data as light through glass, so the fiber itself doesn’t conduct electricity. Fiber is therefore less affected by electrical interference and lightning surges than copper cablelines. Where fiber is buried underground, it's also protected from wind, ice, and fallen tree damage.
Cable internet relies on coaxial copper lines and powered equipment like amplifiers and nodes throughout the network. Thisequipment might have backup batteries, but the duration of the backup power varies. That means during a prolonged outage, the equipment can lose power and any backup power source you have for your home won’tmatter because the cable internet provider’s network is dark.
How to Keep Your Fiber Internet Working During a Power Outage
It’s important to remember that, with both fiber and cable internet, your home WiFiequipment needs power to operate. That’s why having a backup power source can help keep you connected during a power outage.
A little preparation goes a long way. Before the lights go out, get your internet ready for a power outage:
- Plug your ONT and Gateway into surge protectors rated for storm protection.
- Consider adding a UPS that’ssized for several hours of runtime
- Consider getting a home generator, which can provide backup power for an extended power outage
What to Do if Your Fiber Internet is Down After a Power Outage
Sometimes your internet service might not immediately return when your power comes back on. If your power is back on but your fiber internet service isn’t working, try rebooting your equipment to restore service.
Fidium customers can follow these steps if your power is on but your service hasn’t returned:
- Locate your ONT: The ONT is commonly located next to your utility panel or your Gateway. It's important not to tamper with the fiber optic cable. Only use the reset button if directed by Fidium Support.
- Reboot your ONT: Turn off the device using the power button. Unplug the power cable for 15 seconds. Then, plug it back in and turn it back on. Once booted up, the lights on the front will indicate network search and device communication.
- Locate your Gateway: Your Gateway is commonly found near the entry point of the cable from the outside of your home or near a wired device, like a smart TV.
- Reboot your Gateway: Locate the power cord at the back of the device. Simply unplug it to begin the reboot process. Wait at least 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Only use the reset button if directed by Fidium Support.
Look for the setup light to flash blue as it boots up. After start-up, the blue light will go out. You might also see a temporary green light indicating network connection and updates. This process may take up to 15 minutes. Once the front light remains off, your gateway is ready to use. - Check network connections: After rebooting your devices, ensure that all ethernet connections are secure. Check both ends of each cable to confirm they are firmly in place.
Stay Connected During a Power Outage with Fidium Fiber
Fiber internet has advantages when it comes to staying connected during a power outage.
At Fidium, we take proactive steps such as fueling generators, staging supplies, installing flood gates on key facilities, and preparing backup resources to mitigate interruptions to our customers’ service during bad weather and power outages.
Learn more about the benefits of fiber internet service with Fidium at FidiumFiber.com.
FAQs
Is fiber internet more reliable than cable during bad weather?
Generally, yes. Fiber is less affected by electrical interference and lightning surgesthan copper cable lines. Where fiber is buried underground, it's also protected from wind, ice, and fallen tree damage. Keep in mind that any internet service will go down if your home loses power, regardless of connection type, because your WiFi equipment requires power to operate.
Does fiber internet work without electricity?
While fiber transmits data using light, your fiberinternet connection stillrequires electricity to power the ONT and router. Having a generator or UPSfor your home can keep your equipment working during a power outage.
Does cable internet work without electricity?
A cable modem and router need electricity to operate. Whether the cable internet provider’s network stays operational depends on its infrastructure and backup power systems.
Will WiFi work during a power outage?
WiFi will only work if your home equipment has a power source, such as a generator or UPS. Your internet service provider’s network also has to be operational for you to access the internet.
Is it safe to use fiber internet during a storm?
Yes. Fiber-optic cables carry data as light through glass, so unlike copper cable lines, they don't conduct electricity and are far less vulnerable to lightning-related surges. Still, use surge protectors on your ONT, Gateway, and connected devices to guard against power-line surges coming through your home's wiring.