Gone are the days when you would lose all access to the internet during load shedding. With premium technology in the internet industry, next-generation connectivity solutions like fibre optics have made it possible to maintain online access, even during power outages.
The main focus of this article then becomes understanding does fibre work during load shedding and if so, what are the factors that make this resilience possible.
Fibre Connectivity & Load Shedding
The basis of fibre internet lies in its technology that uses light pulses to transmit data through glass fibre cables – an operation that is independent of electrical power. This aspect provides the fundamental edge of fibre over traditional copper-cabled internet connections, which rely heavily on electrical power sources.
However, while the transmission of data in a fibre cable is not disrupted during power cuts, it is crucial to understand that other equipment dependent on electricity like the device you use to connect, modems, routers, and servers that the fibre cables connect to, still require an electrical power source to function.
Therefore, the ability of fibre connectivity to work during load shedding is fundamentally dependent on the backup power sources for these accompanying devices. If these devices are not supplied with a backup power source, in such cases, even though the fibre technology itself can run independently of electricity, load shedding can disrupt your fibre internet availability.
How to Maintain Fibre Connectivity During Load Shedding
Ensuring continued fibre internet accessibility during load shedding becomes less of a tech conundrum and more about strategic planning. The question of fibre connectivity during load shedding shifts from, “Does fibre work during load shedding?” to “How can I get my fibre to work during load shedding?”
The answer lies in investing in power backup options for the devices your fibre network relies on. Installing a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for your fibre box and router is a popular solution to retain connectivity during power cuts. UPS can provide continuous power supply to your devices for a few hours, often enough to tide you over short load shedding periods.
Solar-powered routers and modems are gradually becoming popular due to their electricity-free operations. These solutions ensure that network devices critical for fibre connectivity continue operating even when there is a load shedding schedule.
Planning for Power Cuts
Power cuts do not necessarily have to mean complete internet disconnection anymore. The advancements in network technology and power backups have shifted this paradigm significantly. The procedure of keeping your fibre connectivity afloat can be summarized in three steps:
Recognizing that the fibre connectivity itself has a unique ability – being unaffected by electricity power cuts. Implementing regular checks on your setup, such as ensuring the router, modem, and other devices have sufficient battery backup, can ensure minimal disruption. Lastly, being prepared with power backup solutions to fuel these devices during power cuts ensures consistent fibre connectivity.
In conclusion, the narrative around fibre internet and load shedding has evolved, making undisturbed connection during load shedding a reality and not just wishful thinking.
In Conclusion
Fibre internet’s distinct advantage over traditional internet connections is its ability to function independently of electrical power, making it a viable option for internet access even during load shedding. However, maintaining this connection relies on powering the accompanying devices such as modems, routers, and servers using backup power solutions.
In a world where internet connectivity is of utmost importance, investing in a high-speed, reliable fibre connection and having backup power for your devices only seems logical. As your guide to the digital frontier, we invite you to enjoy uninterrupted fibre connectivity, irrespective of power cuts. Reach out to us to learn more about our fibre solutions and let us assist you in preparing for the inevitable load shedding effectively.
