Need help on UPS just for Modem & Router

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

Hello everyone. I need help on finding the right UPS to provide standby power for at least 48 hrs to my modem and router (If it's even possible). I have a house in Pennsylvania that I want to monitor via internet. During winter, we have had power outages that last 2 days or more. I know the power on the modem and router will come back once power is restored but usually, the router is initialized first before the modem. This results in router not getting IP from the ISP. I would hate going to the house just to restart them. Thanks in advance....

voidstar_apc · ‎2021-06-29

Here's the runtime chart for SmartUPSes: [Runtime Chart|http://www.apcc.com/products/runtime_for_extendedruntime.cfm?upsfamily=165]

My cable modem is labeled as requiring a maximum of 18W and my router's power brick says it requires a maximum of 26W. So a conservative worst case power requirement for my setup is 44W. The runtime chart starts at 50W and seems to indicate that I'll need some extended run batteries to get 48 hours of runtime.

Most people who require this much runtime use a generator. The UPS keeps the power up until the generator kicks in.

At one point I had my cable modem and router on a UPS, but I stopped when I realized the cable infrastructure in my area usually goes down during a blackout. You may want to check if the same is true for your house.

Additionally, it seems like the real problem is your routing not getting an IP when initialized before the modem. Routers attempting to get an IP through DHCP should retry until they succeed. You may want to try another router (my favorite is Buffalo Technology's WHR-HP-g54) or talk to your neighbors to see if it's an issue with your router. Another possibility is the cable modem or the cable service doing something funky.

An indirect solution to this is to have the router turn on well after the modem. Some [APC AV UPSes|http://www.apc.com/products/apcav/products/index.cfm?action=model&id=310] can sequence devices on.

See Answer In Context

BillP · ‎2021-06-29

I would think any APC 1500 (850watt ) should be able to keep the router and modem powered up for that lengh of time.

Look at your equipment and total the wattage of the two units. Use that as a guide line. That is all you wish to keep alive

voidstar_apc · ‎2021-06-29

Here's the runtime chart for SmartUPSes: [Runtime Chart|http://www.apcc.com/products/runtime_for_extendedruntime.cfm?upsfamily=165]

My cable modem is labeled as requiring a maximum of 18W and my router's power brick says it requires a maximum of 26W. So a conservative worst case power requirement for my setup is 44W. The runtime chart starts at 50W and seems to indicate that I'll need some extended run batteries to get 48 hours of runtime.

Most people who require this much runtime use a generator. The UPS keeps the power up until the generator kicks in.

At one point I had my cable modem and router on a UPS, but I stopped when I realized the cable infrastructure in my area usually goes down during a blackout. You may want to check if the same is true for your house.

Additionally, it seems like the real problem is your routing not getting an IP when initialized before the modem. Routers attempting to get an IP through DHCP should retry until they succeed. You may want to try another router (my favorite is Buffalo Technology's WHR-HP-g54) or talk to your neighbors to see if it's an issue with your router. Another possibility is the cable modem or the cable service doing something funky.

An indirect solution to this is to have the router turn on well after the modem. Some [APC AV UPSes|http://www.apc.com/products/apcav/products/index.cfm?action=model&id=310] can sequence devices on.

Stewered12 · ‎2023-03-03

If you need VPN security but you're tired of installing one on every device in your home or small office, maybe it's time to add mobile prepared one to your router. Router VPNs protect any device connecting through them.