No Power = No Internet?
By Gino Villarini, Founder & CEO | April 23, 2018
You’re not alone if your business has lost Internet during a blackout, even with a generator. This issue is common throughout Puerto Rico and many other markets.
In the last six months, Puerto Rico was hit by two hurricanes. The power grid was devastated and is still under repair. As a result, power outages are more frequent, and when the power goes out, so does the Internet.
Even if your business has backup power, you can still lose connectivity. Here’s why:
Every internet provider requires electricity to power its network. Data cannot flow without power through fiber, wireless, DSL, or cable. Electric power depends on routers, switches, fiber terminals, microwave radios, and LTE towers. However, the construction of these systems, their locations, and the deployment of backups can significantly impact performance during an outage. Let’s break it down:
Most fiber networks utilize GPON or Active Fiber. These configurations depend on OLTs (Optical Line Terminals) and fiber switches in Points of Presence (POPs). These POPs are small data centers that consolidate customer connections and link them to the Internet backbone.
Typically, these POPs have battery backups that last only 2 to 6 hours. Without generators, connectivity can be disrupted shortly after a power outage. Your service will be interrupted if a provider lacks backup power at every POP.
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Cable Internet uses DOCSIS technology, while DSL relies on copper lines. Both require powered cabinets situated near your location. A single DOCSIS node can serve up to 500 customers, whereas a DSL FTTN (Fiber to the Node) cabinet can accommodate as many as 1,000.
These street cabinets often lack space for large batteries or generators. Without power, they last only 2 to 3 hours, resulting in a loss of Internet access.
These systems transmit the Internet wirelessly. Towers or rooftop radios connect to your equipment. Fewer sites are required, and they often serve thousands of users.
This arrangement gives providers an advantage—more space for batteries, solar panels, and generators. With appropriate contingency plans, service can continue for days without grid power.
After Hurricane Maria, we prioritized resilience. Even before Irma, AeroNet invested in long-term backup power for its entire wireless and fiber network. Today, AeroNet keeps your business connected with:
• Extended-life batteries
• Solar energy systems
• Permanent generators at core sites
We’re not just your Internet provider but your business continuity partner.
When selecting an Internet provider, don’t just compare speeds; ask how they power their network. Your business relies on it.
Want to learn more? Call us at 787-273-4143 or visit www.aeronetpr.com.
Let’s connect... Rain or shine.
