NO POWER = NO INTERNET? Why your Business loses Internet connectivity during a power outage?

Has your business experienced an Internet outage during a power blackout? How can this happen even if you have a backup generator?

This problem is one that has been very common here in Puerto Rico, our market.  Puerto Rico was struck by two hurricanes in the past 6 months, most of the power grid was lost and it's still being reconstructed as of today. Power outages have become frequently common after the hurricane, because the local power grid is still very fragile. 

But the problem of losing Internet or Data connectivity during a power outage is one that is very common through all markets... even when customers have backup generators.

Why? 

All service providers rely on electricity to operate their networks; Fiber, Wireless, DSL, Cable all require power to distribute their services thought their networks.  Routers, Switches, Fiber OLT's, CMTS, Microwave, LTE Base Stations all depend on power to operate.  The way a network is distributed through a geographic area and how power backup systems are built for them contributes greatly on how a network withstands a power outage.  Let's take quick look at some cases:  

Fiber Networks: 

Fiber Optical Line Terminal (OLT) in a Data Room

Most fiber networks use two prevalent technology deployments, Active Fiber and GPON. Both technologies require Fiber Switches and/or Optical Line Terminals (OLT) to be distributed through the area they provide service.  Most providers use data-centers or data-rooms within their coverage area to establish POP's or Points of Presence where most of the customer fiber connections are grouped and connected to the backbone.  Is in this POP's that power backup systems become critical.  Fiber data equipment consume a reasonable amount of power, although most of the POPS have a battery backup system, they last for an average of 2-6 hours. A generator is a must on these locations. 

Cable TV and DSL/Copper based data networks:

DOCSIS Cabinet on a Pole

Both of these types of network are very similar on their layout and power needs. Cable TV based Internet uses a technology called DOCSIS and it requires that the data distribution equipment to be very close to the customer location.  A DOCSIS node usually serves an average of 500 customers and since it requires power, it is prone to power outages.  DOCSIS nodes are usually installed in street or pole cabinets, with limited space for long term backup options and/or  generators.  They usually last between 2-3 hours before shutting down.   

FTTN Cabinet - notice the limited space for batteries.

DSL/Copper networks operate similarly as in order to provide high speed internet and data services, most providers have moved in to a fiber to the node network (FTTN) layout.  FTTN means that a DSL provider puts a cabinet near its customers to be very close to them and provide higher speeds (distance affects directly the capacity and speeds of DSL network).  So very similar to the DOCSIS network, a FTTN network has cabinets within 2000 feet of its customers, serving between 500 and 1000 customer per cabinet.  They suffer from the same limitations as the DOCSIS networks:  almost no space for battery backups and no generators.  When power is gone, the FTTN network will soon follow. 

LTE Rooftop Cell Site 

Fixed Wireless / Microwave / LTE Networks

All three of these networks utilize wireless signals to reach their customers.  The equipment utilized between them varies by type of network or technology used but the concept is very similar.  Customers get their service via a radio enabled network that is usually located in rooftops or in towers.  These facilities can serve from hundreds to thousands customers, so less locations are needed when compared to a DOCSIS or FTTN network. On this locations or sites, the operators have an advantage because most of them have ample space to locate battery back up systems, generators and even solar power systems.   Here the service provider has more control on how long it wants it service to last during a power outage. It will mostly depend on how well a contingency plan is executed. 

Cell Site Generator

After hurricane Maria, some service providers have been working around the clock to ensure that their networks are resilient to power outages that are so common in Puerto Rico.

AeroNet Site with Solar Backup

Even before Hurricane Irma, AeroNet has been in the forefront of limiting its exposure to power outages.  By using extended battery systems, solar power systems and generators, we are able to withstand long power outages that affect your service. 

When choosing an Internet and Data service provider, take in consideration these facts, as they are directly associated with your business operation and continuity during a power outage event.

For more information on AeroNet, It's services, and how we could assist in your Business continuity and disaster recovery plans, call us at 787-273-4143 or please visit our website. 

Follow me on social media for more information on this and other related topics: 

Gino Villarini: Twitter, Instagram