Does cable internet typically work during a power outage?

[jfall]

Just wondering if cable internet will still function during a power outage, assuming there is a UPS powering the computer/modem?

 

[sjwaste]

I think it would if the modem, your router, and all equipment are on backup power. After all, their VOIP stuff comes w/ a small UPS in the case, right? I assume that's for brownouts.

 

[Jeff7]

Yes, my cable has traditionally stayed on when the power goes out. Of course, good connectivity also depends on the various routers and switches between you and the main Internet uplink at your ISP also having power.
I'll also depend on the nature of the outage. If a pole was hit by a car and the transformer blew out, you should still have cable. If a tree ripped down the lines, well, then probably not.

 

[Kaervak]

As long as the modem has power it will work. If the node you're connected to loses power then it won't work.

 

[Eeezee]

It depends, isn't there basically the equivalent of a giant hub that connects neighborhoods to the cable network? I know my apartment complex had one of these. If it lost power, I don't see how I would stay online.

So long as each piece has power, you'll be able to stay online.

 

[EGGO]

The plane takes off.

I mean. Yes. Yes, if the modem and router is powered then yes. Enjoy your porn during the thunderstorm.

 

[0roo0roo]

yea, depends if the phone companies equipment is on a separate circuit i guess. telephone power seems to stay on during some outages so possibly.

 

[Kelemvor]

Nope. Not TIme Warner. THey don't have any sort of Battery Backup system at all. At least that's what they told me when I called and asked them about it a while back.

SO even though I have a UPS and such in my house running my cable modem, router, etc, none of it would matter because they are too cheap to have a backup system for their own stuff.

 

[Skipholiday]

typically yes from most providers.
Every area is different.
Charter in my little town does well.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: Kelemvor
Nope. Not TIme Warner. THey don't have any sort of Battery Backup system at all. At least that's what they told me when I called and asked them about it a while back.

SO even though I have a UPS and such in my house running my cable modem, router, etc, none of it would matter because they are too cheap to have a backup system for their own stuff.

Whoever told you that is full of it. We had an ice storm a few years ago, and power was out for a couple of days. I had a generator, and my cable was still up.

IIRC, my cable was still up after Hurricane Fran in 1996. That was a fun time.....nobody had generators back then, but I had one because I drag raced. (charge the battery at the track)

So power went out for a week, and I ran off the generator. At night, the neighbors gathered in the street with their flashlights and candles to chit-chat, while me and a few friends had the HT rocking and lights on, fans running, etc.

 

[skyking]

It really depends on the cable provider. Comcast, for example, offers VOIP service and provided for backup power in the network to a larger extent than most. My little cable ISP, the power goes down the cable is down instantly.
The POTS (plain old telephone system ) service has always been backed up since the AT&T days. It is a point of pride that you can get dialtone when you can't ge much else.