Intermittent internet connection issues, would an UPS unit help at all?

[KingGheedora]

We have a new office and some networking equipment in the closet.

DOCSIS 3.0 Cable modem, 2 routers (1 for VoIP phones, 1 for VPN tunnel/PC traffic), 24-port switch, and a phone landline (some conversion box that converts plain old phone line signal to go over cable). In the same closet there is also a fridge, a microwave, and a printer/scanner/fax.

The whole setup was working fine for a couple of weeks, but starting Friday it became intermittent. Rebooting the cable modem sometimes solves it but the next morning the problems start back up again.

Time warner is looking into the problem but I was also wondering if getting a UPS would help at all with this setup? I'm not sure if it's possible that the problem might be related to not getting a clean power signal. Should I get one UPS to serve the power strip that the network and phone devices are plugged into? The microwave, mini-fridge, and printer are plugged into a separate power strip, on a separate electric outlet.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

A UPS is a good idea to have on your network equipment, but its very unlikely to be the issue. Most likely its poor signal quality reaching the cable modem. Time warner doesnt like to admit responsibility in this regard so it may take some coaxing

 

[KingGheedora]

OK, can i just pick up any UPS from Best Buy or is there a process I should follow for picking out a model? I'm can verify this, but I'm pretty sure total power usage is under 100W for all the equipment combined.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Im partial to APC myself, but thats just an opinion. You dont need anything large, I like the newer APC with the displays that show draw and runtime etc but thats just the geek in me

 

[ecom]

A UPS can clean up the power supply but it may not kick in until perhaps +/- 5%. Some or most have some kind of EMI filtering but better surge protectors have this also.

An online UPS would clean the power much better but those are expensive and thus not typical for home use.

Separating all those devices such as the fridge and microwave may not help if they are on the same circuit. Nearby outlets are likely on the same circuit.

I have DSL and my personal experience was that my modem would loose connection occasionally when I turned on my light which has these new fangled CFL bulbs. I put it on the UPS and that issue did go away. My issue only occurred about once or twice a month -- your results may vary.

 

[seepy83]

Time warner doesnt like to admit responsibility in this regard so it may take some coaxing

It might even take some co-axing :awe: