FAQ: Home Router, Modem & Internet Backup with a Lithium Battery UPS
Last updated 2026-08-25
A power cut usually means your internet goes down too, even though the fiber line itself still works. This FAQ explains why a small Lithium Battery UPS keeps your home network online, how long it can last, and what it means for remote work, security cameras and smart-home devices.
1. Why does my internet die when the power goes out?
Your router, fiber modem (ONT), switch, and network-attached storage (NAS) all run on mains power. When the power cuts, these devices shut down instantly, so even if the fiber connection stays physically intact, there is no signal inside your home. A UPS supplies battery power to these devices, keeping your network alive through the outage.
2. How small a UPS do I need for my home network?
Very small. A router, fiber modem, and a switch typically draw only about 20–40 watts combined. The High Idea Power ET1K is rated at 1000 VA / 800 W and carries an internal 36 V 15 Ah lithium battery — far more than enough to power a router, ONT, and NAS together. The extra headroom also lets you add a few more devices later without buying a new UPS.
3. How long can it keep my network running?
Because network gear uses so little power, a lithium UPS lasts surprisingly long. As a rough guide, divide the stored energy by the load: with the ET1K’s battery and a 20–40 W network load, you can expect several hours of runtime — enough to ride through most short outages and even a full evening blackout. If you only power the router and modem, the runtime stretches even further.
4. What equipment should I plug into the UPS?
Plug in the router, fiber modem/ONT, network switch, and, if you have one, the NAS or small home server. Keep the UPS near the devices so the cables are short. Do not plug in heaters, kettles, or other high-power appliances — the UPS is sized for low-power network equipment, not for big heaters.
5. Why does an internet connection matter so much during an outage?
Most of us now depend on the internet for work, communication, and daily life. A UPS lets you keep working remotely, check live security-camera feeds, and keep smart-home devices such as door locks and thermostats responding during a blackout. Without it, a short power cut turns into a complete disconnect from work and home monitoring.
6. Does the UPS recover automatically when power returns?
Yes. The High Idea Power Lithium Battery UPS recharges its battery automatically when the mains comes back, and the connected devices power up normally. You do not need to unplug or reset anything. Because the ET1K is designed for long, quiet, maintenance-free use, it can be left plugged in continuously.
7. Can the same UPS protect my home office equipment too?
Yes. At 1000 VA / 800 W, the ET1K can also cover a desktop computer or a laptop dock along with the network gear in many home offices. Check the combined wattage of your devices first, and remember that the real-power limit is 800 W. If your office setup draws more, consider a larger model from the High Idea Power ET series.