Why Do Power Outages Affect My Internet, Cable and Phone?
NOTE: To check outages in your area go to the System Status page in MyAccount.
In our increasingly digital world, internet connectivity (along with cable TV and home phone service) is often taken for granted—until a power outage disrupts it. Many assume that fiber optic infrastructure, known for its reliability and speed, should be immune to such disruptions. However, the reality is more nuanced. Let’s look into why fiber-based services can be affected when the power goes out.
How a Fiber Optic Network Works
Fiber optic cables transmit data using pulses of light through thin strands of glass or plastic. This technology allows for much faster and more reliable internet connections compared to traditional copper wire networks. Fiber optic lines are less prone to interference and can carry more data over longer distances without degradation.
External Power, Battery Backup and Generators
Despite its resilience and efficiency, fiber optic internet infrastructure still relies on external power sources (the power companies) to operate effectively. But when there’s a power outage, the availability of fiber-based services can be affected for several reasons.
- Power for Network Equipment: Service Electric’s fiber optic networks include active components such as routers, switches, and amplifiers that require electricity to function. These devices manage the transmission of data signals throughout the network. Without power, signal amplifiers along the fiber route can cease to function, leading to signal degradation or loss over long distances.
- Powering Distribution Nodes: Service Electric’s fiber optic networks have distribution nodes placed strategically throughout an area to relay signals. These nodes also require electricity to operate. If distribution nodes lose power, it can interrupt the flow of data to and from specific neighborhoods or areas.
- Battery Backup: Service Electric’s distribution nodes and network equipment have battery backups that can keep them operational for a limited time during a power outage. If the power outage lasts longer than the life of the battery backup, network equipment will cease operating. Battery backup is designed to maintain service temporarily rather than indefinitely. Severe or prolonged outages can still disrupt fiber-based services despite having these precautions in place.
- Central Offices: At the heart of any fiber optic network are central offices where data traffic is managed and routed. These facilities need continuous power to keep the network operational. All of Service Electric’s critical facilities, like our central offices, have generators to provide longer-term power in case of extended outages.
Conclusion
While fiber optic networks are renowned for their reliability and speed, dependency on external power (provided by the power companies) means that they are not immune to the effects of power outages. The infrastructure supporting fiber networks—comprising active components and centralized management—requires continuous electricity to function optimally. Until widespread backup power solutions become more robust or power delivery methods evolve, occasional interruptions due to power outages remain a reality for fiber-based internet, cable and home phone users. These outages are unfortunately out of our control.
As our customers’ dependence on digital connectivity grows, Service Electric is constantly updating and improving our systems to better prepare for and manage disruptions when they occur.