After the missile attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine, massive power, internet, and mobile communications outages began.

In general, the following are the main causes of communication problems:

1. Network overload due to increased traffic;

2. Discharge of backup batteries at base stations.

In the previous article, we told you how to find a facility with a generator in your city during power outages.

How to stay connected during long power outages?

Staying connected even during large-scale blackouts is possible thanks to xPON technology.

xPON is an efficient and resilient fiber-optic technology that can provide stable Internet access for a long time even in the absence of electricity. 

In Ukraine, a map of providers has been launched that shows Internet connection options that can operate without power for up to 72 hours. On this map, you can see the provider in a particular building that can provide Internet access from 4 to 72 hours during power outages. The map itself was launched at the end of last year, but at first it was available for providers in Kyiv, Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa regions, and now it is available for the whole of Ukraine.

In addition, to stay connected, you should buy a powerful power bank or other uninterruptible power supply. To use the mobile Internet, you should have an external antenna and a mobile 4G router. And to use the Internet from an xPON provider, you need a rechargeable battery or an uninterruptible power supply for the optical receiver and router.

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What technologies provide uninterrupted Internet access during blackouts?

The following technologies provide access to the Internet without light:

1. xPON (Internet access without power for up to 72 hours) - the most modern energy-saving technology that does not require significant costs to maintain networks during blackouts;

2. FTTx (Internet access without power for 4-8 hours) is the most common technology, powered by batteries and generators;

3. DOCSIS (Internet access without power for 4-8 hours) - Internet transmission through television cables;

4. xDSL (access to the Internet without power for 4-8 hours) - Internet transmission through television cables.

When choosing a provider, it is worth clarifying whether the company uses energy-saving networks and how many hours it can maintain an uninterrupted Internet connection during a power outage. If the provider does not work with the above technologies, it is better to apply for a connection to another operator.

How can I ensure communication and Internet connection at home on my own? 

To stay online during a blackout and avoid stress, you should do the following in advance:

1. Buy an external antenna and a mobile 4G router. These devices will allow you to use the mobile Internet without losing speed;

2. If your provider provides the Internet via xPON technology or if you have an optical cable in your apartment, install an uninterruptible power supply for the optical receiver and router;

3. Buy a power bank with enough capacity to charge all your gadgets.

It should be noted that there are providers that can provide uninterrupted Internet with the help of their subscribers.

For example, if you have one or more 12 V and 7-18 Ah AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), LiFePo4 (lithium iron phosphate), Li-Ion (lithium ion) or Li-Po (lithium polymer) batteries with a balancer and you can provide them for temporary use, you will help not only yourself but also your neighbors with power backup for your Internet equipment.

The company will connect them to the switches, and the equipment will be able to work in the absence of electricity for up to 4 hours. Ask your provider about such opportunities.

We remind you! Installing a solar station will ensure energy independence, reduce electricity costs, and provide backup power in case of outages. Read more about prices, types of stations, and other important details.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Darya Rogova is the head of the Visit Ukraine insurance department

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