Keeping internet running through a blackout is mostly a small-power problem. A modem and router together typically draw somewhere around 10 to 30 watts, and a laptop adds roughly 30 to 90 watts depending on the model and workload. Those are modest loads. The harder question is whether the internet itself stays up, because your equipment can be powered while the network outside your home is not.
First, Understand What Can Still Fail
A backup battery only protects the part of the chain inside your home. Before you plan around it, know these limits:
- Cable and fiber networks: The neighborhood equipment (nodes, cabinets, optical terminals) needs power. Providers differ in how long their backup lasts, and many do not guarantee service during a long outage. Ask your provider.
- Cell towers: Towers often have battery or generator backup, but it can run out in multi-day events or be overloaded by demand.
- Fiber ONT: Fiber homes often have an indoor box (the ONT) that needs its own power. It may have a small battery of its own, so check yours.
Treat home internet as likely but not certain during an outage, and keep your phone as a hotspot fallback.
What to Power, and Roughly How Much
Check the label or power adapter on each device for its rated watts or volts and amps (multiply them for watts). Typical ranges, which you should replace with your own numbers:
| Device | Typical draw (varies) |
|---|---|
| Modem | ~5–15 W |
| Wi-Fi router / mesh node | ~5–20 W |
| Fiber ONT | ~5–10 W |
| Phone charging | ~10–25 W |
| Laptop | ~30–90 W |
| External monitor | ~15–40 W |
A simple setup of modem, router, one laptop and phone charging might average around 60 to 100 watts. Use your own labels to get a better figure.
Estimating Runtime
- Add up the watts of everything that will run at once.
- Find your power station's capacity in watt-hours (Wh) on its spec sheet.
- Divide capacity by watts, then multiply by about 0.8 to 0.85 to allow for inverter and conversion losses. This is a rule of thumb, not a guarantee.
For example, a 100 W load on a 500 Wh unit gives about 4 to 4.25 hours. Actual results vary with temperature, battery age and load changes. We have not run this setup ourselves, so treat the math as an estimate and confirm specs for your model on the official Jackery site.
Practical Setup Steps
- Label and group: Put the modem, router and any ONT on one power strip so you can move them in one step.
- Check the plug type: Most network gear uses AC adapters, so use the power station's AC outlet. Some routers accept DC input, but only use that if the manufacturer specifies it.
- Allow reboot time: Modems may take several minutes to reconnect after power returns.
- Charge before storms: Top up the battery when a forecast suggests an outage.
- Lower the load: Switch off extra monitors, printers and gaming gear. Use laptop battery first, then recharge it.
- Save a plan B: Know how to enable your phone's hotspot and check your data plan's hotspot limits.
Recommended for youWhat to Power First in a Blackout: Priority List and Wattage BudgetUsing It While Recharging
Some power stations can run devices while they charge from the wall or solar, which helps if power flickers. Support varies by model and use case, so read Can you use a Jackery while it is charging? and confirm details in the manual. Note that a power station is not the same as a dedicated uninterruptible power supply (UPS). If switchover speed matters, check the product's documented specs rather than assuming.
Working From Home in a Blackout
Remote work is realistic if the network holds. Keep the load lean: one laptop, router, modem and phone. Save work often, keep a VPN or company hotspot instructions handy, and tell your employer early if the outage may be long. If your job needs a desktop, large monitors or a server, runtime shortens fast.
Don't Let Work Crowd Out Essentials
Before you spend battery on work, decide what comes first. Our priority list and wattage budget helps you rank loads. If anyone in your home relies on medical equipment, put that first and read How to Keep Medical Devices Running in a Power Outage. Talk to the device maker or a clinician about backup needs, since this guide cannot substitute for that advice.
Tradeoffs to Weigh
- Small vs. large unit: A smaller unit is lighter and cheaper but gives fewer hours. A larger one lasts longer but costs more and weighs more.
- Sharing the battery: Heavy loads like space heaters, window air conditioners or a well pump will drain a battery quickly and may exceed its output limit. Even a gas furnace blower needs checking first.
- Solar recharging: It extends multi-day outages but depends on weather, panel size and compatibility.
Choosing a Model
For internet and a laptop, you generally need modest output but enough capacity for your target hours. Compare capacity (Wh), AC output, and recharge options on the official site, where current specs and pricing are listed. If you are building a wider plan, see How to Build a Home Emergency Power Plan, and for a quieter, simpler choice see Best Jackery for Seniors and Medical Backup. For the bigger picture, read Power Outages & Off-Grid Power: The Problem Solved. If you need a medical-grade load like an oxygen concentrator, check compatibility carefully and consult your provider.
Quick Checklist
- Know your devices' watts.
- Ask your provider about outage service.
- Keep the power station charged.
- Have a phone hotspot as backup.
- Confirm current specs on the official Jackery site before buying.
Keep reading
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