Stage 4 load shedding hits. Your squad is one kill away from clutching the win... and then, darkness. Your Wi-Fi is dead. Your Discord goes silent. The rage is real. 😡 But it doesn't have to be this way. With the right load shedding-ready gear, you can keep your internet running smoothly through any outage. This guide will show you exactly what you need for truly uninterrupted internet, keeping you online when it matters most.

Understanding Why Your Internet Drops During Load Shedding

It seems obvious—the power goes out, so things switch off. But with fibre internet, it's a little more specific. Your internet connection relies on two small but crucial devices:

  1. The ONT/CPE: This is the little box the fibre optic cable plugs into, converting light signals into an internet connection.
  2. Your Wi-Fi Router: This device takes that internet signal and broadcasts it wirelessly throughout your home.

Both need constant power. When Eskom flips the switch, they go dark, and your connection is severed, even if the fibre line itself is still live. The solution is simple: give them a dedicated power source.

Building Your Load Shedding Internet Survival Kit ⚡

Getting the right load shedding-ready gear is easier and more affordable than you think. You don't need a massive, noisy generator; you just need a couple of smart components to keep your network alive.

The Core Component: A Mini DC UPS

Forget those bulky UPS units designed for PCs. For your router and ONT, a Mini DC Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is the perfect tool. It's essentially a specialised power bank designed to keep low-power devices like routers running for hours. It provides direct DC power, which is far more efficient than converting power from a big AC UPS.

This is the single most important piece of hardware for ensuring you have uninterrupted internet during power cuts. Many models even come with multiple voltage outputs and splitter cables to power both your ONT and router simultaneously from one unit.

TIP

Check Your Voltage! 🔌

Before buying a Mini UPS, check the power adapters for your router and ONT. Look for the voltage (V) and amperage (A) ratings printed on them—it's usually 9V or 12V. Ensure the Mini UPS you choose supports the correct voltage for your devices to avoid any damage.

Optimising Your Router Setup

While a Mini UPS will keep any router online, an outage is a terrible time to discover your Wi-Fi signal is weak in your gaming room. If you're already investing in your network's resilience, consider if a router upgrade could improve your overall experience. With powerful and reliable hardware from well-known names like TP-Link, you can ensure your connection is not only on, but also fast and stable. For those seeking excellent performance without breaking the bank, there are also fantastic, value-packed options from brands like Cudy.

For the Ultimate Connection: Go Wired

For competitive gamers, Wi-Fi will always be second best to a hard-wired connection. Wireless signals are prone to interference, which can cause latency spikes... the last thing you need during a ranked match. If your gaming rig is close enough to your router, using a LAN cable is a no-brainer. A stable wired networking setup combined with a Mini UPS is the ultimate combination for low-latency, uninterrupted gaming, load shedding or not. ��

Don't Let Eskom End Your Game Stop letting power cuts dictate your online time. Equip yourself with the right networking hardware and stay connected through every stage of load shedding. Browse our full range of wireless networking gear and take back control of your internet.