Michelle Anguka
We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a virtual meeting and suddenly the Wi-Fi or power cuts out. Wi-Fi or power outages are nothing new, but in the era of remote work they can add significant stress to your workday. Having a backup plan can help keep your work running smoothly while also minimizing headaches. Here are three ways to stay online during a power or Wi-Fi outage.
1. Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS
If you’re not a tech person, this may sound more complicated than it really is, but it’s simpler than it sounds. A UPS is an electrical device that provides back-up power in the event of a power outage. Not only does a UPS help prevent damage to your electronic devices, but its built-in battery also provides power to keep electronic devices like laptops running temporarily, depending on battery size. Connect your Wi-Fi router to the UPS and you can also maintain Wi-Fi services during an outage. UPS devices are a low cost and reliable alternative to more expensive devices like generators.
2. Consider Investing in a Portable Power Station
Many of us have portable power chargers for our cell phones, but did you know there are portable power stations that can charge larger devices, too? A portable power station is a battery-powered device that has enough power to charge larger electronic devices like computers, lamps and even small appliances. Think of it as your portable phone charger but bigger and more powerful.
3. Turn your Phone into a Wi-Fi Hotspot
If you ever find yourself in a situation where your Wi-Fi connection is down, chances are your smartphone can help. Wi-Fi hotspots allow you to share your cell phone data with other devices like laptops or tablets. Most major cellphone carriers offer hotspot capabilities. One thing to keep in mind is that using your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot will use up your cell phone data and significantly cut into your phone’s battery life.
