Keeping working when the internet goes down
When the broadband drops, card machines, phones and email can all stop with it, but a backup connection can take over on its own.
Most businesses don't realise how much runs over the internet until it stops. Card machines, phones, email, booking systems and shared files can all go at once.
Why it goes down
Broadband can fail for lots of reasons: roadworks cutting a cable, a fault at the exchange, bad weather, a power cut, or a problem with the router itself. Often it isn't anything you can fix, and the repair can take days.
Option 1: a backup connection that takes over on its own
The most reliable fix is a second internet connection that kicks in automatically when the main one drops. For most small businesses, that's a mobile (4G or 5G) connection. When the broadband fails, your network switches to the backup within moments, and switches back when the broadband returns.
Staff often don't notice anything happened. The card machine keeps working.
A few things to know:
- It needs a decent mobile signal at your building. That's worth checking first.
- Mobile data plans have limits, so the backup is best for keeping essentials going rather than large downloads.
- It works best when your network equipment is set up to switch over on its own, rather than someone having to plug something in.
Option 2: a phone hotspot
A phone hotspot can get one or two people online in a pinch. It's better than nothing, but it doesn't help card machines or desk computers on cables, and it relies on someone remembering.
Don't forget power
If the power cuts out, the internet goes too, even if the broadband line is fine. A battery backup (UPS) keeps your router and network running for a short time and lets servers shut down safely instead of crashing.
Questions to ask yourself
- What stops working if the internet goes down right now?
- How long could you manage without it?
- Do you know who to call, and do you have their number written down somewhere that isn't email?
How we can help
We set up backup internet that takes over on its own, and battery backup for your network. If you'd like to stay online through the next outage, email [email protected].