How to make GPON work without power?

Today's article will explain why GPON works without power and how to power your equipment (optical terminal and router). We will provide practical and useful tips for our clients. 

Why does GPON work without power? 

GPON, like other Internet technologies, requires power. However, not all devices require electricity all the way from the provider's equipment to the client's. The fiber optic cables that carry the data are passive components and do not require power to transmit the light signals that have the data.

BRIZ provides a backup power supply for its GPON equipment, so if a customer has an uninterruptible power supply, the Internet will work even during blackout. 

We want to note that in case of a power outage, you need to power up the router and the optical terminal by yourself.

Recommendations for powering equipment

Before you connect your equipment to the UPS, you need to understand what might be in your apartment or house. Most customers may have an optical terminal, which looks like a white square device with three ports: SFP (optics), LAN (copper cable that goes to the router) and DC (power cable).
 

Telstream ONU 801 optical terminal

Sometimes optical terminals may have a separate port for transmitting a cable TV signal, in which case they will look like this:

 

ONU X2011ZR optical terminal

If the power goes out, you will be able to run the ONU:

• by the power bank;
• by a 12v battery;
• by an inverter and a car battery;
• by a charging station;
• by the generator.

Pay attention! The optical terminal requires 12V 0.5A to be powered by a Powerbank, batteries, or UPS. The power supply must be connected via adapters.

To power the router, you also need a separate cable (amperage and voltage can be found on the label or in the specifications on the manufacturer's website). 

The DC jack may vary depending on the router. Each has a different plug form factor. You need to check the details on the website of your router manufacturer.
 

Power Bank

For powering the optical terminal:

• You need to pay attention to the ports on your power bank. It may have either standard 5V or 12V output ports. If it has only 5V, you must have a cable with a converter to 12V.
• If your power bank has several 5V/12V connectors, then the cable that will go to the optical terminal should be inserted into the 12V slot.
• You also need to power the router by connecting the cable to the appropriate port, following the voltage ratings.
   

Сonnecting devices by Power Bank

 

USB - DC cable (for the optical terminal/router) 

Batteries (UPS)

Your devices can be powered separately from a standard 12v battery by using a special cable with a “crocodile clamp” and connecting it to your end device (router/ONU). 

You need to check that: 

• You have not misplaced the polarity, in which case the device may be damaged.
• The battery is suitable for your end device in terms of voltage/amperage.
   

Сable adapter DC plug 5.5x2.1 (Male) to crocodile clamp cable 

Mini UPS DC1018P. In case of a power outage, the Internet does not stop working, and the power supply lasts for about 4 hours of operation of the optical terminal and router, with their combined power of ~12W.

Power supply scheme through the Mini UPS DC 1018P 

UPS 5A/12V. Another option is an Uninterruptible Power Supply. It comes with a sturdy plastic case and a rechargeable battery. The UPS is always connected to the electricity grid, and as soon as the power goes out, it will automatically switch to battery supply. The operating time depends on the battery capacity, the power of the connected devices and the charge level. 

Connection via UPS 

I can't find an optical terminal in my apartment. What to do? 

For those clients who have renovated their apartment and have no opportunity to install optics, the company offers a remote connection using a POE injector. This technology is called Power Over Ethernet and provides simultaneous transmission of power and data by twisted-pair Ethernet cables.

In this case, the optical terminal is located at our facility, and you do not need to install a new optical cable to your office, building or apartment, just use the copper cable that has already been placed. 

The injector is located on the client's side and must be connected to the electrical grid.  If there is electricity, it will power the optical terminal via a remote power supply through a copper cable. If there is a blackout, it is enough to connect the injector to an UPS to restore the Internet.

There are two types of injectors: passive and active. 

A passive PoE injector uses 2 pairs to transmit the Internet and 2 pairs to transmit power to the terminal. It follows that the speed limit is only up to 100 mbps, but this type of injector can be powered by a power bank or mini UPS. To do this, you need to provide 12V 0.5A power to the DC connector. 

Passive POE injector (12V) 

You might see another type of injector in your home - an active one. It differs from the passive one by its special scheme, where all pairs are active, and allows you to use speeds of up to 1000 mbps.

When there is electricity, it is plugged in. And if the power goes out, it needs to be powered exclusively from 220V. 

 

 

Active POE injector (48V) 

How do I power the optical terminal/POE injector and router from 220V? 

Inverter and car battery 

The inverter converts direct to alternating current. When connected to a car battery, it allows you to use the energy from the car battery to power various electrical devices. Key points:

• Make sure that the inverter is suitable for the number of devices (if you plan to power more than just the ONU + router).
• The car battery must be charged.
• When connecting the terminals to the inverter, do not reverse the polarity.
• When the inverter is in operation, a certain extension cord is powered, from which you can turn on the ONU, router or other devices.

Car battery, inverter

You can consider options with charging stations or powerful batteries if you are in an apartment. For example, Ecoflow, Bluetti and others. 

Ecoflow charging station

In the private sector, you can use generators that are generally suitable for powering not only your Internet equipment, but also other household appliances. The main thing is to check that: 

• The generator has the power, voltage, and frequency to meet the requirements of the optical terminal (and other devices in the house). You may need a voltage regulator.
• There must be an earth connection between the generator and all other appliances. 
• The generator must be protected from the weather and kept away from buildings or flammable materials. 

Generator connected to the electrical system of the house

Conclusion

We hope that our tips have helped you to understand the topic of optical fiber and GPON technology. Now you know how to connect your Internet equipment without power. Write your own experience or advice for other subscribers in the comments.  

Do you still have any questions? 

Contact us by phone, online chat, or request a call via our website!