Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

Am thinking of getting a UPS so in the event of power outage, can still use some devices for basic internet access, VOIP etc.

Although, if the cabs in the street have no UPS themselves, that would be pointless.

Thanks.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

and indeed it is pointless

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

Most cabs have battery back up.

Also, as I understand a UPS will cover fluctuations and other short term issues with the power, but if there is an actual power outage.......no good.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

Only for the phone IIRC. Not much point keeping BB and TV working if all the houses have lost power.

Mobile data is your best bet for emergency backup. We get a lot of power failures here, but it's rare for the mobile signal to go down.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

With phone moving over to VOIP, even this wouldn't keep the phone working. I agree, a mobile is the best backup option.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

I wonder if this has changed with newer cabs? I'm in a new build estate and we've had loads of power cuts due to the builders cutting through various cables.

I got a UPS after the first few outages, and the ones since either havent effected the virgin cab, or there is some sort of battery as i've not lost BB until my UPS has died

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

Thanks.

Not sure why some are saying a UPS is pointless. You usage scenario covers exactly what I was referring to and does indeed show there is some kind of redundancy in the cabs or your supplying cab is on a different mains connection than the estate which I suppose is possible?

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

Subject to confirmation there is supposed to be a backup device to enable those that have phone connected to hub to provide a backup supply for contacting homecare workers.
My aged mother has an alarm call device enabling 2way conversations with a paid for care service.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

Some while ago I had my phone dead in a power failure and when the power was restored I spoke to VM and the woman agent said phone me back when it happens again. I checked with Ofcom and all phone cabs should have backup batts in the case of an emergency AN EMERGENCY such as 99 call
2 weeks later VM replaced the batteries.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

A UPS is definitely not pointless and does provide some amount of battery backup.

My home server and disk shelf and network switches/APs are on a 3kVA APC UPS and will run for about an hour and when battery reaches 25% the server will shut down cleanly, which is much safer for the disk array.

Given that most of the "power cuts" we've experienced in the 5 years we've lived here are under 5 minutes, or are me tripping the RCBO and needing to reset it, this has been invaluble.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

VM will provide an emergency backup device for vulnerable customers with VOIP

From https://store.virginmedia.com/conten...er%20Guide.pdf:

"Please read below carefully.
• If there's a power cut or network outage, you won't be able to make or receive calls.
• If you have accessibility needs, call us on 0345 454 1111 and we'll send an engineer to provide an Emergency Backup device at no extra cost that allows 999 calls during outages.
• Any devices connected to your phone, such as care, fire or burglar alarms will stop working if there's a power or network outage
• Some connected devices might not be compatible with our fibre phone line please check with the device manufacturer.
• Devices connected to extension wiring and sockets will stop working after your phone service has been switched.
• Please keep the Hub switched on 24/7, even overnight, or you won't be able to make or receive calls."

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

The guidance has been updated to reflect newer technologies and doesn't now mandate batteries in the network where other options are feasible:

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultatio...ions-power-cut

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

Thanks SP, that's very reassuring for vulnerable customers.

Do you know if there are any plans to move existing customers onto VOIP?

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

I don't know of the plans, but it would make sense when the existing switches reach of life.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

If you are in a full fibre area the chances are that the mains driven cabinets are located further away. In HFC areas, not only does the local fibre node require a mains supply, some of the intermediate cabinets do as well. I live 1Km away from my Fibre node & rely on 2 intermediate cabinets for mains. If the power at any of these locations fails I lose BB & TV even if the power is still on in the house.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

The main power cable running down your street has 3 live cables (3 phase), and usage of them is alternated out over the entire road as each house only needs a single phase. Mainly to help balance the load, but in the event of an issue in the substation you may only see 1 phase go dark or get a surge, which is why you'll sometimes have a power outage but see some houses still with their lights on.

Additionally, the VM cabs aren't all powered as the smaller ones just act as splitters and are fed by a larger cab further away. The longer stretches might have 'booster' cabs. These powered cabs might be on a different segment of the power network, fed by a different substation, or an entirely different DNO (less likely in residential areas, but possible on borders or in industrial areas).

So yes, get a UPS and connect all your network gubbins to it. It will definitely keep your broadband up if you've tripped something in your home and has a chance to keep it up during a wider power outage. Just remember to replace the battery every 5 or so years, even if it isn't being used heavily. No point having a backup that lasts 2 minutes!

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

Thank you.

That does make perfect sense. In my usage scenario, I have a file server running 24x7 and a firewall appliance and a few POE powered VOIP phones.

A UPS makes sense, hopefully you never need it but the time you do, it is all worthwhile and lets not talk about 12 rust bucket HDD's just losing power. Sure, 9/10 times might be OK... but that 1/10 time can be a nightmare.

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

My understanding is UPS are there just to give you time to safely shut down a system so that you don't lose data.


Or to keep vital kit running in the short term (medical devices).

Re: Do the VM cabs have a UPS?
 

It's just a battery at the end of the day. You can use it to do what you need it to do if you know your power requirements. They also protect against power surges which can be caused by all sorts of things.

A desktop sized UPS will keep networking gear going for hours. A decent UPS will talk to connected devices and let them know when it's running on battery and when it gets low, so they can safely shut themselves down before the power runs out.