Mini UPS Router vs Inverter: Which One to Buy?

Have you ever lost important data or progress because of a sudden load shedding? Blackouts are a problem in every Indian city. In some places, the problem is more severe than in others.

Since 2020, many companies have adopted a hybrid working model, which has increased the need for connectivity to the internet. Hence, the need for a stable power supply.

There is a range of tools and gadgets that can help you deal with the problem of power outages. The core idea is the same for all of them: store electrical power to use it later.

People have broadly two choices in this domain – inverters and UPS. Let’s find out the differences between the two and which one you should go with.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

A UPS is a device that is used to supply power to other appliances directly when there’s a disruption in (AC) electricity supply. This is achieved using an inverter and a small storage unit or battery to store power.

UPS devices have the ability to instantly switch from alternating current to direct in no time at all! Due to this, UPS devices are capable of providing an uninterrupted power supply.

Being so reliable makes it the only power backup option for computer devices to prevent any data loss in case of a sudden blackout. Even if electricity is back after a couple of minutes, you would have lost important files without a UPS.

However, a UPS is not only for desktop computers. Blackouts also affect wifi connectivity since routers need power to operate. Oakter’s mini UPS router is one such device that specifically tackles this problem.

When you use a mini UPS router, you never have to worry about losing internet connectivity during a blackout.

Power Inverter

In general domestic use, when we refer to inverters, we are actually referring to inverters with additional power storage options (or a power inverter). In its strictest definition, an inverter is a device that converts AC current to DC current.

As we all know, electrical appliances mostly use AC current. An inverter becomes necessary to convert stored DC power in the battery to AC power (using a charge controller) to run appliances.

Inverters also do not connect to appliances directly. It connects to the central power system of a home or office and powers the appliances through that channel.

Inverters cannot store or generate power by themselves, and that is why they need external storage solutions. Almost all modern inverters allow external storage nowadays.

They are common in places where blackouts are frequent. They can provide enough power to run general household appliances. But in terms of core functionality, inverters and UPS devices are fundamentally different.

Difference Between an Inverter and a UPS

The fundamental difference between an inverter (with power storage) and a UPS is response speed. An inverter can reconnect your devices in less than a second (approx 500 milliseconds, to be precise), but even that can cost you enough to lose everything you were working on your system. On the other hand, a UPS does the same in only 10 milliseconds, which makes the transition seamless.

For example, suppose you are on a Zoom call, and your router is connected to an inverter. In case of a power cut, you will be disconnected from the call, at least for a moment, which can break the momentum and hamper your connectivity.

Another significant difference here is that power inverters can store much more power (lasting up to hours) than a UPS, which has comparatively smaller storage (lasting for a few minutes).

Why Do You Need a Mini UPS Router?

There’s no way of realising the utility of a mini UPS router without using one. Especially if you work from home, you can save yourself from a lot of trouble with this wonderful invention. Here are some reasons to buy a mini UPS router:

• Fluctuations in electric supply can damage routers. The damage can be temporary or permanent. It is tiresome to find and set up a new router in the middle of a workday if your router stops working. Simply having a mini UPS router will prevent such inconvenience.
• What is worse than starting over a project you were about to finish? Losing wifi connection can disrupt your workflow, and it can wipe off hours of hard work. A mini UPS will not let this happen; it will keep your router running efficiently even if you are facing voltage fluctuations.
• A mini UPS device is smart enough to charge itself automatically. You do not need to worry about overcharging or battery drainage. It provides up to 4 hours of power backup easily.
• If all devices in an office space are connected to a mini UPS router, there will be zero disruptions in workflow due to power cuts.
• Enjoy the peace of mind and the confidence to take up work responsibilities without worrying about power cuts by simply getting a mini UPS.
• If you are attending online classes, an uninterrupted internet connection is a must. A mini UPS router ensures that.

Mini UPS routers have evolved to become necessities in our everyday lives. It’s like a power bank for your router that works by itself. Your life will be much easier with a mini UPS router.

Get your mini UPS router now!

A Standalone Inverter Might Not Be Enough

Inverters are also useful, but their use cases are different from UPS. They are particularly useful in places that suffer frequent power cuts.

First, inverters are meant to provide power backup for an entire office/home and are not designed for specific appliances. You may not mind your refrigerator shutting off for a few minutes but cannot afford the same for your router; you need a mini UPS router. An inverter simply wouldn’t work in such cases.

Final Take

Both inverters and mini UPS routers are useful. However, inverters are not must-haves for working professionals, especially in cities where power cuts are infrequent.

It is best to (a) incorporate a UPS in your computer setup and (b) get a mini UPS router for your internet connection if you want to beat the irregular power cuts.

For those of you who face long and frequent power outages, consider adding an inverter to this ecosystem to increase the efficiency of your power backup.

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