When a blackout took down much of the wired Internet in Spain on April 28, some tech-savvy users started experimenting with off-grid solutions to keep their routers running. While most homes lost connectivity even with backup power, a few clever ideas have shown that Internet access is still technically possible—if the telecom towers stay online.
Creative solutions to power a router during a blackout
One user on X, @carriwho, shared an image of his router powered entirely by AA batteries. By connecting eight 1.5V batteries in series, he recreated the 12V DC power supply needed for the router and ONT to function. While the solution is temporary—offering just two hours of connectivity—it proved that a router doesn’t need to be plugged into the wallto work.
Others suggested more accessible options. User @jeans_jnco demonstrated a setup using a power bank and a USB-C to 12V adapter cable with a built-in voltage converter. This method is both portable and longer-lasting, depending on the power bank’s capacity. The user claimed it “worked perfectly” and provided Internet access for several hours.
Some even tried using solar panels, though results varied depending on whether the ISP’s local node was still powered. As @SpacePizza22 noted, “router was on, but network was down.”
These home experiments show that alternative power sources like batteries, power banks, or solar panels can keep a router alive, assuming the ISP infrastructure remains operational. Though not viable in large-scale blackouts, such solutions can be handy for localized outages.