Forum Discussion

DLabit29's avatar
DLabit29
Contributor
5 years ago

Electrical flicker affecting internet?

Out of curiosity... can electrical flickering (whether it be briefly dimming or briefly getting brighter) interfere with internet speeds?. More specifically, upload speeds and ping spikes
Bruce's avatar
Bruce
Honored Contributor III
5 years ago

If you notice your electricity flickering and dimming, you're lucky to be communicating at all.  The inconsistent levels may not be enough to reboot your equipment but if your modem is receiving reduced power, one could assume the strength of your upload signal is also reduced.  Capacitors are suppose to "fill the gaps" but if the dimming outpaces its charge, you'd get weak power.

A UPS could bridge your levels but how widespread is this problem...at your neighborhood node, headend at Cox, Edge routers?

Where do you live...California?

  • DLabit29's avatar
    DLabit29
    Contributor
    5 years ago

    So a UPS could mitigate the issue? 

    Because upload speed inconsistencies are my biggest issue

    • Bruce's avatar
      Bruce
      Honored Contributor III
      5 years ago

      If you don't normally lose power due to the flickers, a UPS wouldn't help.  Perhaps an AC Line Filter on the modem.

      • DLabit29's avatar
        DLabit29
        Contributor
        5 years ago

        well I don't completely lose power.. and if so. It's very brief.

        But seldom times I have lost it just long enough to shut off my modem

  • DLabit29's avatar
    DLabit29
    Contributor
    5 years ago

    I'm not sure how widespread it is. Its just my home I believe. Its an old house.

    I live in Louisiana 

    • Bruce's avatar
      Bruce
      Honored Contributor III
      5 years ago

      If your household wiring is so old to cause your lights to dim and flicker, why are you concerned with broadband upload speeds?  Call an electrician.  Call 3 because you'd want multiple quotes.

      • DLabit29's avatar
        DLabit29
        Contributor
        5 years ago

        It's not my home. But I've been preaching that lol