LESSONS LEARNED:
The power outage has provided some very interesting lessons in our networked worlds and especially for the Internet.
- All cable modem systems failed whereas DSL providers maintained their services. The difference was their back-up power protection between the two different networks. DSL rides along with voice traffic over the twisted pairs used for the telephone system. Telephone is deemed to be an "essential service" and is therefore a far more robust network with its own back-up generators and UPS systems throughout the entire network. Cable TV has been down since Thursday and is just beginning to recover. So, naturally, their high-speed network failed along with their television services.
- Wired telephones remained in service for the most part, whereas cellular systems outright failed, where shut down so they could be activated again in a proper manner, or were more likely intensely congested which prevent service anyway.
- The AC powered telephone handsets all failed with the loss of power, whereas the older handsets with no fancy features were fully functional. It pays to keep one of those old handsets available in an emergency.
- Home alarm systems have been locking up and crashing, since the duration of the power failure has exceed their limited UPS capabilities. Our 48 UPS on the house alarm survived the outage, whereas many neighbours have had challenges after 12 hours of outage. The real problems seem to have occurred when the power returned. The alarm system CPUs have been depleted of power for too long and have been locking up the processor rather then automatically resetting and then recharging. It should not happen, but it as been all over the city as power is restored.
- Candles seemed like a suitable source of light, but the number of fires caused and the cost of damage as a result has been extraordinary. Rechargeable flashlights made by B&D and EverReady seem to have been a better choice.
- Battery powered smoke alarms have saved lives whereas hard-wired smoke alarms have failed with the outage. It is a good idea to keep at least one in service.
Food for thought...
Message edited by author 2003-08-16 07:50:19.
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