Most rack power mistakes do not look like mistakes when everything is working.
The router is online. The NVR is recording. The PoE switch is powering the cameras. The AV equipment turns on normally. Then the power flickers for two seconds, and suddenly the internet is down, cameras are reconnecting, the recorder is restarting, and nobody knows which device caused the problem.
This is where the difference between a UPS, a power conditioner, surge protection, and rack power distribution starts to matter.
You do not always need to place the entire rack on battery backup. In many systems, that would be expensive, inefficient, and unnecessary. The better approach is to identify the equipment that must stay online, separate it from high-draw equipment, calculate the real load, and choose the right combination of backup power and protected power.
This guide explains how to do that for network closets, home AV racks, small-business equipment racks, NVR systems, PoE camera systems, routers, switches, access points, control equipment, and other connected devices.
The practical answer:
- Use a UPS when important equipment must stay powered during an outage.
- Use a surge protector when equipment needs protection from voltage spikes but does not need battery runtime.
- Use a power conditioner when the rack needs surge protection plus functions such as filtering, voltage protection, sequencing, metering, or remote outlet control, depending on the model.
- Use a rack PDU when the main requirement is organized power distribution across the rack.
- Use a UPS and power conditioner together when the rack needs both battery backup and better outlet-level power management.
Quick navigation
- UPS vs. power conditioner, surge protector, and PDU
- What each power device protects against
- Do you need a UPS, conditioner, or both?
- How to estimate equipment load
- How UPS runtime works
- Rack space and electrical requirements
- What should receive battery backup
- Rack power recommendations by use case
- WattBox UPS and power conditioner options
- Practical product pairing examples
- Common rack power mistakes
- Frequently asked questions
UPS vs. Power Conditioner, Surge Protector, and PDU
These products are often grouped together because they all connect equipment to AC power. They do not all perform the same job.
| Power device | Primary job | Battery backup | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surge protector | Helps protect connected equipment from voltage spikes. | No | TVs, small AV systems, individual network devices, and equipment that does not need outage runtime. |
| Power conditioner | May provide surge protection, noise filtering, voltage protection, sequencing, metering, or outlet control, depending on the model. | Usually no | AV racks, network closets, security racks, and systems that benefit from cleaner power organization and remote management. |
| UPS | Provides temporary battery power when utility power fails. Many UPS models also provide surge protection and voltage regulation. | Yes | Routers, switches, NVRs, storage devices, control processors, and other critical equipment. |
| Rack PDU | Distributes power to multiple rack devices in an organized format. | No, unless connected to a UPS | Network, AV, server, and security racks that need more outlets and cleaner cable management. |
A PDU is not automatically a surge protector. A power conditioner is not automatically a UPS. A UPS does not automatically provide advanced outlet control. Always check the functions of the specific model instead of relying only on the product category.
For a broader introduction to these categories, read our Power Management 101 guide.
What Each Power Device Protects Against
| Power problem | What it can cause | Typical protection |
|---|---|---|
| Short power outage | Routers, switches, recorders, and control devices shut down or reboot. | UPS battery backup |
| Voltage spike or surge | Damage to power supplies, network equipment, AV components, and recorders. | Surge protector, power conditioner, or UPS with verified surge protection |
| Brownout or low voltage | Unstable operation, reboots, lockups, or excessive stress on equipment power supplies. | UPS with automatic voltage regulation or an appropriate online UPS |
| Electrical noise | Possible hum, interference, or unstable behavior in sensitive equipment. | Power conditioner with verified noise filtration |
| Frozen network or AV device | Internet, streaming, cameras, or automation appear offline even though power is present. | IP-controlled power conditioner with remote or automatic reboot capability |
| Long power outage | Battery eventually runs out and the system shuts down. | Larger UPS, extended battery system, or generator planning |
A UPS is normally intended to bridge short outages, prevent immediate hard shutdowns, or provide time for controlled shutdown. It should not automatically be treated as a replacement for a generator during a long outage.
Do You Need a UPS, Power Conditioner, or Both?
When a UPS alone may be enough
A UPS may be enough when the system is small and the main concern is keeping a few essential devices online during brief outages.
Examples include:
- A modem and router in a structured wiring cabinet
- A router, small switch, and one access point
- A compact NVR system with a modest total load
- A home office network that needs enough time to shut equipment down properly
A compact UPS can provide both battery backup and surge protection, but you still need to check how many outlets are actually battery-backed. Some UPS models include a separate group of surge-only outlets.
When a power conditioner alone may be enough
A power conditioner may be enough when the equipment does not need to continue operating during an outage, but the rack would benefit from better surge protection, filtration, outlet control, metering, sequencing, or remote reboot capability.
This can make sense for:
- A home AV rack where short outages are acceptable
- Amplifiers and powered subwoofers that are not suitable for a small UPS
- Equipment that occasionally needs a remote power cycle
- A rack where outlet organization and startup sequencing matter more than runtime
When you should use both
Use both when the rack contains critical low-power devices that must stay online and other equipment that mainly needs protected, conditioned, or controlled power.
A common example is an AV and network rack containing:
- A modem, router, switch, controller, NVR, and streaming devices
- An AV receiver, processor, amplifiers, and powered subwoofers
The network equipment, recorder, controller, and selected source devices may be placed on properly sized battery backup. High-draw amplifiers and powered subwoofers will usually remain on protected or conditioned power without battery backup unless the complete electrical load has been professionally planned.
The goal is not to keep every device running. The goal is to keep the devices that hold the system together from shutting down unnecessarily.
How to Estimate Your Equipment Load in Watts
This is where a good rack-power plan begins.
Do not choose a UPS only because the product name says 850VA, 1100VA, or 2000VA. The UPS must support the actual watt load of the connected equipment and provide acceptable runtime at that load.
Step 1: List everything in the rack
Write down every device that may be connected:
- Modem or fiber ONT
- Router or firewall
- Network switch
- PoE switch
- Wireless access points
- NVR or DVR
- NAS or storage device
- AV receiver or processor
- Streaming device
- Control processor or smart home hub
- Amplifier
- Powered subwoofer
- Rack cooling equipment
Step 2: Decide what actually needs battery backup
Do not total the entire rack yet. First separate the devices into two groups:
- Critical devices: Must stay online or shut down safely.
- Noncritical or high-draw devices: Can turn off during an outage.
In many racks, the critical group is much smaller than the total equipment list.
Step 3: Find the watt consumption
Check the product label, manual, specification sheet, power adapter, or monitoring interface for each device.
Use the normal operating wattage when planning runtime, but also check the maximum power requirement so the UPS is not overloaded during startup or peak activity.
Step 4: Include the PoE load
A PoE switch consumes power for its own electronics and also sends power to cameras, access points, phones, or other PoE devices.
Basic PoE UPS calculation
PoE switch operating watts + total power delivered to PoE devices + router, NVR, modem, and other critical equipment = estimated UPS load
If an NVR includes built-in PoE ports, check whether the manufacturer’s maximum power figure already includes the available PoE output. Avoid counting the same camera load twice.
For more help with PoE planning, read our PoE switch guide for security cameras.
Step 5: Leave practical headroom
A UPS should not be planned to operate continuously at its maximum watt rating.
Leaving approximately 20 to 30 percent headroom is a practical starting point when possible. Additional headroom may be needed for equipment with startup surges, future expansion, or unpredictable peak loads.
Illustrative security-camera example
The values below are examples only. Always use the specifications of your actual equipment.
| Equipment | Illustrative load |
|---|---|
| NVR | 35W |
| PoE switch electronics | 25W |
| Eight cameras at approximately 8W each | 64W |
| Router and modem | 20W |
| Estimated operating load | 144W |
| With 25 percent planning headroom | Approximately 180W |
This example may fit within the watt capacity of several compact UPS models, but capacity alone does not determine the final choice. You still need to consider runtime, future cameras, battery-backed outlet count, waveform, and whether the UPS must fit inside a rack.
How UPS Runtime Actually Works
UPS runtime is not one fixed number.
The same UPS may run a modem and router for much longer than it can run an NVR, PoE switch, eight cameras, and multiple access points.
Runtime is affected by:
- Total connected watt load
- UPS battery size and design
- Battery age and condition
- Temperature and ventilation
- Power-conversion efficiency
- Whether noncritical equipment is disconnected during an outage
Runtime also drops faster than many buyers expect as the connected load increases. Do not assume that doubling the UPS capacity automatically doubles runtime.
How much runtime does a network rack need?
That depends on the goal:
- Power flicker protection: Enough runtime to prevent quick reboots.
- Controlled shutdown: Enough time for a computer, NAS, server, or compatible recorder to shut down safely.
- Short internet continuity: Enough time to keep the modem, router, and switch online through a brief outage.
- Continued camera recording: Enough runtime for the NVR, PoE switch, cameras, router, and required network devices.
- Long outage operation: Usually requires a larger UPS, extended batteries, load shedding, or generator support.
Always check the manufacturer’s runtime chart at a load close to your calculated wattage. The VA number on the front of the UPS does not tell you the complete runtime story.
Rack Size, Available Space, and Electrical Requirements
Electrical capacity is only part of the decision. A UPS can have enough watt capacity and still be the wrong choice because it does not fit the rack or match the available circuit.
Check rack units
One rack unit, normally written as 1U or 1RU, is 1.75 inches of vertical rack space.
Before ordering, confirm:
- How many rack units are available
- The usable rack depth
- Whether rear support rails or brackets are required
- The weight capacity of the rack
- Airflow around the UPS and power equipment
- Clearance for cables and plugs
The WattBox WB-OVRC-UPS-1100-1 and WattBox WB-OVRC-UPS-2000-1 each use 2RU of rack space. The 1100VA model is approximately 16.14 inches deep, while the 2000VA-class model is approximately 20.08 inches deep.
Check the electrical circuit
Do not assume that every UPS or power conditioner can plug into any standard outlet.
- The WattBox WB-OVRC-UPS-1100-1 is designed around a 15A, NEMA 5-15 power connection.
- The WattBox WB-OVRC-UPS-2000-1 requires an appropriate 20A, NEMA 5-20 power source.
- The WattBox WB-820CH1U-IPVM-8 is a 20A-class rack power conditioner and requires appropriate circuit planning.
A 20A product should not be treated as a casual replacement for a 15A power strip. Confirm the receptacle, branch circuit, plug type, connected load, and local electrical requirements before installation.
Check the output configuration
The WattBox 1100VA and 2000VA-class rack UPS models each provide one main output. They are designed to feed a compatible rack power product rather than having many direct equipment outlets like a desktop UPS.
This makes the outlet layout and product pairing especially important.
Which Devices Should Receive Battery Backup?
| Equipment | Battery priority | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Modem, fiber ONT, or gateway | High | The network cannot stay online without its internet connection. |
| Router or firewall | High | Maintains routing, remote access, and communication between network devices. |
| Main network switch | High | Connected devices may remain powered but become unreachable if the switch shuts down. |
| PoE switch | High when PoE devices must stay online | Cameras and access points lose power when the PoE switch shuts down. |
| NVR, DVR, or NAS | High | Helps avoid abrupt shutdowns, interrupted recordings, and unnecessary storage restarts. |
| Wireless access point | Medium to high | Back up the access point or its PoE switch if Wi-Fi must remain available. |
| Automation or control processor | Medium to high | May control lighting, AV, access, or other connected systems. |
| AV processor or streamer | Optional | Can benefit from stable power, but it may not need to continue operating during an outage. |
| Projector or display | Case by case | Check the equipment manufacturer’s requirements, watt load, and whether a controlled cooling cycle is important. |
| Power amplifier or powered subwoofer | Usually low | High current demand can overload or sharply reduce the runtime of an undersized UPS. |
| Passive speaker | Not applicable | Passive speakers do not connect directly to AC power. The amplifier powering them is the electrical load. |
| Laser printer, heater, appliance, or power tool | Do not connect | These loads may have high current demand and are generally unsuitable for AV and network UPS systems. |
Rack Power Recommendations by Use Case
Network closet
A network closet usually benefits more from UPS backup than a basic AV setup because almost every connected system depends on the network.
Prioritize battery backup for:
- Modem or fiber ONT
- Router or firewall
- Main network switch
- PoE switch powering access points or cameras
- Network controller
Use conditioned, controlled, or surge-protected power for:
- Noncritical auxiliary switches
- Test equipment
- Displays or service monitors
- Equipment that can safely restart after an outage
If you are still planning the network itself, read our router vs. switch vs. access point guide or browse our networking collection.
Home AV rack
A home AV rack often contains a mixture of low-power control equipment and high-draw audio equipment. Treating the entire rack as one load is usually the wrong approach.
Good battery-backup candidates:
- Router and switch
- Control processor
- Streaming devices
- AV processor
- Selected source devices
- Automation hubs
Equipment that usually stays off battery:
- Large power amplifiers
- Powered subwoofers
- Other high-current AV equipment
Those high-draw devices can still receive surge-protected or conditioned power, provided the conditioner and circuit are correctly sized.
Small-business equipment rack
A small-business rack may support internet access, phones, cameras, payment systems, Wi-Fi, access control, and office operations. A two-second outage can become several minutes of downtime while devices reboot in the wrong order.
Prioritize:
- Internet gateway and firewall
- Core switch
- PoE switch supporting access points, phones, or cameras
- NVR and required storage
- Access-control or automation equipment
An IP-controlled power conditioner can also help restart a locked device without shutting down the entire rack.
Security camera and NVR system
Backing up only the NVR is not enough if the cameras lose power.
For a PoE security system to continue recording, the battery-backed power chain may need to include:
- NVR
- PoE switch or the NVR’s built-in PoE system
- Connected camera load
- Router, if remote access is required
- Main network switch, if the NVR and cameras communicate through it
If any required device in that chain shuts down, recording or remote access may stop even when the NVR itself remains powered.
Explore network recorders, PoE and network switches, IP security cameras, and security camera kits.
WattBox UPS Options for Network, AV, and Security Equipment
There is no single best WattBox UPS for every rack. The best choice depends on the connected watt load, desired runtime, outlet requirements, waveform, rack space, and electrical circuit.
| Model | Capacity | Best fit | Important planning notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WB-OVRC-UPS-350-6 | 350VA / 210W | Modem, router, small controller, or other low-power essentials. | Compact standby UPS with simulated sine-wave output. Includes 3 battery-backup outlets and 3 surge-only outlets. Not intended for a large rack, PoE-heavy system, or amplifier. |
| WB-OVRC-UPS-625-8 | 625VA / 340W | Small network, compact NVR, router, switch, and low-power AV equipment. | Standby UPS with 4 battery-backup and surge-protected outlets plus 4 surge-only outlets. Designed for shelf, desk, floor, or supported wall mounting rather than a standard rack shelf position. |
| WB-OVRC-UPS-850-8 | 850VA / 450W | Larger compact network, NVR, router, switch, and moderate low-power rack loads. | Standby UPS with 4 battery-backup and surge-protected outlets plus 4 surge-only outlets. Verify runtime carefully when supporting an NVR and PoE switch together. |
| WB-OVRC-UPS-1100-1 | 1100VA / 990W | Rack-based network, security, control, and AV equipment that benefits from pure sine-wave backup. | Pure sine-wave output, 2RU, approximately 16.14 inches deep, and one NEMA 5-15 output. Designed to feed compatible rack power equipment rather than several devices directly. |
| WB-OVRC-UPS-2000-1 | 2000VA-class model, rated 1900VA / 1710W at 120V in the manufacturer manual | Larger rack loads requiring more capacity, pure sine-wave output, and a planned 20A installation. | Pure sine-wave output, 2RU, approximately 20.08 inches deep, one NEMA 5-20 output, and a compatible 20A power source required. |
Browse the full UPS battery-backup collection to compare WattBox with other available rackmount, pure sine-wave, and online UPS options.
WattBox Power Conditioners for Managed Rack Power
WattBox WB-800-IPVM-12
The WattBox WB-800-IPVM-12 12-Outlet IP Power Conditioner is designed for racks that need outlet-level control, metering, surge protection, Safe Voltage protection, OvrC remote management, and UPS Link integration.
Important specifications include:
- 12 individually controlled and metered outlets
- 15A resettable circuit breaker
- 12A and 1440W UL power rating
- 3240-joule surge-protection rating
- UPS Link for compatible WattBox UPS integration
- Flexible rack, cabinet, wall, and angled mounting
This product does not provide battery runtime by itself. Its value is protected power distribution, monitoring, remote reboot, and rack management.
WattBox WB-820CH1U-IPVM-8
The WattBox WB-820CH1U-IPVM-8 1U IP Power Conditioner is a strong option when you want a traditional 1U rack format with individually controlled and metered outlets.
Important specifications include:
- 1U rackmount chassis
- 8 individually controlled and metered rear outlets
- 20A breaker
- 16A and 1920W UL power rating
- 3240-joule surge-protection rating
- Safe Voltage protection
- OvrC remote management and self-healing reboot capability
This model is also not a UPS by itself. Add a properly sized and compatible UPS when connected equipment must remain powered during an outage.
Browse smart power conditioners, surge protectors and smart power strips, or rackmount power strips and PDUs for additional options.
Practical Product Pairing Examples
Pairing 1: Modem, router, and small controller
Possible starting point: WattBox WB-OVRC-UPS-350-6
This works best when the connected load is limited to a few low-power essentials. Place the modem, router, and controller on the three battery-backed outlets. Use the surge-only outlets for devices that do not need runtime.
Do not use this compact model for a large PoE switch, high-capacity NVR system, amplifier, or complete AV rack.
Pairing 2: Compact network or small security setup
Possible starting point: WattBox WB-OVRC-UPS-625-8 or WB-OVRC-UPS-850-8
A compact UPS may support a router, modem, small switch, NVR, or a modest PoE setup when the combined load stays within the UPS watt rating.
The 625VA and 850VA models each provide four battery-backed outlets and four surge-only outlets. Decide which devices are critical before plugging everything in.
For a camera system, calculate the PoE switch and camera load before choosing between the two models. Do not assume that an eight-port UPS or switch automatically has enough battery capacity for eight cameras.
Pairing 3: Managed network, security, or AV rack
Possible pairing: WattBox WB-800-IPVM-12 with WB-OVRC-UPS-1100-1
This combination can provide:
- Pure sine-wave battery backup
- 12 controlled and metered outlets
- Surge protection and voltage protection
- OvrC monitoring
- Remote reboot
- Load-shedding options when configured correctly
The total connected load must remain within the capacity of the UPS, power conditioner, branch circuit, and all related connections.
Pairing 4: Larger managed rack with a 20A circuit
Possible pairing: WattBox WB-800-IPVM-12 with WB-OVRC-UPS-2000-1
This can make sense for a larger planned rack with more critical equipment and a compatible 20A electrical installation.
It should not be chosen only because it is the largest model. Confirm the actual watt load, desired runtime, rack depth, rack support, circuit rating, and which devices will be removed through load shedding during an outage.
Pairing 5: 1U managed power with separate UPS planning
Possible starting point: WattBox WB-820CH1U-IPVM-8 with a properly sized compatible UPS
This approach is useful when the rack needs a clean 1U power-management interface, individual outlet metering, and remote reboot capability.
Because the conditioner is a 20A-class product, the UPS, circuit, plugs, connectors, and total load must all be reviewed together. Do not connect power strips or conditioners to a UPS unless the manufacturers permit the configuration.
Important pairing rule
The safe capacity of a power chain is limited by its lowest-rated component. A large conditioner does not increase the watt capacity of a smaller UPS, and a large UPS does not increase the current rating of the branch circuit or power conditioner.
Is a Pure Sine-Wave UPS Necessary?
Direct answer: Not for every device, but it is often the safer choice for a professional rack.
A compact standby UPS with simulated sine-wave output may work well for basic equipment such as modems, routers, small switches, and simple controllers.
Pure sine-wave output is worth considering when:
- The equipment manufacturer recommends or requires it
- The rack contains sensitive power supplies
- You are protecting higher-end AV, network, control, or storage equipment
- You want a cleaner battery-mode output
- The UPS is part of a larger professional rack-power system
An online double-conversion UPS may be appropriate when the incoming power is especially unstable or the equipment requires a higher level of power isolation and continuity. It is not automatically necessary for every home or small-business rack.
Common Rack Power Buying Mistakes
Choosing by VA without checking watts
VA and watts are related, but they are not interchangeable. Always compare your calculated watt load with the UPS watt rating.
Backing up the NVR but not the PoE switch
The recorder can stay powered while every camera shuts down. Back up the full recording path if continued recording is the goal.
Putting the entire AV rack on battery
Large amplifiers and powered subwoofers can consume substantial power and reduce runtime dramatically. Prioritize network, control, recording, and source equipment first.
Assuming every UPS outlet is battery-backed
Some models divide their outlets between battery-plus-surge protection and surge-only protection.
Ignoring rack depth and weight
A 2RU UPS may fit vertically but still be too deep or heavy for the rack.
Ignoring the input plug and circuit
A 20A UPS or conditioner may require a NEMA 5-20 receptacle and a properly rated branch circuit.
Daisy-chaining random power strips
Do not connect power strips, PDUs, or conditioners together unless the product manufacturers approve that specific configuration.
Planning at maximum capacity
A rack that operates near the UPS limit has little room for startup demand, future equipment, or runtime.
Confusing remote reboot with battery backup
An IP power conditioner can restart a frozen device, but it cannot keep the device running during an outage unless battery backup is added.
Forgetting battery maintenance
UPS batteries age. Test the UPS periodically, review battery-health information when available, and plan for replacement before the battery can no longer support the required load.
Final Rack Power Checklist
Before ordering, answer these questions:
- Which devices must remain online during an outage?
- What is the actual operating and maximum watt load?
- Does the load include cameras and other PoE devices?
- How much runtime is actually required?
- How many outlets need battery backup?
- Do you need simulated sine-wave, pure sine-wave, or online UPS output?
- How many rack units and how much rack depth are available?
- Is the electrical circuit 15A or 20A?
- Do you need remote reboot, metering, sequencing, or load shedding?
- Which high-draw devices should remain off battery?
Need Help Choosing the Right Rack Power Setup?
A good recommendation starts with the equipment, not the UPS model.
Send us your router, switch, NVR, camera count, PoE load, AV equipment, available rack space, and desired runtime. We can help you compare the practical options before you order.
Rack UPS and Power Conditioner Questions
What is the best UPS for a network rack?
The best UPS is the model that supports the rack’s measured watt load, required runtime, outlet plan, waveform requirements, rack space, and electrical circuit. A compact 625VA or 850VA UPS may fit a small network, while a rack-based pure sine-wave model may be better for a larger structured rack.
What is the best UPS for an AV rack?
For an AV rack, prioritize the router, switch, control processor, AV processor, streamers, and selected source equipment. Do not automatically place large amplifiers or powered subwoofers on battery backup. Pure sine-wave rack UPS models are worth considering for more sensitive or higher-value systems.
Do I need a UPS, power conditioner, or both?
Use a UPS for battery runtime. Use a power conditioner for protected and managed rack power. Use both when critical devices must stay online and the rack also needs outlet control, metering, filtration, voltage protection, or remote reboot features.
How much UPS capacity does an NVR system need?
Add the NVR wattage, PoE switch operating wattage, camera PoE load, router, modem, and any network equipment required for recording. Leave practical headroom and use the UPS runtime chart at the calculated load.
Should a PoE switch be connected to battery backup?
Yes, when the cameras, access points, phones, or other PoE devices need to remain online. If the PoE switch loses power, every device powered through it will also shut down.
How much runtime does a network rack need?
Enough runtime to meet the actual goal. A few minutes may prevent quick reboots or allow controlled shutdown. Continued internet or camera operation requires a longer runtime calculation based on the full critical load.
Is a pure sine-wave UPS necessary?
Not for every low-power device. It is often the safer choice for sensitive rack equipment, higher-end AV systems, storage equipment, and devices whose manufacturers recommend pure sine-wave power.
What equipment should not be connected to a UPS?
Avoid heaters, appliances, laser printers, power tools, and other high-current equipment. Large amplifiers and powered subwoofers should remain off battery unless the UPS and electrical system were specifically sized for them.
How do I protect a security camera system during an outage?
Back up the complete recording path. This may include the NVR, PoE switch or built-in PoE recorder, connected camera load, router, modem, and main network switch. Backing up only the recorder may not keep the cameras recording.
What is the difference between surge protection and power conditioning?
Surge protection focuses on voltage spikes. A power conditioner may also provide functions such as noise filtering, voltage protection, outlet sequencing, metering, remote control, or automatic reboot, depending on the model.
Can a UPS run a complete rack for several hours?
Possibly, but it usually requires a large UPS, low connected load, extended battery capacity, or load shedding. Most compact UPS systems are designed primarily for short outages, controlled shutdown, and temporary continuity.
Should wireless access points be connected to a UPS?
Yes, if Wi-Fi must remain available. Remember that a PoE access point depends on the PoE switch, so backing up the access point’s power source is more important than the access point by itself.
