Build a Smart UPS & Backup System for Raspberry Pi & Jio AirFiber (My Complete Setup)
Published: February 15, 2025
Power cuts and voltage drops were driving me crazy. Every time the power went out, my Raspberry Pi server and Jio AirFiber router would shut down abruptly. That meant downtime for my home lab, blog server, and internet.
So I finally decided to build a **smart UPS + backup system** that’s compact, affordable, and reliable.
Why I Needed a UPS Setup
- Jio AirFiber has a **PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector**, and when power cuts, it shuts down instantly. - My Raspberry Pi runs servers (Nextcloud, TrueNAS, BeEF testing lab) that can’t afford random shutdowns. - I wanted at least **2-3 hours backup** to ride out power cuts.What I Considered (and Rejected)
1. **Traditional UPS:** - Large, noisy, and not portable. - Limited backup time (30-40 mins). - Not worth it for low-power devices. 2. **Li-ion DIY setups:** - Inexpensive but messy. - Hard to manage charging and discharging safely. So I decided on a **Mini-UPS** that could handle both Jio AirFiber and Raspberry Pi.My Final UPS Setup
After testing multiple options, I settled on: 👉 **Artis 650VA UPS** (or **Zebronics 725VA UPS**) - Compact, silent, affordable (~₹2,500). - Handles both devices easily. 👉 **5V/12V Mini-UPS for Pi (optional):** - Small inline battery backup (~₹1,200). - Keeps the Pi alive even if the main UPS dies. 👉 **DC Splitter for Jio AirFiber PoE:** - Jio AirFiber is tricky because of its injector. - I used the UPS AC output to power the injector and kept the Pi on the DC Mini-UPS.Step-by-Step Wiring
1. Connect the **main UPS** to AC power. 2. Plug the Jio AirFiber PoE injector and Pi’s Mini-UPS into the UPS. 3. From the injector, power the router and antenna. 4. From the Mini-UPS, power the Raspberry Pi directly via 5V/USB-C. Pro tip: Add a surge protector before the UPS for voltage spikes.How Much Backup Do I Get?
- Jio AirFiber (Router + Antenna): ~12W - Raspberry Pi 4 with SSD: ~10W - UPS lasts: **2.5 – 3 hours** (tested during a real power cut!) - Mini-UPS for Pi lasts: **4+ hours** on its ownWhy This Setup is "Smart"
- Automatic switch-over during power cuts - Can handle both **AC devices (injector)** and **DC devices (Pi)** - Modular: I can add battery packs later🔗 Related: Fixing Raspberry Pi Cooling & Weird Sounds – How I solved my Pi overheating and clicking issue.
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