Control a lot of UPS from single PC

[Anonymous user]

First, let me built a situation picture of about 15 small (10-15U) 19" racks distributed around network with a few Motorola AP5131 and one Cheap Switch (24x10/100 + 2xGBIC inside. Switches are interconnected by fibre optic cables. Because of rack size only APC450SC fit inside by dimension and reasonable time after power failure. I hope You like stories beginning like that. Objective is to send SMS to shift manager in case of power failure longer then 5 minutes.
Innovative solution "Control a lot of UPSes from single PC":
So, I have tested and it works fine, to convert serial RS232 port of UPS to Ethernet RJ45 port and connect it to Cheap Switch port, next convert to virtual serial port on Windows XP. Even Power Chute Business Edition One node perfectly working. Officially APC does not support it, also does not support more then one UPS connected (directly) to one PC.
The question is: Is anybody tested and control more then one APC UPS connected via serial or USB ports on single PC?

Solution recommended by APC is to install one PC (Windows + Power Chute) in each rack. Then next use Power Chute Business Edition 25 nodes to discover and manage all over network. I'm little bit upset, because converter (e.g. NET232-DCE RS232 Serial to Ethernet Intelligent Cable Adapter) cost less then rack PC with Windows and of course and consume less power.

I apology if this topic was appeard here before. Believe me I have search forum before I have ask.

[EZ_Button_apc]

It looks like you're only concentrating on UPS monitoring in your setup. The problem is the port isn't just for monitoring, but also sending shutdown signals

You'll end up having different loads on different UPS's, low battery shutdowns occurring at different times, servers not shutting down properly, or the UPS's not doing a proper shutdown process and just shutting off due to running out of battery power instead of going to sleep mode.

I'd honestly look into UPS's with Network Management cards. Maybe even 1 UPS that has enough power to handle all of your servers at once. Use the network management card to manage the UPS and just install the network shutdown software on each server. It's a simple solution that'll work like a charm.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Your comment is full of general truth statements which we are following in the server room but I have talked about incident management problem @ wireless network in the production plants and warehouses. So, APC UPSes can not shut down Switches and AP's, as I know it, so far.

Real problem is that Schneider Electric is old fashion corporation which ignore market trends. IMHO there is a need for small in size and capacity UPS's which could be controlled over network without PC attached to it.