Graceful shutdown of ESXi VMs and host

[giannis_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 11/26/2018

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Hello all,

Let me describe my issue and what i have done so far.

In our production we have a lot of ESXi hosts and few windows server VMs under them.

I have installed PowerChute Network Shutdown 4.2 for VMware and i installed it as a "Standalone VMware Host."

My first question is: Should i install it in each host or there is the possibility for a central management?

As you understand, i want after a long power outage to graceful shutdown VMs and after that the host.

Let me give you an example to explain further. I have seen that UPS battery lasts about 60 minutes.

I want if power outage is more than 40 minutes, to start shutdown VMs graceful and after this the host. When the power is back again, i want to start host and after that the VMs.

I have seen that there is the option "UPS On Battery" in PowerChute. I suppose that in this field i have to "Enable Shutdown" and add in the "Delay" field 40 minutes. Is that correct?

Is there something else i should configure in PowerChute, UPS Network Management Card 2 and in VMware host or VMs ?

Thank you in advance

[giannis_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 11/29/2018

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Is it possible to have any technical support?

Thank you

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Bill on APC forums on 11/29/2018

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Hi,

Sorry for the delayed response. When you need immediate assistance you should contact local support.

On 11/26/2018 6:31 AM, giannis said:

My first question is: Should i install it in each host or there is the possibility for a central management?

Do you have vCenter Server installed and are all the host connected to a single UPS? If so you can install a single instance of PCNS and mange the power down of all hosts. If there is more than a single UPS it is still possible to manage all host from single PCNS however PCNS cannot be running on a VM. It would need to be installed on a standalone Windows Server. Please review Application Note 180. 

If you do not have vCenter Server installed than you should install PCNS VM on each host. 

On 11/26/2018 6:31 AM, giannis said:

I want if power outage is more than 40 minutes, to start shutdown VMs graceful and after this the host. When the power is back again, i want to start host and after that the VMs.

The powering down and starting up of the VMs will depend on if vCenter Server is in use. If vCenter Sever is in use than PCNS will stop and restart the VMs. See PCNS VMware User's Guide page 31 for assistance. If vCenter is not in use than it is the responsibility of the host to stop and restart the VMs. See Schneider Electric FAQ FA159688.

On 11/26/2018 6:31 AM, giannis said:

I have seen that there is the option "UPS On Battery" in PowerChute. I suppose that in this field i have to "Enable Shutdown" and add in the "Delay" field 40 minutes. Is that correct?

Correct. 

[giannis_apc · Accepted solution]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 11/30/2018

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Hello,

We have installed vCenter application in one VM.

Each host is connected to it's own UPS because hosts are located to different geographically sites.

In such implementation, can i install one PowerChute Virtual Appliance and manage all the hosts or should i install a PowerChute Virtual Appliance on each host?

Thank you