How to have single UPS shutdown multiple servers? I used to UPS smart 2200!

[BillP]

My boss has me looking at a new UPS to power about 2 servers. I already ran the little configuration tool APC has and picked out a UPS. Problem is, it only has a single USB connection. I NEED to have all 2 servers be able to shutdown gracefully if we have a power failure. Can I simply plug a USB hub into the UPS and connect my 2 servers to the hub? Does APC sell an add-on? Do they have reasonably prices UPS' with 2 or more USB connections?

[Terry_Kennedy_apc]

I don't work for APC, so I'm not sure about all of the latest product offerings. In the "old days" where the UPS had a 9-pin connector, there was a "simple signalling expander" which allowed connecting multiple devices. But both the serial interface and that expander are obsolete.

Here are the two ways I know of to do this. Depending on what sort of servers you have (VM's vs. physical, and the operating systems they're running), one of these might work for you:

1) Install the PowerChute software on one of the systems, and connect that system to the UPS. PowerChute (at least some versions) lets you execute user scripts to process events. If your systems are VMs, this would be an easy way to send commands to the VMs to shut down.

2) Install a network management card such as the AP9630/9631 (if the UPS supports it - some of the lower models don't support this type of add-in card). This card can communicate with multiple systems via TCP/IP and trigger them to shut down that way (with appropriate software on those systems). These cards also provide other advanced functions, like emailing you about events and giving you a nice web management interface for the UPS.

If neither of these is suitable, one of the APC folks will provide a better answer tomorrow. I'm assuming from the timestamp on your post that you're outside the US, so I figured I'd try to give you a basic answer now, instead of you having to wait for business hours in the US.

[BillP]

i am a VIET NAM! And I am working japanese companies. My boss wants me to do this: how one UPS can be two sever shutdown. If you know this problem, please only themselves thoroughly. So I can do this. Thank you! I hope that you will help me!

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Options 1 and 2 that Terry suggested will work if the UPS is a Smart-UPS. Other options with a Smart-UPS are install APCUPSD on 1 of the systems and write a script to shut down the other system or purchase AP9624 a serial port expander and connect each system to the Smart-UPS serially. If you purchase the AP9624 you can run PowerChute Business Edition on each system or APCUPSD.

If the UPS is a Back-UPS you can install APCUPSD on 1 of the systems and write a script to shut down the other system.

You cannot connect 2 systems to a UPS using a USB hub. This is a limitation of the USB protocol not of the UPS.