How to test the shutdown process on specific servers

[Anonymous user]

I'm in the process of configuring our UPS solution. I have a Dell rack with approximately 15 servers installed. I've got the servers split between two Smart-UPS 5000s (slightly different models and ages but similar to each other). Each server has dual power supplies. I'm using the PowerChute Network Shutdown software to manage the UPSs and the shutdown procedures. I've successfully configured the network client on each server and the PC Network software recognizes each server correctly.

I need to test the functionality of the shutdown processes for my own sanity and to prove to my boss that it works the way we need it to. There are a couple servers that I can afford to have go offline for a short time as a test, but there are also several servers that I cannot have go offline.

UPS1 - server 1 & 2 (ok to go offline), server 3 & 4 (essential and cannot go offline for the test)
UPS2 - server 5 & 6 (ok to go offline), server 7 & 8 (essential and cannot go offline for the test)

Real question: how can I test the shutdown process to specific servers on a UPS without it also shutting down other servers also supported by that UPS?

I am also interested in hearing about any "test scenarios" that others recommend for testing one's overall configuration.

[BillP]

Configure those PCNS clients to shutdown while on battery after a few seconds. Have the other servers configured to run while the UPS is on battery at runtime limit. Pull the plug. Based on your configured settings for the On battery event (in seconds), the UPS will send a signal to PCNS to shutdown the servers. Once these servers are done doing a graceful shutdown plug the UPS back in. This will not affect the other servers that are configured to run on battery for an extended period of time.

[EZ_Button_apc]

If you are only looking to test the actual server shutdown, just go into the PCNS clients for those servers and set a shutdown based on lost communication w/ the UPS. Then pull out the network cable on the server. Make sure to uncheck the box to "turn off UPS after shutdown" in the shutdown settings.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

What I need to be able to do is simulate a power failure so that I can demonstrate some reliability in the system. I would like the UPS to initiate a shutdown of certain servers while leaving other (essential) servers untouched.