Mac Mini OSX 10.7 Server UPS Solution?

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-30

Hi all,
We are migrating from our old Xserve G5 servers to new Mac Mini OSX 10.7 servers. We currently have a Smart UPS 1000XL.

1. Can we use the existing UPS with the new Mac Mini Servers?

2. If so, is a serial-to-usb cable needed? What Powerchute software version is needed?

3. If not, what is the appropriate UPS solution that would allow the Mac Mini Servers to shut down properly during a power failure?

If anyone has any info on these questions, your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
KC

BillP · ‎2021-06-30

Hello kcaldera,

You pretty much nailed it, Yes that's how the NMC or the AP9630 works with the Powerchute Network Shutdown client that you'll install on the servers. For example, when the UPS goes on battery and then reaches the low battery warning, the NMC send out a shutdown broadcast to the network to be received by the servers running PCNS which then in turn gracefully shuts down the server
*Here's how to configure the NMC's TCP/IP settings.
*FAQ for PCNS 3.0
*[PowerChute Network Shutdown v3.0 - Installation and Configuration Guides|http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/PMAR-8EMDEM_R0_EN.pdf]

I hope this helps!

See Answer In Context

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-30

Joe, Kulot,
Thank you'll very much for your time and help. It is much appreciated.

BillP · ‎2021-06-30

Your Smart-UPS should have an option for USB communication. In that case, connect it to your Mac mini via USB and your Mac will automatically configure itself to communicate with the UPS. You will see a battery icon up in the menu bar near the clock. You can also configure the UPS related behavior via the Energy Saver preference pane under System Preferences.

APC does not support any version of Mac OS X from 10.5 Leopard to 10.7 Lion, since the built-in "native" support provides the basic functionality without additional 3rd party software.

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-30

So, my boss wants us to have the capability of shutting down multiple servers with this one UPS.

Smart-UPS1000XL.

From reading the online docs, here is what I figure needs to happen, please correct me if I miss anything...

1. We need to purchase an AP9630 NMC to install in the 1000XL.
2. Configure the NMC with appropriate IP and so on.
3. Install PCNS v3 software for Mac on each servers.
4. Point the PCNS to the IP address of the NMC.

Is this correct? Since I don't have screen shots..I believe PCNS on the server is simply watching for any warning packets coming from the NMC's IP address. Then when each server receives such packets, it starts the shutdown process.... Is this right?

Thanks for your time, it is much appreciated.

BillP · ‎2021-06-30

Hello kcaldera,

You pretty much nailed it, Yes that's how the NMC or the AP9630 works with the Powerchute Network Shutdown client that you'll install on the servers. For example, when the UPS goes on battery and then reaches the low battery warning, the NMC send out a shutdown broadcast to the network to be received by the servers running PCNS which then in turn gracefully shuts down the server
*Here's how to configure the NMC's TCP/IP settings.
*FAQ for PCNS 3.0
*[PowerChute Network Shutdown v3.0 - Installation and Configuration Guides|http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/PMAR-8EMDEM_R0_EN.pdf]

I hope this helps!