One UPS and 3 server without Network Card.

[kinto_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 4/6/2015

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Hello, I have a SMT3000RMI UPS without the network card.
I have one server connected to the UPS with a RJ-45/Serail cable.

Can I manage the shutdown of the other 3 servers attached to the UPS without using the network card?

Thank you.

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 4/6/2015

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We only have a solution for this UPS to support "simple signaling " shutdown of (2) serial clients with use of AP9624. For more than (1) smart client (the server connected directly to the UPS) and (2) simple clients connected to AP9624 installed in the UPS, you'll have to look at the Network Card with PowerChute Network Shutdown as a solution. Alternatively, you could look into scripting a shutdown from a connected client to something that isn't physically connected but that may not be as reliable. Not sure if anyone else has any other ideas but please feel free to share.

[kinto_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 4/6/2015

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Thank you Angela.

If I want to try the script solution how can I trigger the start of the script to send the shutdown command to the other servers?

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 4/6/2015

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You would still install PowerChute Business Edition on your "simple" or "smart" clients directly connected to the UPS and that software has the ability to run a command file based on certain events i.e. UPS on battery or UPS has a low battery. I also would say this assumes that the one client could talk to the other over the network or somehow to be able to issue a command file to get it to shutdown.

[kinto_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 4/6/2015

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Thank you Angela.

What is the difference between simple and smart clients?

Based on your suggestions in an Active Directory environment I have to install PCBE on the domain controller and connect it to the UPS with a USB cable. Is it right?

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 4/6/2015

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To answer about smart/simple signaling, the best description is here, PDF page 9 -> http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/PMAR-9EYLYS/PMAR-9EYLYS_R0_EN.pdf

with some additional AP9624 info here -> http://www.apc.com/support/index?page=content&country=ITB〈=en&locale=en_US&id=FA176957 (Interface Expander 2 SmartSlot Card Smart Signalling Information and Explanation)

I am not sure what is best for your environment but that is a likely scenario. For your UPS model, yes, you'd want to have your smart client connected via USB or serial cable direct to the UPS and if you go with this solution, 2 out of the 3 servers connected via serial to the AP9624 accessory card. Then, have your smart client execute a script to that 3rd server that isn't physically connected.

Is there a particular reason Powerchute Network Shutdown and Management card isn't feasible?

[kinto_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 4/7/2015

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Thanks for the info Angela.

I have 2 problems:

1. The first and more important: for now there's no budget to buy the additional interface expander or the network card.
2. Only one server is in the rack while the others 3 servers are in different rooms and plugged in the UPS with an extesion of the power cables. So I can't connect these servers with the USB/Serial cables.

In thi scenario is it a really bad solutions to use PCBE installed on the server in the rack and to script the shutdown of the others?

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 4/7/2015

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Gotta work with what you have 

While it may not be a perfect solution and have risks, I don't see how you can do it any other way beyond scripting. You'll just need to understand the risks and caveats as there are a few points of failure which could prevent a graceful shutdown on those scripted clients.

Even though it is not "supported," you may be able to get both USB and serial connections at the same time to work on this SMT model. (Older models wouldn't work like this at all because of how the communication bus was designed.) That would at least cover (2) of your servers. 

[kinto_apc]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 4/8/2015

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Thank you Angela.

I've tried to install PCBE on the server (a Dell T320) but Windows Server can't recognize the UPS.

I've tried the serial/ethernet (smart) cable and the USB cable.

What can I check to resolve this issue?

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Angela on APC forums on 4/9/2015

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Ok, so to confirm, your server has a serial port? Or were you using a serial to USB adapter with the "smart" cable? Does Windows server detect the device in Device Manager within the control panel?

You're installing the PowerChute Business Edition Agent component, correct? Let's focus on getting that installed.

Here is a knowledge base article I found, not sure if it applies (assuming you let the software try to auto-detect the UPS) -> http://www.apc.com/support/index?page=content&country=ITB〈=en&locale=en_US&id=FA167296 

Did you try a different USB port on the server?

In addition, we have this article with several steps to verify -> http://www.apc.com/support/index?page=content&country=ITB〈=en&locale=en_US&id=FA163608 

[kinto_apc · Accepted solution]

This was originally posted on APC forums on 4/9/2015

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Yes the server has a serial port.

The problem is that Windows don't recognize the UPS (I have nothing in device manager).

I've tried the USB cable in different port of ther server and I've tried the Smart Singaling cable 940-0625A (the one came with the UPS).