PCNS 3.1 in vMA for ESXi 5.5 in HA with 2 different UPS models

[BillP]

This question was originally posted by JaroslavMencl on APC forums on 9/29/2014

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Hello, I have following configuration: 1. floor - ESXi host A with several VM’s (HP VSA, Windows and Linux) - ESXi host B with free vSphere hypervisor license (will be changed to Essential) with vCenter and vMA installed - Smart UPS (Model: Smart-UPS 5000 RM with NMC: AP9617) 2. floor - ESXi host C with several VM’s (HP VSA, Windows and Linux) - Smart UPS (Model: Smart-UPS RT 5000 XL with NMC: AP9631) ESXi host A and ESXi host C are in HA. I tried to configure PCNS on vMA and choose Advanced (VM Migration Support) in UPS configuration page. I added two IP addresses for two UPS but then I got this error - All UPS's in this Configuration must be the same model. So what is the solution for esxi hosts in HA cluster with VM migration enabled if I have two "different" UPS and I want correct shutdown and start for all VM's and hosts? (other one then buy new UPS...) I would appreciate any other solution how to properly shutdown/start hosts and VMs in cases: 1. one floor will be without power 2. both floors will be without power Thanks

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by Bill on APC forums on 9/29/2014

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Hi,

Advanced UPS configuration is not supported when PCNS is running on a virtual machine. You should install PowerChute on a standalone Windows system as listed in application note 180 page 6. Also, all UPS’s in a advanced configuration must be from the same UPS Family. For example; SMX, SMT or SUA Smart-UPS can be mixed together but an SMX, SMT, or SUA Smart-UPS cannot be mixed with an SURT model. The SURT Smart-UPS belongs to the On-Line family where as the SMX, SMT, and SUA models belong to the Line-Interactive family.

To set up advanced UPS configuration you should install on a standalone Windows system and replace 1 of the 2 UPS with a model from the same family.

[BillP]

This reply was originally posted by JaroslavMencl on APC forums on 9/30/2014

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Hi,

as I can read from app note 180, it is not recommended but it is not said that it is not supported. Anyway, I will give up Advanced configuration. Is there a way how to configure it for my events?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

This reply was originally posted by Bill on APC forums on 9/30/2014

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Hi,

Sorry for the inconvenience. We have had discussion about removing the advanced option from PCNS installed as a VM. The reason it was left in is because some customer wanted the feature even though it would not be supported.

Your best option is to install on a standalone Windows system and replace 1 of the 2 UPS with a model from the same family. Another option is to install as a VM but you will still need to update 1 of the 2 UPS.