PCNS Config --> Probably a really simple question

[Mgregory2K_apc]

So, I've got about 20 servers that I've install PCNS on (Windows & Linux) but I have also registered all of their IP's on the Symmetra 40K management card.

I've done some searching and I have found tons of stuff on configuring PCNS, but I guess I'm wondering if I even have to configure the events in the servers GUI???

With PCNS installed and adding their IP's to be shutdown from the management card will the UPS signal out to all clients and gracefully shut them down without configuring each and every event on the server?

[Erasmus_apc]

If you leave PCNS totally unconfigured on each of your servers, then by default they will only shut down the servers when the UPS' "Low Battery Signal Duration" is reached. This function is hard coded and unable to be changed. This setting can be found in the GUI of the Network Card under the UPS settings tab. It generally ranges from 2m to 20m.

[Mgregory2K_apc]

Awesome! That's what I figured. Thanks for the super fast response.

We had power go out over the weekend and 4 servers that didn't have the configs shutdown gracefully, but the ones I configured (with the help of an APC tech over the phone) just died when power was depleted. So, in the interest of ease I'm probably just going to leave them unconfigured since it's only about 20.

I do have one other question though. From the UPS logs I saw this error:
11/15/2009 15:01:09 System: Email: Could not resolve 'mail.dwr.com'.

And I don't really know why because in the past it's worked fine and this is the first time I've seen this error on it when power has gone out. There haven't been any system changes and the mail server was up because it's in a whole other state.

Thanks again

[Erasmus_apc]

Sorry about the delay, it is difficult to keep track of all the posts sometimes. I would recommend doublechecking your DNS settings and TCP/IP settings fully and make sure they sync against what your network would require for perfect comm to your DNS server. If you are using an external DNS (OpenDNS, etc?) this can cause common communication issues. How often does this come up, if it is even doing it since your last response? This can sometimes be a traffic issue, but I would also check to make sure the mail address you have specified comes up as your primary using NSLOOKUP in the command prompt. Technically, the one you specify should have the lowest "mx" value when you do a lookup using the "mx" type of query.

[Mgregory2K_apc]

No worries. I verified all the IP/DNS settings and everything is good there for sure.

I actually think this may be due to the UPS killing power to my router or a switch, but I don't know why. I'm planning on running a test today after hours so I can watch.

It used to be OK and didn't shut the router off before. The only change was that I unregistered my Catalyst 4507's IP from the NMC because I was told it unnecessary to have it in there.

Maybe you can answer this last one easily before I search and post it. I want to test the PowerChute Shutdown command, but if it doesn't work on some servers I don't want them to go down hard.

Would my best option be to log into the NMC and go to Control>Initiate a UPS Control Action>Put UPS in Bypass and check "Send PowerChute Server Shutdown"? I just want to verify that all servers are receiving the command and actually shutdown gracefully. If so, then I'll do a full power failure test.

[Mgregory2K_apc · Accepted solution]

I didn't get an answer to the DNS issue, but the original question was answered.