Powerchute: Central Administration or Distributed?

[Anonymous user]

Hey Guys, I'm new to the PowerChute software, so I wasn't sure which is the best way to configure it.

We only have 4 remote locations with small servers, all of which are on a SmartUPS. They all use the 1500, so I don't think the network card is an option?

Is it better to have:

• The 4 remote servers configured with the Agent, and a centrally located "Server"

OR

• To have each remote server, have it's own Server/Agent setup?

My end goal with PCBE is to get alerts via e-mail when the UPS goes on battery, and shutdown the server when battery level is too low to sustain. (It's common for some of these sites to just have small 1-2 mins outages, so I wouldn't want to to shut off with the 1min after on battery option)

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

If each Smart-UPS has 1 server attached I would install PBEAgent on each and install PBEServer and PBEConsole at a central location to monitor the Agents. BTW, you can monitor the Agent/s via web interface https://:6547

If you have multiple servers powered by each Smart-UPS then you should invest in network management cards (AP9630 or AP9631) for each UPS and install PowerChute Network Shutdown (PCNS) on each server. That way you can monitor the UPS via the network card and PCNS will be used to shutdown the servers in the event of a power issue.

With either PBEAgent or PCNS you can configure OS shutdown after UPS has been on battery for X time or when runtime falls below X time.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks a ton Bill. That's exactly what I needed.

The network management cards sound like an awesome idea, I'll be sure to keep those in mind if we ever grow to that point.