Smart UPS to USB Hub to APC Powerchute software

[Anonymous user]

I have found that direct cable connections tends to be more reliable for signaling power-related shutdowns. Shutdown messages transmitted over the network from the Smart-UPS Network-Management cards to the APC Network PowerChute Network Shutdown software always seem to be a roll of the dice. Half the time the server's network shutdown software don't even see the network messages from the Smart UPS cards. So I'm trying to figure out if I could run USB cables from the Smart UPS through a USB Hub that connects directly to the servers. Would having a USB hub in the signal path cause any flakiness in the shutdown signals?

Or does anyone have clues as to why the PowerChute Network Shutdown software can see the USB signals from the Smart UPS, but often doesn't see the network signals? There aren't any firewalls involved.

Thanks for your help.

Patrick

[BillP]

A USB hub won't work. To start with, I'm not sure how you're communicating over USB - you mention PowerChute Network Shutdown, but this software does NOT communicate over USB or serial. So I assume you have Business Edition installed somehow also? Or you're using native OS support?

Having a network card installed and trying to connect directly from the same UPS isn't a supported configuration, so that's likely part of the problem.

After fixing your configuration (assuming you have a network card somewhere), I would check your PCNS logs (on the servers) to see if there are any "lost communication" messages. It shouldn't be losing communication randomly; 99% of the time it's the network that's causing issues more than anything else. You mentioned there are no firewalls but there's usually at least a Windows firewall - I would check all of the required ports are open for the 2 to communicate properly (3052 and 80, namely).

Also, be sure the server IP addresses are listed in the NMC - UPS > Powerchute clients.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I have found that direct cable connections tends to be more reliable for signaling power-related shutdowns. Shutdown messages transmitted over the network from the Smart-UPS Network-Management cards to the APC Network PowerChute Network Shutdown software always seem to be a roll of the dice. Half the time the server's network shutdown software don't even see the network messages from the Smart UPS cards. So I'm trying to figure out if I could run USB cables from the Smart UPS through a USB Hub that connects directly to the servers. Would having a USB hub in the signal path cause any flakiness in the shutdown signals?

Or does anyone have clues as to why the PowerChute Network Shutdown software can see the USB signals from the Smart UPS, but often doesn't see the network signals? There aren't any firewalls involved.

Thanks for your help.

Patrick