Using Network Shutdown with VMWare Server

[itdweeb999_apc]

I have a very simple setup. I have 1 esxi 6.0 server which hosts 1 windows 2012 virtual machine. I need my Network Management Card to shutdown the virtual machine and the esxi server. I'm confused on how to do this. I assume that I need to install PCNS agent on my 2012 server. However, when I go to install the agent on my virtual machine, I'm a little confused because it asks if I want to enable vmware support and then at the end, it launches a wizard that is asking me for all of my vmware host information. I don't understand why it is asking for the vmware host information. Also, I found the link below which seems to be the information on how to configure for vmware. I'm just a little confused by this document though - do I really need to setup an appliance on my vmware server in order to properly shutdown esxi host? I'm just all sorts of confused.

http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/PMAR-9HBK44/PMAR-9HBK44_R3_EN.pdf?sdirect=true

[BillP]

Hi,

You should not install PowerChute on the Server 2012 VM. You should install PowerChute Network Shutdown Appliance on the ESXi host. Once installed configure for standalone host and add the host information. PowerChute will shutdown the host and the host will be responsible for powering down the VMs. Knowledge Base document FA159688 will help you with configuring the host to power down the VMs. You should also review PowerChute Network Shutdown VMware User's Guide. Help configuring Standalone VMware host begins on page 14 of the User's Guide.

[itdweeb999_apc]

Thank you for the response. So, it sounds like nothing at all is installed on the actual virtual machine? Instead, I need to create the network shutdown appliance on the esxi server? I did review the vmware User's guide but it seems to assume that I have vcenter which I don't so I don't really know how much of this guide applies to my situation. The guide keeps showing screenshots of what looks to be a powerchute agent (green screenshots). That confuses me a little as I have no idea where they are even accessing this screen. Seems like they forgot to mention an entire step.

[BillP]

Hi,

Once you install the Appliance on the host (See the installation guide for assistance page 51) you access the PowerChute configuration wizard to configure PowerChute to communicate with the host. To access the wizard open a web browser and enter https://IP address of the appliance:6547 The wizard will launch and walk you through configuring PowerChute. 

[itdweeb999_apc]

OK, as I'm reading through this guide, I am seeing that there are actually 3 options to that allow you to monitor a VM host.

Installing on Windows to Monitor VMware Hosts

Deploying the PowerChute Virtual Appliance

Installing on vSphere Management Assistant (vMA)

I actually realized that there is another physical server running windows at the location so I guess option 1 would be possible as well. However, out of these three options, which would be recommended?

[BillP]

Hi,

If the Windows system is connected to (plugged into) the UPS that the ESXi host is connected to I suggest the Windows option since most people prefer to work with Windows OS. If the Windows system is not connected to the UPS then I recommend using the Appliance. 

My personal preference is the Appliance. I prefer working with a Linux VM. 

[itdweeb999_apc]

Great. Thanks for all of the input and help. I will likely go the windows route since I am more knowledgeable with windows. So just to clarify, I install nothing (no agent) on the actuallyVMWare virtual server as long as I've followed the article for

Configure virtual machine shutdown on standalone VMware ESX and ESXi hosts protected by PowerChute.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Jeff,

Install PowerChute on the Windows system and when asked select enable VMware support. Then when running the configuration wizard select Standalone VMware host and enter the host information. Once PowerChute has been configured you will need to verify that VMWare tools is installed on each VM and follow the instruction in Knowledge Base document FA159688 to configure the ESXi host to power down the VMs. You should review VMware knowledge base document 1008182 for assistance with shutdown of the VMs.