options and configuration for SUA2200XL monitoring

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

Due to ongoing network changes, the SUA2200XL I have here will soon be used to protect systems on two physically separate, completely independent networks. I understand that it's not possible to use both the serial and USB ports at the same time and I would like confirmation on my plans before buying any extra hardware.

My intent right now is to:
- buy an Interface Expander card (AP9607CB)
- hook up the server from one network to the interface expander card with a simple signaling cable
- hook up the server from the other network to the UPS 'main' serial port with a smart signaling cable
- have PCBE agent and server installed on both servers, with clients installed on the other computers connected to the respective networks.

The alternative would be:
- get a NMC instead (AP9630)
- install it on one network
- use the UPS 'main' serial port with a smart signaling cable for the other network

However I do not know if this would work. (conflict between the two 'management'-capable connections?)

Are there any pitfalls to either option I'm not seeing? Any recommendations or preferred solutions?

Message was edited by: p.meslin

BillP · ‎2021-06-29

The UPS you have only has one SmartSlot so you're limited there unless you look into an AP9600BLK or AP9604BLK if you can find them. If you could find them, i'd suggest two network management cards and powerchute network shutdown to ease administration.

as a general point, this UPS model does not support both network management card/PowerChute Business Edition in use at the same time. you can run into communication problems so my official recommendation is listed above.

i will comment though on what you proposed as long as i say any solution below should be tested and would not be officially supported if it doesnt work properly.

For your intended solution, with the interface expander, any simple signaling clients will only know if the UPS is on battery, at a low battery state, or if its off - is that OK? And what do you mean by you're 4th bullet point - how will the clients be installed on other computers? How will they communicate to the UPS without a physical connection? this solution would work if you only have a max of three computers (two simple signaling, one smart signaling port). you cannot use PCBE on any computer not physically connected to the UPS via serial cable. the only solution I would see here would maybe be using a command file that is executed based on a shutdown for the smart signaling client to shutdown the rest of the computers over the network.

for your second solution, that's OK but you'd need to use a command file here too most likely from your powerchute business edition client via serial cable to tell the rest of that network to shutdown somehow.

hope that helps.

See Answer In Context

BillP · ‎2021-06-29

The UPS you have only has one SmartSlot so you're limited there unless you look into an AP9600BLK or AP9604BLK if you can find them. If you could find them, i'd suggest two network management cards and powerchute network shutdown to ease administration.

as a general point, this UPS model does not support both network management card/PowerChute Business Edition in use at the same time. you can run into communication problems so my official recommendation is listed above.

i will comment though on what you proposed as long as i say any solution below should be tested and would not be officially supported if it doesnt work properly.

For your intended solution, with the interface expander, any simple signaling clients will only know if the UPS is on battery, at a low battery state, or if its off - is that OK? And what do you mean by you're 4th bullet point - how will the clients be installed on other computers? How will they communicate to the UPS without a physical connection? this solution would work if you only have a max of three computers (two simple signaling, one smart signaling port). you cannot use PCBE on any computer not physically connected to the UPS via serial cable. the only solution I would see here would maybe be using a command file that is executed based on a shutdown for the smart signaling client to shutdown the rest of the computers over the network.

for your second solution, that's OK but you'd need to use a command file here too most likely from your powerchute business edition client via serial cable to tell the rest of that network to shutdown somehow.

hope that helps.

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

It's not a problem if some of the systems only have access to simple signaling as long as there is one with 'full' access somewhere.

For my 4th bullet point, I was under the impression that the PCBE client could remotely monitor, through the network, a UPS connected to a different computer. I may have been mistaken on this. If it's not possible, using a command line wouldn't be to much trouble.

While this isn't actually covered in the manual, can the UPS serial port be used with a simple signaling cable or is it only capable of using the smart signaling protocol?

BillP · ‎2021-06-29

the UPS DB-9 port on any UPS can be forced into simple signaling mode for most applications - you can install PCBE and force it to use simple signaling as a configuration option.

Well let me clarify on PCBE. There is the PCBE agent, server, and console pieces. (I am taking this from the user's guide on what piece does):

PowerChute Business Edition Agent
The Agent provides UPS status monitoring and, in the event of an extended power outage, system shutdown capabilities for your UPS-protected servers. See PowerChute Agent and Different UPS Devices.

This software must be installed on each computer that is directly attached to one of the UPS devices mentioned in Supported UPS Devices and Accessories.

PowerChute Business Edition Server
The PowerChute Server gathers information from the Agents and provides centralized event tracking, event notification, and a single point of contact for the PowerChute Console.

This software must be installed on one of your networked computers.

PowerChute Business Edition Console
The PowerChute Console is used to configure and monitor the PowerChute Agents.

It connects to the PowerChute Server to provide the user interface for managing and configuring your UPS-protected systems.

Install the PowerChute Console on any workstation, desktop, or laptop (running a supported operating system).

Thus..the agent is the piece you have to install on the computers physically attached to the UPS via serial and the server and console pieces can actually help you manage the agents "over the network" a bit. But you still need the agent component which can be accessed over IP remotely. hope that helps.

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

Ah, thanks, seems I had it backwards apparently. I'll run a few tests and likely go for a pair of NMCs and a smartslot extension enclosure.

It's a bit of a shame that PCBE can't function as a server (or 'fake' NMC) for Powerchute Network Shutdown. A function like that would be spectacularly convenient.

BillP · ‎2021-06-29

then nobody would buy management cards 😉

management cards are a lot more powerful and easier to work with.. i might be saying that since I spend most of my day dealing with network management cards 😄

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-29

Very good point 😄 I'll have to read more on the NMC to see access control options and if it can be used to configure UPSes for external battery packs. Thanks!

BillP · ‎2021-06-29

yes, you can adjust battery packs via NMC. if you are familiar with powerchute, NMC does everything powerchute does and more.

also, NMC offers access via HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SCP, telnet, SSH, SNMP v1/v3, RADIUS .. I think that is it..let me know if you need to know any other specifics on management cards.