6.0UPS Monitoring
6.1Overview
A UPS system alone provides excellent protection from brief power prob- lems. During an extended power outage, an unattended computer system will eventually shut down because of battery capacity exhaustion. To prevent data corruption when the UPS shuts down, the UPS must inform the computer of impending shutdown so the computer can take appropriate file-saving measures. This important function is called “UPS monitoring.” The UPS’s computer interface port allows it to communicates with the computer system.
Some computer operating systems have built-in UPS monitoring. These systems require only a hardware interfaces for the UPS. PowerChute software is available to enhance built-in UPS monitoring, or to add the UPS monitoring function to operating systems that do not provide it.
6.2 Interface Kits
Hardware interface kits are available for operating systems that provide UPS monitoring. Each kit includes a special interface cable to convert status signals from the UPS into signals the operating system recognizes. Systems for which interface kits are offered include Novell, LAN Manager, LAN Server, LANtastic, Banyan VINES, Windows NT, and IBM AS/400.
6.3 PowerChute Software
PowerChute software provides complete data protection for most operat- ing systems. This software is a background process that monitors the UPS through an RS-232 serial port on the host. PowerChute offers user notifica- tion of impending shutdown, power event logging, auto-restart upon power return, and UPS battery conservation features. For selected operat- ing systems, PowerChute offers sophisticated power diagnostic and network power management features including interactive battery testing; scheduled server shutdowns, reboots, and battery testing; detailed power quality logging; and a remote, real-time, graphic power status display that show UPS loading and battery conditions. PowerChute is available for platforms including Novell, OS/2, Windows NT, AppleShare, XENIX, most UNIX-based operating systems, and DEC VAX/VMS.
Caution: Use only factory supplied or authorized UPS monitoring cables.
