Purpose and benefits of outlet groups

By using groups of synchronized outlets on Rack PDUs, you can ensure that outlets turn on, turn off, and reboot in a synchronized manner. Synchronizing control group actions through outlet groups provides the following benefits.

•Synchronized shutdown and startup of the power supplies of dual-corded servers prevents erroneous reporting of power supply failures during a planned system shutdown or reboot.

•Synchronizing outlets by using outlet groups provides more precise shutdown and restart timing than relying on the delay periods of individual outlets.

•A global outlet is visible to the user interface of any Rack PDU to which it is linked.

System requirements for outlet groups

To set up and use synchronized outlet control groups:

•You need a computer that can initiate synchronized control operations through the Web interface or command line interface of the Rack PDUs or through SNMP.

•All of the Rack PDUs must use firmware that has the same version number for both the APC Operating System (AOS) module and the application module.

•All of the Rack PDUs must be configured with the same “Member Name”.

•If you are using Network mode, you will also need the following items. These are not necessary if you are using Network Port Sharing mode over the In/Out ports.

–You need a 10/100Base-T TCP/IP network, with an Ethernet hub or switch that has a power source not shared by the computers or other devices being synchronized.

–All of the Rack PDUs must be on the same subnet.

–Outlet groups you synchronize must have the same Multicast IP address, outlet group port, authentication phrase, and encryption phrase. Make sure each Ethernet switch that connects Rack PDUs allows Multicast network traffic for that Multicast IP address.

Rules for configuring outlet groups

For a system that uses outlet groups, the following rules apply:

•A Rack PDU can have more than one outlet group, but an outlet can belong to only one outlet group.

•A local outlet group, which has no global outlet, must consist of two or more outlets.

•You can synchronize a global outlet group on one Rack PDU with a global outlet group on each of three other Rack PDUs.

–In a global outlet group, you can designate only one outlet to be a global outlet, linking to outlet groups on other Rack PDUs for the purpose of synchronization. That global outlet can be the only outlet in its group, or the group can consist of multiple outlets.

–A global outlet of one outlet group must have the same physical outlet number as the global outlet of any other outlet group to which it links.

•To create and configure outlet groups, you must use the Web interface or export configuration file (.ini file) settings from a configured Rack PDU. The command line interface lets you display whether an outlet is a member of an outlet group and lets you apply control actions to an outlet group, but the command line interface does not let you set up or configure an outlet group.

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APC AP89XX, AP8941 manual Purpose and benefits of outlet groups, System requirements for outlet groups
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AP89XX, AP8941 specifications

The APC AP8941 and AP89XX series are advanced power distribution units (PDUs) designed to meet the growing demands of modern data centers and IT environments. These PDUs are well-regarded for their reliability, efficiency, and ease of use, making them integral components for effective power management in critical applications.

One of the standout features of the AP8941 is its capability to provide both local and remote management. Equipped with a web interface, users can monitor power usage, track energy consumption, and gain insights into the performance of connected equipment from virtually anywhere. This remote capability is particularly beneficial for administrators managing multiple sites, as it enables efficient troubleshooting and minimizes downtime.

The AP8941 also supports environmental monitoring by integrating with temperature and humidity sensors. This feature ensures that data centers maintain optimal conditions to protect equipment from overheating or humidity-induced failures, thus enhancing the overall reliability of the power infrastructure.

Another significant aspect of the AP8941 is its ability to distribute power efficiently through its various outlet configurations. The flexible plug-and-play design allows users to customize their power distribution setups for diverse applications, accommodating unique configurations and equipment requirements.

Security is paramount in today’s IT landscape, and the AP89XX series addresses this concern through advanced security features. The units include user authentication and role-based access control, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access critical power management functionalities.

Additionally, the power visualization tools available with the AP8941 enable users to analyze real-time data, identify potential issues, and optimize their power usage. The sleek design and Mounting options make installation straightforward, whether horizontal or vertical, in standard racks or enclosures.

The series supports a variety of power input options and offers robust overload protection, which is essential for preventing damage to both the PDU and connected devices. The combination of management capabilities, security features, and real-time monitoring tools positions the APC AP8941 and AP89XX series as an excellent choice for IT professionals seeking reliable power management solutions in today's data-heavy environments.

In conclusion, the APC AP8941 and AP89XX offer a comprehensive suite of features that cater to the complex needs of data centers. With their focus on efficiency, security, and management capabilities, these PDUs serve as an essential part of modern IT infrastructure, ensuring operational continuity and power reliability.
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