Western Telematic MPC-20VS20-2, MPC-20VD20-2, MPC-8H-1 Introduction, Power Metering and Management

1. Introduction

WTI’s MPC series Managed Power Controllers allow secure, remote metering and management of AC powered rack mount equipment via SSL, SSH, SNMP, web browser, telnet, external modem or local terminal. The MPC can monitor power to your equipment, and automatically notify you when changes in current levels, temperature, circuit breaker status or other factors exceed user-defined threshold values.

The MPC features two separate power circuits with up to 20 Amps input feed handling capacity per branch circuit, and is available in a horizontal, rack mount version with eight or sixteen switched outlets, or as a “zero unit” vertical mount model with 20 switched outlets.

Power Metering and Management:

The MPC can constantly measure current consumption, temperature levels, ping response and other factors. If the MPC detects that user defined thresholds for these values have been exceeded, the unit can promptly notify you via email, SNMP, Syslog, LED or audible alarm. When temperature and current readings exceed user defined critical values, the MPC can also intelligently shed the current load by temporarily shutting down nonessential devices; when readings return to acceptable levels, the MPC can restore power to those devices to return to normal operating conditions.

In addition, the MPC can also notify you when the Invalid Access Lockout has been triggered, when one of the MPC circuit breakers is open, or when a loss of communication with the optional auxiliary units is detected. The MPC also records current consumption data to a convenient log file, which can be retrieved in ASCII, XML, or CSV format or displayed in graph format.

Security and Co-Location Features:

Secure Shell (SSHv2) encryption and address-specific IP security masks help to prevent unauthorized access to command and configuration functions.

The MPC also provides four different levels of security for user accounts: Administrator, SuperUser, User and ViewOnly. The Administrator level provides complete access to all plug functions, operating features and configuration menus. The SuperUser level allows switching and rebooting of all plugs but does not allow access to configuration functions. The User level allows access to only a select group of Administrator-defined plugs. The ViewOnly level allows you to check plug status and unit status, but does not allow switching or rebooting of outlets or access to configuration menus.

The MPC includes full Radius support, LDAP capability, TACACS capability, DHCP and an invalid access lockout feature. An Audit Log records all user access, login and logout times and command actions.

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