UPS (uninterruptible power supply) installation and configuration
2019-08-09
The way to prevent unplanned downtime or data loss due to power problems is to use a UPS or an uninterruptible power supply. However, the UPS itself does not work properly. Hardware, software, and configuration together form a UPS system that can recover from unexpected power outages or power fluctuations that can damage systems and peripherals.
Introduction
When considering data loss, system downtime, and disaster recovery, the backup method is primarily discussed. There are many ways to prevent data loss, including clustering, backup, security, and power conditioning. Proper power can prevent the initial disaster from happening. Providing appropriate power can be in the form of an uninterruptible power supply or UPS. The UPS is equipped with a rechargeable battery that provides emergency power during an instantaneous power outage. If the power outage is longer than the battery can supply power, the UPS can notify the server to initiate a power down sequence to properly shut down and prevent data loss. After the power is restored, the server can resume operation after the shutdown is complete.
Use UPS circuitry to minimize other power related issues. The UPS can isolate voltage dips and spikes, power outages and line noise (from other machines such as elevators, air conditioners or office equipment). These power-related fluctuations can cause serious damage to systems and equipment. For relatively low cost, the UPS can prevent downtime due to power anomalies.
Network UPS tool
The Network UPS tool is a set of tools for monitoring and managing UPS hardware. The UPS hardware-specific driver communicates with the UPS in the form of variables or polls to obtain status information. The driver communicates directly with the UPS device and runs on the same host as the server. The server ups provides the data in the driver to the network. The client communicates with the ups server and uses state data to start the task.
As the name of a network UPS tool, the NUT is a network-based UPS system that can be used with multiple UPSs and systems. One of the many features of the NUT allows multiple systems to monitor a single UPS without the need for a special UPS to share hardware connections. The master/slave relationship is turned off synchronously, so the slave can initiate a power down sequence before the host turns off the UPS.
For advice on UPS equipment models, please consult Daopulse.