Remote reboot power management can be an excellent stand-alone solution or when combined with a KVM management system. Completing a true lights out’ operations center can happen easily by introducing a simple remote reboot power management solution.
Remote KVM over IP access simply permits users to warm reboot computers. In order to cycle power to servers and network equipment, shutting down system power remotely is the only option for a total cold reboot. Remote reboot can be as simple as adding a single port Dataprobe iBoot remote power block or by employing more robust products such as chaining together Server Technology’s Power Tower XL and XM for 32-ports worth of control. Remote reboot power management for the two aforementioned products is accomplished through a standard secure internet browser session – no special software is required. In addition, alternate remote access options such as Telnet of Serial control are available in select models.
Limit Downtime with Simple Web Access
Downtime to remote data center appliances resulting from lock-up can be limited significantly by introducing an intelligent remote reboot power strip. From any location with an internet connection, accessing remote sites to recover inoperative equipment is possible with a few simple clicks of a standard web browser. Dispatching costly field personnel to manually execute a hard reboot is practically removed by implementing remote reboot power strips.
Secure Remote Reboot Web Control
Including chosen user name and password authorization, sophisticated security is often meshed with remote reboot devices in order to maintain a high-level of secure web access to sensitive environments. A commonly used security feature imbedded into Server Technology products is SSL. SSL or Secure Sockets Layer manages security of messages sent over the internet. Server Technology uses SSLv3/TLSv1 for a majority of their web-based reboot management products.
Further adding to internet security, Secure Shell (SSH) integrates with higher-end reboot devices to assist with securing all remote reboot transmissions. For example, Server Technology supports SSHv2 for their web-based management products.
Remote Power Port Options
Environments available for remote reboot functionally include SOHO locales as well as complicated server farm sites. To help find a perfect fit for large or small applications, here is a brief reference guide for choosing the correct solution for your remote reboot needs.
Dataprobe – The Dataprobe iBoot single port remote reboot product enables one server or network device to have remote reboot control available at any time.
Features and benefits of the iBoot are as follows:
105-240 VAC auto ranging iBoot handles circuits up to 12 Amps
Simple power on, off or power cycle commands are recognized via web browser
Standard IEC320 connections autosense international power requisites
Password protected security authorizes users to the reboot web interface screen
Auto-Ping allows iBoot to monitor any IP device on the network
For information on the iBoot please refer to our Dataprobe iBoot section
A new and unique iBoot feature allows users to download a free software program which will monitor and control an unlimited amount of iBoots from one configurable web interface. Controlling multiple kiosk stations, for example, will make executing system-wide shut-down commands for an entire network or scheduling routine daily activities such as rebooting a breeze.
Dataprobe extends their iBoot product line by offering multi-port versions of 4 and 8-ports. The 1U IP-415 and IP-815 permits users to have similar control as the iBoot with the added ability to monitor multiple ports from a single web or telnet interface. To ensure a fail-safe back-up remote entry point, the 4 and 8-port versions offer a model with built-in modem.
Server Technology – Data center environments with high-density 1U servers mounted in one server rack often require higher port density remote reboot power strips. To cover these needs, Server Technology markets their 32-port Power Tower XL and XM as the perfect solution for high-density server situations. A single IP address permits web browser access to all or assigned ports on the combined 32-port Power Tower solution from any location. An outlet grouping advanced feature allows remote reboot functionality for dual-power supply environments. A single command will cycle power to redundant power supply computers and devices.
Additional port options available from Server Technology include the 8-port Power Tower XL for small to mid-sized remote locations. The 8-port Power Tower incorporates the same product features and benefits as the 32-port combined XL and XM solution.
Avocent – The newest member of the Avocent remote reboot family, the SPC400, supports 4 devices requiring remote reboot power control. The SPC400 integrated with the DSR KVM over IP solution offers users total data center control from one DSView driven software program. Combined with the Avocent CPS secure console server, the SPC remote reboot device delivers advanced power management and security.
Existing SPC port varieties include the 16-port SPC1600 and the 8-port SPC800.
Rack Mount Installation Options
Not including the Dataprobe iBoot, most remote reboot products will offer more than one method for installation in a standard 19″ server rack. Server Technology’s Power Tower series is available in 2 distinct rack mount versions: horizontal or vertical mount. The horizontal mount Power Tower XL and XM are positioned in a rack similarly to standard data center equipment. 8-port models will occupy 1U or 1.75″ of space, while 16-port versions populate only 2U worth of rack units. The Zero-U or vertical mount Power Towers fix to the rear of cabinets behind the rails. This alternative rack mount style will not force reboot power strips into precious rack space which is often already spoken for. Avocent’s SPC series as well as Raritan’s PCR line utilize the zero-u rack mount technique in select models.
Conclusion
A trouble-free approach to improve data center operations is to install Remote Reboot power functionality to mission critical servers and network devices. Decreasing labor costs and eliminating downtime with locked-up data center equipment are examples of crucial benefits gained by implementing 24/7 remote reboot power management.
Robert Pavlokovic is an expert in the KVM and Server Management Industry and is the technical writer for server and data center management topics. He also has a strong background in product testing and evaluation. He writes professionally for 42U (www.42U.com), KVM Switches Online (www.kvm-switches-online.com), Server Racks Online (www.server-rack-online.com), DirectNET (www.directnet.us). He provides consultation on enterprise solutions for server management equipment and is also the lead product trainer. Robert Pavlokovic comes from a strong 3-year sales and engineering background for enterprise server management solutions.
