Implementing a remote reboot power management solution is a required procedure for assembling a true lights-out data center or co-location facility.
Stand-alone power distribution units can add tremendous value by providing outside remote power cycling capabilities to mission critical network equipment. Additionally, advanced integration with new or existing KVM over IP solutions grants users with total remote operation for data centers.
But why are remote reboot PDUs needed in the first place? Remote KVM over IP access simply permits users to initiate a full computer reboot. 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 or serial control are available in select models.
Sophisticated security, including chosen user name and password authorization, is often meshed with power management 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 remote 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.
Small or large, several port options exist for any size project requiring remote power control. Port varieties start at 1 and 2 outlet and continue as high as hundreds of ports. Furthermore, expanding port density for existing remote reboot environments has become easier with the release of web controllable applications. Web-based remote reboot management programs allows users to monitor an unlimited number of power distribution units from one software application. This will create an easier environment for administrators to manage and make adding new PDUs simple.
For simple applications, the single-port iBoot from Dataprobe enables one server or network device to incorporate remote reboot control at any time. The web controllable Dataprobe iBoot uses a standard internet browser session to send and receive signals for prompting remote reboot commands. Managing multiple iBoot’s is considerably easier than before by downloading the free program from Dataprobe which allows global management of every iBoot located on a network. 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 hassle free.
Comparably speaking, the Server Technology 2-port IPM-2 PDU creates web enabled remote reboot functionality for 2 computers or devices and assists in safely monitoring these accessories from any location. The Sentry IPM-2 guards mission-critical systems against unplanned downtime and helps maintain a proper operational mode at any given time. The advanced web GUI creates an easy entrance point for managing equipment around the clock and permits users to gain access to multiple IPM-2s along with any Sentry device all on the same network with use of the Sentry Global View.
To overcome problems with managing multiple locations with more than 16 devices in each site, Server Technology markets their 32-port Power Tower XL and XM as the perfect solution for these types of 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 with internet capabilities. Benefiting from Server Technology’s Sentry Global View, controlling several 32-port co-location facilities forces pricey field personnel to remain at home to troubleshoot inactive computers and rack accessories.
Additional port options available from Server Technology include the 8-port Power Tower XL for small to mid-sized remote locations and server rack environments. The 8-port Power Tower incorporates the same product features and benefits as the 32-port combined XL and XM solution.
Large enterprise level solutions can require over 100 ports of remote reboot control from one management interface. To accomplish this task, simply add as many Sentry Power Tower’s as needed to one network. Although, more than one IP address will be required for such a project, controlling and assigning user rights will be accomplished through the Global View administrative program. Entrance is granted to all or selected ports through a web browser from anywhere with an internet connection.
Improving data center operations starts by establishing remote reboot power functionality for 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 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.
