Remote Reboot Power
Management Guide
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 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
ServerTech’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 ServerTech products is SSL. SSL or Secure
Sockets Layer manages security of messages sent over the internet.
ServerTech 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,
ServerTech
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
ServerTech
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, ServerTech 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 ServerTech’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
ServerTech
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.
