Remotely Managed UPS?

[ehoersten]

I'm looking for a way to remotely monitor and control smart outlets--ideally as part of a UPS. I have devices that are essentially PC's installed at client locations and I don't have any ability to modify their network. I have access to their internet connection (typically a cable modem) and I can remotely connect to my box via a VPN however when I lose the connection to the device I don't know if is because it lost power, lost network connection, or is hung. Does anyone know of a device that has a cloud management solution that can accessed via a browser or mobile phone to see if the device has power and if so, reboot or kill power to the PC?

I know that APC has smart ups systems but to my knowledge they can only manage devices on the same network. I don't have that ability as I am remote and if the device loses connection I don't have a VPN connection to the UPS.

Thanks for any ideas...

 

[Karsten75]

Have you thought carefully about what you are asking?Unless you use a completely different infrastructure (Eg. - And I'm using this only as an example- Cellular/landline phone connection to a server that provides status "in the cloud") You are still subject to outages in your customer's network, server and Internet connection. It seems to me that a simple phone call to a live person might suffice.

 

[ehoersten]

Have you thought carefully about what you are asking?Unless you use a completely different infrastructure (Eg. - And I'm using this only as an example- Cellular/landline phone connection to a server that provides status "in the cloud") You are still subject to outages in your customer's network, server and Internet connection. It seems to me that a simple phone call to a live person might suffice.

I agree with you, however the network going down isn't the issue I am trying to address. If the device is frozen or not functioning having a seperate device on the network that is still communicating allows me to remotely reboot or power cycle without asking for someone to physically go to the unit and do that or to do an expensive site visit.

 

[Karsten75]

OK, I can't tell you how many times I've read both your OP and the response. I still can't fathom exactly what it is that you're after. I know some specific motherboards have a remote management chip and Ethernet port in them. You can manage them headless. I forgot the specific acronym for that component now, but I should be able to find it with 15 mins of intense Google.

However, it seems to me you want something that ? sits on the UPS and monitors the power? and then somehow also can initiate a reboot of the computer?

I'm sorry, I'm really not too clear on what you want.

Edit: For instance, does something along this line address your needs?

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/server-management/intel-remote-management-module.html

Edit2: THis (IPMI from Supermicro) is the other attribute I have heard of before and that I use to remotely (but in the same network) manage my NAS box.

http://supermicro.com/manuals/other/SMT_IPMI_Manual.pdf

 

[Saberus]

THey do make a network controllable PDU for server racks, that let you control individual outlets, but I'm not sure about UPS systems. At the worst, you could have a smart PDU plugged into a UPS. As far as making sure the VPN host/client remains up, you're on your own.

 

[ehoersten]

OK, I can't tell you how many times I've read both your OP and the response. I still can't fathom exactly what it is that you're after. I know some specific motherboards have a remote management chip and Ethernet port in them. You can manage them headless. I forgot the specific acronym for that component now, but I should be able to find it with 15 mins of intense Google.

However, it seems to me you want something that ? sits on the UPS and monitors the power? and then somehow also can initiate a reboot of the computer?

I'm sorry, I'm really not too clear on what you want.

Edit: For instance, does something along this line address your needs?

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/server-management/intel-remote-management-module.html

Edit2: THis (IPMI from Supermicro) is the other attribute I have heard of before and that I use to remotely (but in the same network) manage my NAS box.

http://supermicro.com/manuals/other/SMT_IPMI_Manual.pdf

Sorry if I'm not being that clear. Essentially I want a power outlet that can be managed remotely via a network connection. The ideal solution would be a UPS or even a surge protector that has its own NIC and local application/service that establishes an outbound connection to a hosted service that would allow me to connect to it. Similar to how GoToMyPC, TeamViewer, or other products work to allow remote connectivity to devices behind firewalls. In other words, take that intel card functionality and add it to a UPS.

I've seen these that can connect via wifi such as: http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F7C027/ but I want one that connects wired vs wirelessly.

Thanks for the help so far. I thought this would be an easy thing to find but I haven't had much luck searching so far.

 

[Karsten75]

The Belkin WeMo (your link) actually works over 3g/4g (cellular service) as well, so that may be what you're after.

 

[dustindufault]

Check out this solution: http://www.digital-loggers.com/lpc.html

In addition to being a web-enabled power switch, you can create a script to ping various devices and cycle their power if they do not respond.