IP-Controllable Power Switch

Intelligent power management

ePowerSwitch 8 Guard is an intelligent, remotely controllable power switch with a built-in Web server and an Ethernet port. With it, remote devices – such as servers or routers – can be switched on, off and rebooted through corporate networks or Internet connections with a simple mouse-click. Being Web browser-based, there is no need for special software.

In addition to manual remote control, the Guard function continually monitors whether the connected IP-based devices are still active, it can automatically, without user input, reboot any crashed device.

Two separate circuits, each with their own power supply and fuse protection, ensure maximum availability and the high total load current of 20 amperes. Higher than many competitor products, the peak current per connected device is 120 amperes.

Applications

Network management in server farms, for example rebooting specific servers and other network equipment
Server housing (server homing), data centres
Numerous other applications, for example in the office and in industry

Exceptional operating reliability and availability

The exceptional operating reliability of the connected consumers is now ensured by the Dual Power function. With two independent, redundant circuits (each with isolated power infeed), two redundant power supplies and its Guard function, ePowerSwitch 8 Guard is ideal for mission-critical applications.

Installation and configuration

Installation is simple and can be performed in one of three ways:

Through the serial interface (cable supplied) with any terminal program running on any PC.
Using the ePowerSwitch Finder program for Windows, which identifies all newly installed ePowerSwitch devices in the same network segment (regardless of their IP address) and allows their configuration. This function can be disabled for security.
Through a built-in, browser-based administration website. This function can be disabled for security.

Operation

To switch the connected consumers, you call up the master’s built-in Website, which responds with a login prompt. Once you have entered a user name and password, you can access the sockets to which access has been configured. The switching state of the individual power sockets and controls for switching them on and off and for initiating an auto restart are then displayed.

If several users try to access the switch at the same time, the system remains under the control of the first user unless he does not make an input for a specified time or logs off.

Auto Restart

Routers and other devices also need to be rebooted from time to time. A “remote administrator” would switch itself off during a reboot. This can be prevented with the Auto Restart function, when the appropriate button is clicked, the connected equipment is switched off and automatically restarted again after a user-definable time.

Compatibility

ePowerSwitch is fully independent of the platform and operating system of each operator station, provided that they support the TCP/IP protocol and have a graphics-capable browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Netscape). The ePowerSwitch is also independent of any other servers connected to the network. A network with ePowerSwitch devices can also be operated without a server.

Security

The ePowerSwitch is protected against unauthorized access with an encrypted user name and password. Beside the administrator - who can access all sockets – eight users can be defined, each of which can control and view the switching state of any specified combination of sockets. With hierarchical IP filters, specific IP addresses or address ranges can be allowed or denied. The network configuration options can be disabled to ensure that only users with physical access to a device (through the V.24 interface) can also perform administration on it.

Switching currents and operational reliability
The ePowerSwitch has two separate circuits, each with their own power supply (Dual Power function), a separate fuse and a separate power supply for the built-in electronics. This doubles the switching current capacity and allows the supply of mission-critical servers with a redundant power supply. The HiAmp technology ensures a long service life even at high switching currents.

Multiple consumers are always switched on again sequentially with a slight delay to prevent excessive current peaks that could otherwise blow the built-in fuse or trip the circuit-breaker.

Behaviour after power failure

After a power failure, each socket is reset to the most recent switching state or a user-definable state. Here, too, the connected consumers are switched on again in sequence with a delay.

Programming

A programming interface has been implemented for automating all switching operations in IT and industrial applications. With this new feature, the switching state of each socket can be queried and controlled through the network. Common languages, such as Visual Basic, C++ and Delphi, can be used.

Serial actuation

As an alternative to the network, ePowerSwitch can control power through the built-in serial interface using a simple command language.

MODELS

Part number	Description
EPS 8 Guard EU	ePowerSwitch 8 Guard with PC connection cable with D-Sub 9-pin socket/plug (1.8 m) for configuration and control, and two power supply cables for the ePowerSwitch (Schuko).
EPS 8 Guard CH	ePowerSwitch 8 Guard with PC connection cable with D-Sub 9-pin socket/plug (1.8 m) for configuration and control, and two power supply cables for the ePowerSwitch (Swiss Standard SEV).
S 19.08.1515	Connection cable for non-heating apparatus - plug/socket, 1.8 metres long
S 19.08.1530	Connection cable for non-heating apparatus - plug/socket, 3 metres long