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General
Control through a modem
Guard Function
ePowerSwitch-M/S
Tips and Tricks

General

Do I need special software to operate the ePowerSwitch?

No, you can use any graphics-capable Web browser (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape). The supplied software is used only for configuring the ePowerSwitch.

How can I configure ePowerSwitch?

The devices without "Guard" in their name can be configured only through the serial interface. This helps to ensure security.

Devices with Guard function can be configured as follows:

• Through the serial interface with any terminal program.
• Through the "ePowerSwitch Finder" – a Windows program that finds all ePowerSwitches in the local network and allows them to be configured. This function can be disabled for security.
• Through a built-in, browser-based website. This function can be disabled for security.

Can I configure a port other than the default HTTP port 80?

Yes, you can use any port you like.

What happens when the power fails?

The ePowerSwitch remembers the operating states of the connected devices and restores them after a power failure. To prevent current peaks, it switches the devices on sequentially with a short delay between each.
With the newer ePowerSwitches (with "Guard" in their name) also allow a switching state (Off or On) to be defined to which switches are returned after a power failure.

Some servers remain switched off after a power cut. What do I do?

You should be able to define this behaviour in the BIOS. Unfortunately, the options look different in every BIOS. Try looking for

- "PWRON after PWR-Fail" oder
- "PWRON after PWR fail",
- "Power loss recovery",
- "Power failure recovery", or similar expressions

and select the "Always On" option or similar.

How long can the serial cables be?

To ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), their length is limited to three metres. In many cases (depending also on the cables and the environmental conditions), longer cables may work just as well, but we cannot guarantee or approve their use. This also depends on the cable and on the environmental conditions.
Note: With the ePowerSwitch-M/S, always total the lengths of all individual cables.

Control through a modem

How does this work?

The ePowerSwitch contains a built-in terminal function with which it can communicate with a (usually PC-based) terminal program through a dialog and its serial interface. Through this connection, you can configure and operate the ePowerSwitch. Alternatively you can set up a modem connection. Both the ePowerSwitch and the remote PC running the terminal program must then each have a modem.

What do I need to keep in mind?

• The ePowerSwitch does not support hardware handshaking with the modem. You therefore need a special cable wired for the modem’s signal inputs,
  for example our 25-pin modem cable with order number WV PP DS 642, or our 9-pin modem cable with order number WV PP DS 643.
• The modem connected to the ePowerSwitch must be set to 9600 bits/s, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and No parity. To do this, connect the modem to a PC, start the terminal program and change its communication settings to the above values. When you establish a connection with the modem, the modem automatically learns these settings. To save the new modem settings, enter "ATS0=1&W" in the terminal program.
• The PC’s modem must also be set to 9600 bits/s, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and No parity. You can do this using the PC’s terminal program.

What about security?

The modem should have the required security features, such as password protection and/or a callback function. We recommend the BM-1000 Pro from Blatzheim.

Which ePowerSwitches can I use with a modem?

ePowerSwitch M8, ePowerSwitch-8 Guard, ePowerSwitch D4, ePowerSwitch-4 (all versions). You can use modems with all models that can be configured from a terminal program.

Do I need a software upgrade for this?

No.

Guard function

What is the Guard function?

The Guard function is an additional feature that can be optionally enabled. It continually monitors the connected server through the network, and automatically cuts and restores the server's power supply to restart it if it detects that the server is no longer responding. ePowerSwitch Guard achieves faster response times than are possible even with round-the-clock human supervision, thereby maximizing availability. To determine whether a server is functioning, ePowerSwitch Guard uses the same functions – Ping and Port Scan – as human administrators.

How can I prevent a server from being rebooted by accident?

The following can be defined individually for each server:

• The use of Ping and/or Port Scan
• The scanning interval, for example every 10 seconds
• The number of failed scans before the server is restarted
• A subsequent, additional wait time
• The wait time after restarting a server before the Guard function is reactivated

These settings provide a precise control of the crash detection sensitivity.

How reliable is the crash detection feature?

To answer this question, we have to define exactly what is meant by “crash”. The Guard function itself can not, for example, recognize whether an application has crashed. On the other hand, a sudden failure to respond to a port scan or to a ping indicates a serious system fault.

ePowerSwitch-M/S

How do I select devices in master/slave operation?

Each power outlet has its own password. When you enter a password for an outlet, you receive control over that outlet and can view its status. When you enter an administrator password, you can access and control all eight outlets.

In master/slave operation, what happens when the master or its power supply fails?

The slaves remain in their current switching state, but can no longer be controlled remotely.

In master/slave operation, what happens when one of the slaves or its power supply fails?

Both the master and the remaining slaves remain fully functional.

Tips and tricks

Replacing an ePowerSwitch without changing its IP address

If you replace an ePowerSwitch and assign the same IP address to the new device, the new unit will not work. This has nothing to do with the device but with the fact that the other unit has a different MAC address. To activate the new ePowerSwitch, go into the ARP protocol (Windows) and delete the assignment with "arp -d", or wait for two to ten minutes.

Protecting the built-in relays

1. Connect UPS devices before, not after, the ePowerSwitch. The inrush current of a UPS can be high enough to damage the built-in relays.

2. If possible, do not connect socket strips to the switched outlets of the ePowerSwitch. This prevents consumers being switched on sequentially, which presents a risk of excessive inrush current.