ups monitoring software. Smart uninterruptible power supply: UPS monitoring and control programs. Minimum system requirements

An important part of an uninterruptible power supply system is software that allows you to monitor the status of UPS and power events. The software allows you to monitor many important parameters of the UPS and the network: power failure, voltage increase and decrease, voltage frequency change, UPS transfer to battery power, UPS operation in bypass mode, UPS battery status and temperature, etc. The software also allows you to correctly shut down equipment and programs in the absence of an operator.

In today's environment, power loss can result in the loss of critical data, costly downtime, and damage to computer and industrial equipment. The use of the appropriate monitoring and control software makes UPS into a one-stop solution to the problem of power quality. The software is an indispensable and fully integrated element of the system, increasing its performance and ensuring the protection of processes. In the event of a power failure, the software takes a number of actions: notifies users, puts processes in a certain state, closes open files and communication channels, and gracefully stops unattended systems. When power is restored to the network, the system automatically starts and returns to normal operation.

UPSMAN™

UPSMAN is free software that comes with a General Electric UPS. UPSMAN communicates with the UPS through a serial port, USB port or network interface (SNMP card) to obtain status data and measure data. During normal operation UPS All UPS and network status data is stored in a log file and can be viewed over the network.

During a power outage, UPSMAN monitors UPS battery runtime and initiates a local or network shutdown of computers if necessary. UPSMAN may use optional software. The client part of RCCMD allows you to correctly shut down computers and programs running on them.

Various methods are available to perform a stop and start: cold start, soft start, network start. In addition, UPSMAN's configurable and almost unlimited event handling features allow you to pre-configure the system to automatically notify the user: by notifying the user over the network, by e-mail, by sending an SMS message, or by sending an RCCMD signal to a remote computer to execute a pre-configured command.

The UPS status data can be accessed via the WEB server. It can be accessed through a standard browser, but requires an optional SNMP card. UPSMAN supports the following UPS models: Match, VH Series, GT Series, LP11/31T, LP33, SG Series.

(Software for monitoring and managing the UPS, the correct shutdown of the computer / server, serial number - in the archive along with the program)

(USB to Serial adapter driver: for connecting a UPS with only RS-232 port to a computer with USB only)

(Software for changing the advanced settings of the UPS (no-load shutdown, automatic start of the UPS when voltage appears, setting the output voltage to 220/230/240 V, frequency 50/60 Hz, etc.)

RCCMD client side (paid software, trial period 30 days)

RCCMD is a common and widely used client side for UPS. This software allows you to gracefully shut down a large number of computers. Supported by 25 different operating systems and works in conjunction with UPSMAN.

(Client part of the software for automatic shutdown of servers (paid program, which is installed directly on the server, includes a Trial key for 30 days))

EP OS Shutdown System

This software is designed for the GE EP Series UPS and has the same functionality as the UPSMAN software.

EP Series EP OS Shutdown System

A convenient and efficient system for controlling and monitoring the status of the UPS largely determines the reliability of its operation. The power supply used as a simple adapter between the socket and the computer loses much to an average quality device with a well-organized work control process that allows you to extend the life of the device and prevent many problems in advance.

Not so long ago, the only control of the UPS was the switch, but now the situation has changed. Some models (mostly On-Line) of uninterruptible power supplies on the market are equipped with a liquid crystal display that shows the characteristics of the UPS: load, input voltage, alarms, etc. The buttons on the front panels of the devices allow you to adjust, for example, the output voltage and frequency, as well as perform a battery test.

However, any computer system, whether computer telephony or otherwise, requires an Ethernet network. Protecting information on a single computer is now not very difficult and, as a rule, is implemented using an Off-Line or Line-Interactive UPS. The presence of a network gives rise to a new series of problems, among which one of the main ones is its administration. Uninterruptible power supplies in this sense are no exception. When operating many UPSs, it is desirable to control the operation of each of them, and to do this as quickly as possible, that is, to monitor from one computer, and not to manually test each UPS.

Now, for these purposes, special software is used, produced by almost all leading UPS manufacturers and supplied, as a rule, together with the equipment. In addition to testing batteries and changing the output characteristics of devices, such programs can collect statistics on the loads of each UPS in a computer network.

This happens in various ways. The most common is connecting a computer and a UPS with an additional cable via a serial port and installing gram-agents that monitor changes in specified characteristics (in real time or at set intervals) and save statistical data in special log files. In such a scheme, the administrator can monitor the status of the UPS of interest from his computer and view the available log files. Such a scheme has two significant drawbacks - firstly, only one UPS can be monitored at a time, and secondly, in the event of a UPS shutdown, it is impossible to quickly access the log files.

A much more efficient scheme is in which all information is automatically collected in one place, allowing you to manage the situation from one network node. It is important that, having such statistical data and comparing them, for example, with the distribution of traffic in a computer network, it is possible in some cases to determine the causes of overloads or failure of the UPS. In addition, such a scheme does not require the constant presence of an administrator who periodically looks after one or another source.

For large enterprises, the possibility of remote control and monitoring of the UPS is relevant not only in local, but also in distributed networks. This is probably why there has recently been a clear trend towards the implementation of all control functions using ordinary web browsers.

The software products presented on the market usually have a wide range of options for choosing how to react to various interferences and malfunctions in the power grid - numerous options for preparing systems for shutdown (for example, according to a specified schedule) and types of messages about problems that have arisen (sound notification, sending notifications by e-mail and so on).

It should be noted that due to the use of software and hardware platforms from various manufacturers in computer networks, such software is available in many versions designed for specific systems. Structural diagrams of the IPB (Fig.1.1,1.2).

Fig.1.1. Structural diagram of the IPB off-line.

Fig.1.2. Structural diagram of the IPB line-interactive.

Manage (local and remote) Eaton UPS and LAN power

Eaton UPS can transmit information to the "outside world" in three ways

1. Web/SNMP via adapter Network Card-MS(or ConnectUPS-X Web/SNMP/xHub) over the network
2. Via Web/SNMP protocol or ModBus via adapter Network and MODBUS Card-MS(or X-Slot ModBus Adapter)
3. Through relay "dry" contacts built into the UPS, or by card Relay Card-MS(Xslot relay (AS/400) card)
4. Via workstation USB port

When connecting a Web/SNMP adapter with its own IP address to the UPS, the UPS can be accessed via a computer network, i.e. perform remote monitoring over the network. Communication can be maintained using both IP / SNMP protocol, ModBus protocol, and using a bundle of Intelligent Power Software + Web / SNMP adapter

The Web/SNMP adapter also allows:

• Produce rollup OS and saving data on selected servers / workstations on a signal from the UPS
• Produce monitoring of input and output network parameters(input/output voltage, frequency, etc.) and present data graphically in real time
• Keep a diary of events(an accounting file is created - at what point in time what happened to the UPS itself, the parameters of the input / output network)
• Produce UPS monitoring and its nodes (more than 50 parameters)

Eaton Web/SNMP adapters can display information in a Web browser in Russian

Unique Features of Intelligent Power Manager Software:

Main interface goes in Russian

It is possible to simultaneously monitoring multiple UPSs in one window. The free version that comes with each UPS can monitor up to 10 devices. In the paid version - up to 100 devices (Silver License) unlimited UPS (Gold License)

The software supports not only UPSs, but also other devices such as ePDUs, environmental sensors, and other power infrastructure equipment.

It is possible to provide quick access to critical information: load value, battery life, UPS battery status

The software provides the ability to shut down non-critical loads to extend battery life during an extended power outage.

In addition to Eaton UPS, the software allows you to monitor UPS from other manufacturers using the SNMP protocol and the XML Web service.

Integration with platforms such as vCenter and XenCenter™ is available to help data center managers reduce infrastructure and operational costs while increasing uptime, performance and responsiveness.

Display critical electrical information for devices including UPS, ePDUs, and environmental sensors on vCenter or XenCenter control panels

Simplified software installation scheme: after launching the program, compatible devices will be automatically detected, and within a few seconds the system will be ready to work

Intelligent Power Manager has a customizable user interface that allows you to view all key operating parameters of one or more UPSs in one window. The user can change the display method according to his needs, sorting controlled devices by various parameters: status description, type and location of the device.

The software also gives you the ability to group devices by criteria such as IP address, type, and application owner. Users have the ability to centralize alarm management functions: multiple events can be combined into a single message, which is delivered, for example, by e-mail. All events and actions are stored in the system log.

Monitoring using "dry" contacts: In the majority Eaton UPS dry contacts included. When the status of the UPS and the external network changes (“mains voltage is normal”, “UPS is running on batteries”, “batteries are low”), these contacts open or close. Thus, the dry contact port allows the UPS to be used as part of automated process control systems. To increase the controlled dry contacts, you can use the Relay Card-MS card or X-slot AS/400 depending on the UPS model

EMP (Environmental Monitoring Probe)- indoor temperature and humidity control device + 2 additional input "dry contacts". "Dry contacts" EMP allow you to connect external devices through it (for example, fire and burglar alarms). Temperature and humidity status data (+ external dry contact status) is available over the network via the Connect UPS Web/SNMP card. Using Lansafe software, you can configure the distribution of messages / carry out the convolution of the OS when the temperature or humidity reaches critical values

Map Network Card-MS (Network-MS) allows you to connect your Eaton UPS directly to an Ethernet network and the Internet, allowing you to manage and monitor the UPS on your network through a standard web browser, SNMP-compliant network management system, or power management software.

• Flexible support with compatibility with HTTP, SNMP, SMTP, Telnet, SSL and SSH
• Remote UPS management or reboot of protected devices via SNMP/Web
• Actions that are set according to customer requirements, including automatic shutdown in the event of a long power outage
• Warning emails
• SNMPv3 and IPv6 compatible
• Simultaneous access to up to five connected viewers (three in SSL)
• Automatic e-mail configuration in response to UPS alarms and for sending periodic reports
• UPS On/Off Control via Web Viewer
• Load segment regulation and control via a web interface, including plant sequencing and backup time optimization by shutting down non-critical systems
• Automatic shutdown of computers with UPS protection using custom software Intelligent Power Protector or NetWatch
• Automatic date and time setting via NTP server
• Encrypted password protection
• Protected by a secure SSL connection
• Storing the log in long-term memory

Map Network and MODBUS Card-MS (MODBUS-MS) provides continuous, reliable and accurate remote monitoring of the UPS system through a Building Management System (BMS) or Industrial Automation System (IAS). Enabling the integration of UPS data into a range of management systems, the MODBUS Card-MS integrates an SNMP agent, an HTTP/Web server and a MODBUS card, making it easy to control the UPS from any network monitoring system using SNMP protocol and messaging or any web-based viewing systems.

Distinctive features and advantages:

• UPS remote management via SNMP, web or MODBUS
• MODBUS connection via both RS232 and RS485
• Actions that are set according to customer requirements (for example, shutdown) in the event of a power failure
• Data and event logging, e-mail messages
• Humidity and temperature measurement with optional environmental monitoring (EMP) sensor
• Easy commissioning on a large installed base (multiple network configuration)
• Rapidly Upgradable Firmware
• Compatible with Intelligent Power Manager and Intelligent Power Protector

UPS Management software allows you to monitor and manage the power supply of objects from home and small office to large, geographically dispersed objects

UPS Management software allows you to expand and supplement the capabilities of your uninterruptible power supplies, allows you to organize monitoring of workstations and servers to which the UPS is connected. Ensure correct shutdown in the event of a prolonged power outage. In addition to logging events, it allows you to keep the responsible staff informed about power failures by sending email messages. Easy to set up and operate.

Key features:

simultaneous operation with several UPS connected to one computer/server;

the ability to monitor multiple UPSs over a local network;

monitoring of power supply parameters and UPS status and their graphical representation (input, output voltage, charge, temperature, etc.);

the ability to change the internal settings of the UPS and its adaptation to the parameters of the local power supply;

registration of deviations in the power system and the functioning of the UPS by time of day and date;

the ability to automatically turn off the UPS when the PC is suspended;

PC scheduler - Your UPS can turn off and turn on the load according to the schedule you set;

setting up a reaction to events in case of power failures and overheating in the premises;

the ability to suspend the computer in the event of a power failure;

the ability to send notifications of failures and malfunctions by e-mail;

the ability to launch an external application for processing events in case of failures and malfunctions;

the ability to monitor the status of the UPS via SNMP (APC, Eaton).

System requirements:

UPS of the APC Smart, APC Back-Pro family and UPS with a similar set of commands;

connection via RS232 interface (COM port), LAN converter - RS232, SNMP;

SNMP monitoring is supported for APC via AP9617 module, for Eaton via Web/SNMP Card V4.36 and above;

OS: Win 2000, Win XP, Win 2003, Windows 7, Windows 8, Win 2008, Win 2012.

UPS models that have been successfully tested:

Symmetra LX 16000	SmartUPS 1000RM	SMART-UPSv/s 1400
Smart-UPS1000RM	Smart-UPS X 3000	Smart-UPS v/s 650
Smart UPS V/S 420	Smart UPS SRT 6000	Smart-UPS SRT 5000
Smart UPS SC620	Smart-UPS SC450RM	Smart UPS SC420
Smart UPS SC1500	Smart UPS SC1000	Smart-UPS SC 450 RM
Smart UPS SC 450	Smart-UPS SC 250 RM	Smart-UPS RT 8000 XL
Smart-UPS RT 800	Smart-UPS RT 6000 XL	Smart-UPS RT 600
Smart-UPS RT 5000 XL	Smart UPS RT 500	Smart-UPS RT 3000 XL
Smart UPS RT 300	Smart-UPS RT 2000 XL	Smart UPS RT 2000
Smart UPS RT 200	Smart-UPS RT 2	Smart-UPS RT 1000 XL
Smart UPS RT 1000 RM XL	Smart UPS RT 100	Smart-UPS OL 2
Smart UPS OL 100	Smart UPS 750XL	Smart-UPS 750RM
Smart UPS 750	Smart-UPS 700XL	Smart-UPS 700RM
Smart UPS 700	Smart UPS 620	Smart-UPS 5000RM
Smart UPS 5000	Smart UPS 500	SMART UPS 450
Smart UPS 420	Smart-UPS 3000 XLM	Smart-UPS 3000 XL
Smart-UPS 3000X	Smart UPS 3000 RM XL	Smart-UPS 3000RM
SMART-UPS 3000 R	Smart UPS 3000	Smart UPS 2200XL
SMART-UPS 2200 RM XL	Smart-UPS 2200RM	Smart UPS 2200
Smart-UPS 1500 XLM	Smart-UPS 1500 SMT1500RMI2U	Smart-UPS 1500 SMT1500I
Smart-UPS 1500RM	Smart-UPS 1500 (MODBUS)	Smart UPS 1500
Smart UPS 15	SMART-UPS 1400 RM XL	Smart-UPS 1400RM
Smart UPS 1400	Smart-UPS 1000 XL	Smart-UPS 1000RM
Smart UPS 1000	Silcon DP360E	Silcon DP320E
Power Stack 450	Power Stack 250	IBM UPS10000XHV
Eaton Powerware 9130 1500	Eaton Powerware 9130 1000	Eaton Corporation EATON BladeUPS
Eaton Corporation 9355-8-NHS-33-64x9Ah	Eaton Corporation 9355-8-N-33-64x9Ah	Eaton Corporation 9155-15-NCHS-0
Eaton 9355-8-N-33-64x9Ah	Eaton 9355-8-N-33	Delta GES302J220001
Back-UPS Pro 650	Back-UPS Pro 420	Back-UPS PRO 1400
Back-UPS PRO 1000	Back-ups Pro 650	Back-UPS PRO 420
Back-UPS PRO 280

What is UPS Management?

The UPS Management program has two independent parts:

Server part– software module UpsService which is a system serviceW indows, which runs with the operating system and directly manages the UPS. Moreover, one copy of the server part of the UPS Management program can manage several UPSs at the same time.

The server part interacts with the UPS by connecting via the RS232 interface (Com port) on the one hand, and listening IP port on the other hand, to interact with the client parts of the UPS management.

Client sideUPS Management programs - a graphical shell that allows you to visualize the information received from the UPS, as well as configure and manage the UPS. Each client part is capable of displaying information from several UPSs and from several UpsService server parts.

Thanks to the presented modular structure, a wide variety of options for using the UPS Management program are possible:

Office PC power management:

The server and client parts can be installed on the same PC and manage one or more UPSs.

Server room power management

The server part can be installed directly in the server room and manage several UPSs, as well as manage the shutdown of several servers at once. There can be several client parts, in the system administrators' room, and also, for example, on remote PCs.

Power management of the complex



The client part can become a kind of accumulator of information about the processes in the power supply of the whole complex.

Power management of a geographically dispersed complex using a minimum set of hardware

For all questions

Today, our lab is testing network monitoring and management hardware designed for use with professional-grade uninterruptible power supplies. The adapters are designed to be used with UPS manufactured by the company, but can also be used with UPS from other manufacturers.

Description

The main device is a NetAgentII embedded SNMP adapter. It can be installed in the SNMP adapter bay available in Powercom UPS of the following series - SmartRT, Smart King, Vanguard. This SNMP adapter can be connected to a sensor for monitoring the state of the environment, namely: temperature, air humidity, and the presence of water (condensate). Additionally, the environmental monitoring sensor can receive information from wireless fire and security alarm sensors. There can be seven wireless sensors in total.

The manufacturer declares the following product characteristics:

Complete set and warranty

The NetAgentII SNMP Adapter and NetFeelerII Sensor are shipped in small 185x145x60mm cardboard boxes. The design of the boxes is made in the general style of packaging of computer components, the name of the device and its barcode are applied with a sticker. There is no information about the product in Russian.

NetAgentII Package Contents:

• user manual in English, Chinese, German, Portuguese and Spanish
• RJ-45↔RS-232 cable for connecting an external modem
• CD with NetAgent Utility software

NetFeelerII Package Contents:

• user manual in English
• RJ-45 cable for connection to NetAgentII

The scope of delivery causes criticism only in terms of localization: I would like to see products sold in Russia with instructions in Russian. Yes, and the boxes would not hurt to arrange a little more individually. However, the main consumer of these devices is the corporate sector, where the shortcomings of localization are not so significant.

There were no warranty cards included, and the terms of warranty service are not defined. Presumably, the devices will be shipped under standard Powercom terms.

Appearance

The NetAgentII adapter is a 60x130mm expansion card that fits into the corresponding UPS bay. Five LEDs indicate device status, including LAN connection speed, power, standby, and device error. Three RJ-45 connectors are provided for connection to a local network, an external modem, and a NetFeelerII environmental sensor. Under the connectors for connecting the modem and the sensor, there is a sticker on which the MAC address and serial number of the device are written.

The NetFeelerII environmental sensor is made in the form of a white plastic box measuring approximately 53x68 mm. On the front side of the NetFeelerII there is a reset button, power and alarm LEDs, an RJ-45 connector for connecting to NetAgentII, and an input for external power. On the opposite side, a 180 cm long water (condensate) sensor wire comes out. At the bottom there are DIP switches that configure the NetFeelerII to work with wireless sensors.

Internal arrangement and circuitry

The adapter is assembled on a multilayer printed circuit board marked as MegaTec 6PCB-013 ver.4.1 12/2007, release date - May 2009. The assembly of elements is double-sided, planar components are widely used, the board is varnished. The ARM architecture control processor, Samsung S3C4510B01-QE80, contains a 32-bit RISC microprocessor, DRAM and Flash controller, Ethernet and UART ports. The microprocessor harness contains 8 megabytes of DRAM and 2 megabytes of flash memory, as well as a Realtec physical Ethernet interface controller. The board is equipped with a real time clock and a battery. A jumper is used to reset to the initial state.

The NetFeelerII sensor is built on a PIC microcontroller and consists of a main board and a radio module board. The boards are two-layer, two-sided, SMD components are used, the installation is two-sided. A separate power input allows you to work autonomously. The power adapter is not included in the package.

Installation and connection

We used Powercom's SKP-1500A UPS to test the SNMP adapter and environmental sensor.

The adapter board slides into place along the guides. Unfortunately, the height of the rails, and possibly also the width of the board, caused the board to fall out, so it takes some skill to fit it into the bay. The adapter is securely fixed in the compartment with two screws.

Connecting the NetFeelerII environmental monitoring sensor was no problem. The connecting cable, like the water sensor wire, is of sufficient length.

Web interface features

In this part of the review, we will take a closer look at the web interface of the NetAgentII adapter with a connected NetFeelerII sensor. Out of the scope of the review will remain work on the SNMP protocol and Telnet. Due to the lack of appropriate equipment, we cannot test with an external modem and wireless sensors. The adapter came with firmware version 2.41, we updated it to version 2.44 from the manufacturer's website, .

The menu consists of 4 sections - Information (Information), Configuration (Configuration), Logs (Log Information), Help (Help). The Information section consists of seven subsections. In the screenshot you see the System Status window. Information about installed adapter, system time, network settings and UPS settings is available.

The Basic Information section shows detailed information about the connected UPS. UPS make and model information is available, the UPS firmware version, battery type and number, and the date the batteries were last replaced are displayed.

The Current Status section shows the detailed UPS and power status. Including - power input line parameters, UPS output voltage and load, detailed battery information - temperature, voltage, charge level, battery life and remaining battery life. The time of the last and next UPS and battery self-tests are also shown.

The Remote Control section allows you to manage the UPS via a local network or the Internet. Battery capacity testing in various modes is available, as well as UPS status management.

In the Meter/Chart section, a current status metering dashboard and a graph showing the change in six measured parameters are available. The input and output voltage, load power, mains frequency, battery capacity and temperature are monitored.

Measurements and graphs can be displayed in basic and advanced mode, the latter requiring an internet connection and Java support. In advanced mode, there are somewhat more beautiful devices, and it is also possible to set the parameters for displaying graphs, in addition, the graph can be printed or saved.

The Modem Status section displays information about the modem and its settings, if, of course, the modem is connected. In our case, information, like the modem itself, was missing.

The NetFeelerII section displays information about the NetFeelerII ambient temperature sensor and the status of connected wireless sensors. The frequency of polling sensors can be set from two seconds to one minute, the default value is ten seconds. For missing wireless sensors, the Normal state is displayed, which, in our opinion, is not entirely correct.

• UPS Configuration
• UPS On/Off Schedule
• network
• Email
• Modem Port
• NetFeeler II
• Web/Telnet
• System Time
• language

The UPS Configuration section allows you to set the basic UPS settings, such as the communication protocol between the SNMP adapter and the UPS, the type and number of batteries, and the battery replacement date. In addition, in this section, you can set the frequency of creating an entry in the log, the frequency of testing the UPS and the values ​​of the boundary parameters, in case of exceeding which a corresponding notification is sent.

The UPS On/Off Schedule section allows you to set the time for the UPS to turn on and off. A schedule is available for the days of the week, as well as seven triggers configured for a specific date. It is also possible to set the UPS to turn on when a device with a specified IP address appears on the local network. The MAC address of the device is determined automatically.

The Network section allows you to configure network settings. All settings can be entered manually or specified to receive them via DHCP or Bootp. You can also set the type of connection and disable communication with the UPS when the local network fails. The ability to set a domain name for the UPS through the DynDNS service has also been implemented. If the Internet provider provides access via PPPoE, then the adapter will not disappoint us here either.

The SNMP section allows you to set the SNMP protocol settings. You can set up to eight access addresses and servers. For each server, you can select the events sent to it. The monitoring and control ports are also set.

The Email section allows you to set the settings for the SMTP mail protocol and the addresses to which notifications are sent when events occur. The adapter allows you to specify the SMTP server (only one), the port to send, regular or SSL connection, password or passwordless login. Test settings available. Eight different addresses can be set for event notifications and four more addresses for the daily report. For the daily report, you can set the time of its generation and sending.

The SMS section allows you to configure SMS notification settings. SMS notifications can be sent via a GPRS modem connected to a local port or via an Internet service. For the Internet service, you can set the server name, port, login-password. You can set up to eight phone numbers for which you can choose which notifications to send.

The Modem Port section allows you to set the local modem settings. In particular, whether it will be used to send SMS, to connect with a provider, or as a GPRS Internet. Additionally, you can set the PIN code of the SIM card, phone number and SMS center.

The NetFeelerII section allows you to configure settings related to the NetFeelerII sensor and the wireless sensors connected to it. For the main sensor, limits for measuring humidity and temperature are set, exceeding which will result in a notification. For seven additional sensors, the name of the event is set - you can, for example, name the sensor "Server Room Door", "Fire Exit" and so on ...

The Web/Telnet section allows you to set the security settings for remote control of the adapter. Eight accounts are available, for each you can set the access mode - full or read-only, as well as set a filter of IP addresses from which this account can be accessed. The security settings are very wide: for example, you can set a RADIUS server to store account settings, as well as upload your SSL certificate to the adapter. The certificate embedded in the firmware will expire on September 4, 2011, possibly by which time a firmware update will be available.

The System Time section allows you to configure the built-in real time clock. The SNTP protocol can be used for clock synchronization. You can select one from the list of SNTP servers or edit an item in this list. The time zone is set, switching to daylight saving time (more irrelevant in Russia). You can also set the option to automatically reboot the adapter after a specified number of minutes, hours, or days.

The Language section allows you to set the language of the interface and Email/SMS notifications. English, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Turkish are available. The Russian language appeared only in firmware version 2.44. There are serious claims to its implementation, we will consider them in more detail later.

The next section is Logs. In this section, you can view periodically saved information and system events and notifications.

The Event Log section allows you to view, save or delete all notifications and events recorded by the adapter.

The SMS Log section allows you to view or delete all SMS notifications sent by the adapter, indicating the SMS number and text.

The Data Log section allows you to view, save or clear periodically saved UPS and utility monitoring data. Unfortunately, the implementation of viewing, namely the fixed width of the table columns, makes viewing data uncomfortable even on a 1920x1200 monitor.

The Battery Test Log section allows you to view UPS battery test events.

The last section is Help. It included everything that did not fit in the previous sections.

The Search NetAgent section allows you to find other adapters on the local network, view their IP and MAC addresses, hardware and firmware version, and device name. This feature can be useful in large corporate networks.

The Serial Port Debug section allows you to debug and monitor the RS-232 port. ASCII- and HEX-mode is available, you can set the port parameters and the address for sending the report. Why this function is needed, we are not very clear. Perhaps it will be in demand in case of problems with an external sensor.

The About section contains detailed information about the device, including the adapter's hardware version and serial number. However, for some reason, the MAC address of the device is not specified. Also from this page you can save or load the configuration file, perform a full reset. The firmware update is available from the manufacturer's FTP server both manually and according to a schedule - with a certain specified frequency at a certain time.

Device Localization

As mentioned above, the latest version of the firmware is Russified. Unfortunately, Russification is done with significant shortcomings. There is a recurring problem with encodings, both in the interface and in email notifications.

In the System Status section, the Connection type column is an invalid encoding.

In the Data Log section, the data column headers are the wrong encoding.

In the Event Log section, in the Events data field, the encoding is incorrect. Otherwise, the quality of the translation can be assessed as satisfactory. A Powercom representative assured that work is underway to eliminate errors in the localized version of the firmware. The release of the new firmware version 2.45 is scheduled for April 2011.

Conclusion

The NetAgentII SNMP adapter is a good addition to matching Powercom UPSs and more. Due to the support of a large number of interfaces, the adapter can be installed in almost any UPS that has a compartment for installing an SNMP adapter. The capabilities of the built-in firmware are very wide and more than cover the needs of devices that are operated both in corporate local networks and at remote sites.

The NetFeelerII environmental sensor is a device that extends the NetAgentII adapter's environmental monitoring capabilities, and in some cases can replace a separate fire and security system. The accuracy of the sensor does not allow it to be used as a laboratory measuring instrument, but it is quite comparable with a household electronic thermometer and hygrometer.

From a marketing point of view, the company needs to better prepare for entering the Russian market: eliminate problems with the localization of the device, print instructions in Russian and warranty cards.