Electrical energy monitoring for data centers

The concept of redundancy for computer networks is crucial. Basically, redundancy is possessing alternatives in the case of failures. Therefore, increasing the tolerance to infrastructural failures. In other words, due to the importance of the network for the functioning of the Company, in case of problems, it is necessary always to have a plan B, or even a plan C.Classical examples of redundancy are multiple routes between routers, also called redundant routes, if a route presents problems, there is the alternative way. Redundancies can also be configured in the layer 2 (linkage) beyond the layer 3 itself (network). Another example is the redundancy of servers, in configurations that are relative to failover or load balancing.

As we have seen in the article about load balancing, the monitoring is crucial for the validation of the configuration. Thus, avoiding that problems in the configuration are discovered during a failure event. Primarily, when the redundancy was necessary. There is a famous sentence that says, “What cannot be measured, cannot be improved”.

We understand that the network cannot stop, this is the reason for the importance of the redundancy and the capacity of monitoring. However, what keeps all the devices and servers connected in the Data Center? Consequently it is of utmost importance to attribute the due importance for the monitoring of devices such as UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), electricity generators and of the supplying of electrical energy for the Data Center. After all, what is the use of the investment in redundancy on the infrastructure of the network if the Data Center constantly suffer with the interruption of electrical energy?

WHAT CAN BE MEASURED?

Practically everything in a the Data Center can be monitored. The monitoring, besides the validation of the functioning will provide previsibility and consequently the reduction of failures. In relation to the monitoring of electrical equipment, the SLAview is capable of collecting data via SNMP and processing them in a customized way through the creation of profiles. With that, the administrator will be capable of accompanying charts or reports referring to indexers and configuring alarms for notification of values below or above predefined limits.

For the example, below we will consider the monitoring of an UPS (no-break), crucial device of secondary supply, besides protecting devices of electrical undervoltage or overcurrent.

Input and Output

The monitoring can be applied to inform the tension of the input lines of the equipment. As well as, checking the tension of the UPS output. In this manner, guaranteeing that both the electrical supply and the output for the devices are inside the expected parameters. Indicators relative to the potency and current also can be verified, both in relation to the input and output lines.

Battery

Monitoring the load of the battery, as well as the minutes left as a basis in the devices connected to the UPS. Therefore, the administrator will have the control of the period of autonomy of the equipment in case a power outage occurs. Another important information that can be obtained is the battery.

Alarms

Several alarms can be configured in relation to the equipment. All the indicators monitored can have alarms associated, such as, for example, alarm relative to the low battery level, high temperature alarm, battery in use alarm and among others.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS 

As we were able to see in this article, the monitoring is fundamental for guaranteeing that the secondary device of supply is prepared when the equipment of the Data Center connected to it needs the device. In other words, avoiding the so fearful stoppage in the network. The UPS is primordial for supporting systems of redundancy of electrical energy in Data Centers, the bank of batteries of the UPS assumes the load in case of interruption of the supply until the generator completes the process of stabilization of tension and frequency.

In this sense, there is no doubts about the importance of having investments in network management. In this manner, bringing not only benefits for the visibility of the infrastructure, but also being a way to guarantee greater agility and capacity of anticipating to problems.

Thinking about that, Telcomanager which is present in the market since 2002, a leading Latin American brand in the sector of software for the managing of networks, with a unique and innovative methodology, makes available smart solutions in the monitoring of data that will provide complete visibility of your infrastructure, allowing your Company to accompany the main aspects of your network in real time.