UPS BATTERY BACKUP 3

[maczen]

This is a stupid question but can I use a regular UPS battery backup with my Cisco equipment... I know the answer should be yes but just wanted to verify before plugging anything in...LoL

Also, I see that CablesAndKits.com offers rack mountable redundant power supplies..

http://www.cablesandkits.com/cisco-equipment-cisco-redundant-power-c-50_92.html

I am wondering if you just plug your equipment directly into these or are there necessary connectors ETC.

I have a couple of UPS but would be willing to invest in these guys if all I will be paying is $150 total for the PWR300 and the PWR600.. (Going to have to buy a 42U rack... LoL)

 

[CiscoGuy33]

maczen,

I have 2 in my home office - APC UPSs that power my Dell XPS and other computers as well as ALL my Cisco networking gear.

Since MOST switches do not have an on/off switch I plug them into those under monitor power controllers and plug that into the UPS, I then lable each button - most have 1 master and 5 different controls for monitor, printer, AUX etc. - once relabled - I can turn on what I need. Since I have several switches in my lab, or I have changed the config on the 2651XM and want to get out to the Internet - I turn the Linksys on! Great to be able to control all without having to unplug things!

In my home office/lab my FIOS feeds into a Cisco Fast 400 hub - I have both my 2651XM and my Linksys (backup router) connected to the hub to get the signal from Verizon. Both routers (with the power controler I control which router is on) feed into a 2924-XL switch where all my PCs are connected.

In the past I had a firewall (IPCOP computer) and it is still connected to 2 Cisco Fast 400 hubs for the DMZ and a "Blue" test network - I will connect this into the mix again soon - IPCop makes a great firewall for old PCs.

                        -------Cisco router/switch lab
                       |
                  --2651XM ---              ---- PC1
                 |            |            |
FIOS--FAST 400 --             |---2924XL --|---- PC2
       HUB       |            |            |
                  --Linksys --              ---- PC3
                   (back-up)

EVERYTHING is on 2 APC UPSs right now!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[CiscoGuy33]

maczen,

You said - " Also, I see that CablesAndKits.com offers rack mountable redundant power supplies..

http://www.cablesandkits.com/cisco-equipment-cisco-redundant-power-c-50_92.html

I am wondering if you just plug your equipment directly into these or are there necessary connectors ETC."

I went to this website - these are the power controlers for the routers that you see listed as "DC" - they have no power supply in them and are controlled by these. And YES these routers have a connector just like the power connector on your motherboard - look on the back of your switches - most have a RPS connector!

You also will see most switches with a plastic connector on the back - since most switches need to run 24/7 365 they can be connected to these RPS as a backup in case the power supply dies.

These would not really be needed in a home lab unless you are going to buy "DC" routers!

Hope this helps!




E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[lgarner]

You can use standard UPS's for Cisco and other equipment. Just match the output.

Also, the RPS is not a UPS. I couldn't tell from your post if you knew that or if you planned to use the RPS instead of a UPS.

Finally, yes, you do need connectors. According to the site you can order them as options with the RPS.

 

[burtsbees]

Why would you want a battery backup? They give you like 5-10 minutes longer when the power goes out. Cisco equipment can just be unplugged or turned off with no consequences. When a Cisco router is either unplugged or loses power, it boots to rommon when the power is restored (usually). A UPS is not really needed unless you have a production environment, and most production environments I have come across use a backup generator in case of a power loss.

Burt

 

[maczen]

Thanks guys.. That pretty much answered all of my questions... I was just worrying that I might lose equipment in the case of a power failure (dip).. Had a PC/TV/Gamecube get fried a few years back when the power dipped (Even though all was plugged into a surge protector). Had someone tell me that not enough power was worse than too much when it comes to electronics and just wanted to protect my investment.. (Have a little over $800 in my home lab at the moment but haven't included wireless or voice yet)..

I am a little unclear on the advantage of DC equipment... Why would I want DC routers versus regular AC routers?

And thanks for the clarification on the RPS.. I was misunderstanding what that was exactly.. Have just researched it and see the difference.

Thanks all!

 

[CiscoGuy33]

maczen,

Burt makes a good point as usual in most home lab cases - I am in the south - lightning capitol of the world in Tampa and from past experience I find that APC UPSs give me more protection then anything else!!

I also had TECO (electric co.) drop a neutral line (by mistake) and the electricity had no where to go - light bulbs got super bright before they blew - my "cute" little Caller Id globe with the call info "floating" inside lite up the room BLUE as it sucked in power - I lost several TVs, phones, VCRs, light bulbs, power strips etc. I also lost 2 APC UPSs BUT not all the stuff attached to them

I have my PCs and FIOS network all connected to the UPSs - I can not tell you how many times the power flickers for just a moment - enough to reboot everything - IF it was not attached to UPSs. In Tampa - almost all our cable and electric is still up on poles - wind blows and a big oak touches a line and zap - power goes out for a moment!

I can live with $400 of APC UPSs - if it was just a lab - I would just unplug it when not in use or when a storm rolls in!

Just my thoughts!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[maczen]

I have had that issue as well and the apartment complex where I currently reside (is awesome) with the exception of occasional power dips... Usually lasting for two to five seconds... I can deal with lost configs.. but definitely don't want to suddenly find myself with several fried routers/switches...

CiscoGuy,
Do you have a model number/part number for those "monitor power controllers"? I would like to take a look at that sort of setup for my switches... (Are they rack mountable?)

Am also intersted in a "Power Switch" that let's you remotely power up/down your devices. I have located Perle and see systems like the Perle 833AS but am really not certain of what I am looking at LoL...
Basically, I would eventually like to have the ability to remote in to this device and boot up my Cisco equipment... play... then power them back down.. (This way I can access my lab from basically anywhere)! I have already contacted my ISP and a business account (8M down/2M up) and 2 static IP addresses will run me about 80 a month... (I get to dive into the NAT pool.. LoL) Plus, that will open up all of the ports for my servers.. (I will also have a web server HTTPS) and will have something else to play with there.. (Apache/MySQL) and the whole LAMP setup.. Already browsing Perl scripts.. LoL

OK.. I am rambling so in conclusion..
1. I do want to add some battery backups and you guys answered my questions there.. Thanks by the way
2. Hoping for info on a power switch/switches that would support my home lab of 6 routers and 7 switches (Just bought a 2612 for $16 shipping included.. Could not resist.. LoL). A part number for a device that would accommodate this would be awesome.. Doesn't have to be Perle.. I love your recommendations!!!
3. Part number for that "Power Monitor Controller".. My understanding is that this is a device that allows me to leave my switches plugged into it and simply turn them on that way.. This would be awesome in the meantime.. Will be a while before I buy that power switch..

Thanks for all of the assistance guys!!!

 

[maczen]

About the above post.. I have located the Perle RPS830 and RPS 1630... Was hoping to find a slightly less expensive recommendation if one exists... LoL

 

[CiscoGuy33]

maczen,

Here are examples of the Power controllers I use, I do not worry about how "good" they are since I have them plugged into the APC UPSs. I have seen these as cheap as $12 at Best Buy or CompUSA etc. I do get 2 of them the same so they "stack".

I wish they were rack moutable - sure that you could make them a rack! I have a 4 drawer file cab. next to my rack in my office and I have 2 of them "stacked" on-top!

I have a Brother P-Touch lable maker and I make lables for each switch and for each control button!

At Amazon -

http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-TMC-6-Protector-Suppressor/dp/B0000AKA90

or at eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tripp-Lite-ISOB...ryZ96907QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have used a remote lab to do my my instructor recert - very cool - looked into the system that Cisco uses - very expensive because it has a server that stores user info and configs as well as a schedule to book time on the remote rack! It would load your configs where you left off! WAY COOL !!!!!! WAY BUCKS $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Too cool for my school!!!!

Remote equipment to turn on your stuff can be $$$$$$$$$$ and you will need an access server - your "store" you posted has 2511s that can be used!

Just when you think you have a cool lab - check this out, always brings me back to reality -

http://smorris.uber-geek.net/lab.htm

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[maczen]

Thanks CiscoG,
I have located a Remote Power Controller that powers 8 devices.. Offers one login.. (Seems to be light on the security side though) I have to research more but I see no reference to HTTPS... Either way.. $109
Not bad for a cool little toy.. Comes with a one year warranty!!!

http://www.digital-loggers.com/lpc.html

 

[maczen]

Dude,
That's the coolest lab I have ever seen! He has 10 2811's and 3 3550's in one rack!!! Up until this point I was feeling somewhat remorseful as if I may have overspent a tad on my (closing in on $1000) lab after all is said and done... No Longer! I do want to get GNS3 up and running with mine now... If anyone can help out with that please check out my other thread...

Thanks for that link CiscoGuy.. That's awesome!!!

 

[NortonES2]

Nice lab, trust he's not intending to move house.!!

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If it doesn't leak oil it must be empty!!