NUT server and UPS general question

stephenw10 · Nov 8, 2022, 2:05 AM

Be aware that in this matter @dennypage, as the package author, is the ultimate authority.

netboy · Nov 8, 2022, 2:12 AM

@stephenw10 @stephenw10 OK got it.... I ordered USB hub probably will use for something else.
@dennypage thanks for your input. Sorry I questioned the package author - pardon me.

Maybe I will dedicate a raspberry PI as a NUT server since it has 4 USB's

JimBob Indiana · Nov 8, 2022, 3:01 PM

@netboy Not sure as I've never tried it but does the APC UPS monitor plug in let you monitor multiple devices? Of course if yours aren't APC's doesn't help.

netboy · Nov 8, 2022, 3:15 PM

@jimbob-indiana
Yes!

I have a APC UPS and hence I installed package "apcupsd" (did not install NUT because as the package owner here the USB can monitor ONLY one UPS).

BTW I connected the USB to netgate 2100 from the UPS.

Configure the apcupsd (self explanatory) and once done you can install the dashboard using the + sign on the splash page and add apcupsd widget.

Here is a screenshot:

🔒 Log in to view

hth

occamsrazor · Nov 8, 2022, 4:40 PM

Yes if you have an APC brand UPS and it works with apcupsd then I feel that is the better way to go. The implementation in pfSense is better, more is configurable through the GUI and the widget has more detail. NUT is however more widespread it seems and so if you are needing to integrate with other devices etc then sometimes NUT may be preferable.

netboy · Nov 8, 2022, 5:03 PM

@occamsrazor Initially I thought a USB Hub can be connected to netgate 2100 and then attach 3 UPS's to them. I have since been "corrected" by the package author.
Hence, my next solution is to use the APC (covers modem, router and my servers) to netgate USB as standalone.
Additionally, configure NUT in raspberry pi and use it's USB to connect to other UPS's. That is the idea and I am working on it....

JimBob Indiana · Nov 8, 2022, 5:24 PM

Thanks but I'm already using APCUSPD. If you can monitor more than one UPS that's the question.

occamsrazor · Nov 8, 2022, 5:26 PM

@jimbob-indiana said in NUT server and UPS general question:

Thanks but I'm already using APCUSPD. If you can monitor more than one UPS that's the question.

I don't think you can. I asked a similar question here:
https://forum.netgate.com/topic/175536/multiple-ups-with-apcupsd-and-or-nut?_=1667928318795

netboy · Nov 8, 2022, 5:53 PM

@occamsrazor
I have a question to everyone....

I have 1 UPS in a different location but would like to connect the same to my future NUT server on raspberry PI. I do have a extra ethernet jack in the same location. Was wondering can I use "USB over ethernet adapter" to connect the UPS USB to adapter and then connect to the wall ethernet jack. Same at the receiving end ....connect an adapter to the ethernet and connect the USB end to the PI - Has anybody done something like this?

JimBob Indiana · Nov 8, 2022, 6:09 PM

@netboy usb to ethernet adapter.

Drivers are the issue.

stephenw10 · Nov 8, 2022, 6:26 PM

That's just a USB NIC it won't help you there.

You'd need an actual USB over Ethernet device. If you have separate cable between those locations you might be able to use something passive that doesn't need drivers (USB over Cat5 extender).

Steve

netboy · Nov 8, 2022, 6:27 PM

@stephenw10 Got it! How about this?

stephenw10 · Nov 8, 2022, 6:29 PM

Yup, like that. Note that only works over a dedicated cable. It's not using Ethernet, can't pass a switch etc.

netboy · Nov 8, 2022, 6:32 PM

@stephenw10 said in NUT server and UPS general question:

Note that only works over a dedicated cable. It's not using Ethernet, can't pass a switch etc.

Not sure I follow you? Can you kindly elaborate?

I do have a dedicated cable (ethernet) near my UPS to a switch in the PI location

stephenw10 · Nov 8, 2022, 6:38 PM

@netboy said in NUT server and UPS general question:

I do have a dedicated cable (ethernet) near my UPS to a switch in the PI location

That's fine then.

If you had an Ethernet jack there connected to a central switch and the RasPi was at a different location also connected to that switch it would not work since that only uses the Cat5 cable to pass USB signals no Ethernet. An Ethernet switch has no idea what to do with USB signals.

Steve

netboy · Nov 8, 2022, 6:44 PM

@stephenw10
Just to be clear this is my setup:

Connect one adapter to the USB of UPS and connect the ethernet to the existing ethernet wall jack near the UPS
In the switch at my server rack connect from switch to my adapter using patch cable and then connect the USB to my raspberry PI.

Can I give it a try? What is your opinion? I am not asking you to vouch for it? If it fails that is ok

stephenw10 · Nov 8, 2022, 6:47 PM

No that won't work. It can't go through the switch.

You have to connect directly to incoming cable that's connected to that wall jack.

occamsrazor · Nov 8, 2022, 6:47 PM

I forget which model APC UPS you have (did you say?). If it is a Smart-UPS with a slot, and remote monitoring is important to you, then you'd be better off getting an APC network management card, they can be found secondhand for not too much.

netboy · Nov 8, 2022, 6:48 PM

@stephenw10 Oh Ok Got it ! Does it matter if this is a dump switch or managed switch?

netboy · Nov 8, 2022, 6:49 PM

@occamsrazor said in NUT server and UPS general question:

I forget which model APC UPS you have (did you say?). If it is a Smart-UPS with a slot, and remote monitoring is important to you, then you'd be better off getting an APC network management card, they can be found secondhand for not too much.

I am looking for cheapo consumer variety.....thx anyway