Remote Power Switches

Remote power monitoring can be done manually or using web power switches/smart PDUs. Manual monitoring involves logging into a network device remotely via SSH/Telnet or Web UI and rebooting core device or LAN devices on the network. The disadvantage here is if the core device/router providing WAN connection freeze and requires a reboot, the only option would be to do it physically on-site.

A power distribution unit (PDU) is an electrical device with one or more outlets to connect telecommunication equipment. Basic PDUs simply provide a means of distributing power from the input to several outlets.

Basic PDU

Figure 1: Basic PDU

Smart PDU

Figure 2: Smart PDU

Managed or smart PDUs allows for remote management of power metering information, power outlet on/off control, and/or alarms. Some advanced PDUs allow users to manage external sensors such as temperature, humidity, airflow, etc.

With the increased internet usage and adoption of IoT, smart power switches are essential for monitoring and controlling power to components connected to the network. You could easily do this on a web app or your phone.

Monitoring IP Cameras

Consider surveillance cameras on a network with connection to POE switch which is powered via a smart web switch. When there is an issue with the camera connectivity, individual cameras can be rebooted via the POE switch. Otherwise, one can reboot the POE switch on the smart power supply unit if the devices are unresponsive.

Other IoT Devices

Consider other IoT devices with different input interfaces connected to a network as below. A smart PDU can be used to monitor power consumption of the devices as well as reboot them if need be.

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Choosing a Power Distribution Unit

The first consideration is the number of controlled power ports depending on the number of devices on the network. Ideally, all devices should be powered from the remote power switch for remote cycling. But in case you only have one or two devices to connect, you could use a 2 port power switch.

High end power switches have an option to give reports on power consumption of devices, and outages of power ports.

Power switches like Digital loggers LPC7 provides an autoping feature which is used to reboot the outlet which connects the WAN device in case the connection has timeouts.

Also, custom scripts are possible with remote switches like the LPC7. Consider, cycling a specific port daily at a specific time.

-- Cycle an outlet daily at 1:00am

function cycle_outlet_daily()

while true do

wait_until({hour=1, min=0})

outlet[2].cycle()

delay (60) -- prevent it from running more than once in the same minute

end

Applications

The web power switches can be applied in the following areas where IoT devices have been interconnected in a network:

Data-centers

Smart Agriculture and greenhouses

Livestock and Poultry Monitoring

Telecommunication

Smart homes

Compare remote power monitoring and control devices
Item	Key Specifications	Available at these Online Market Places
Digital Loggers LPC9 (MPN: LPC9)	Type: Remote Power Switch Switched ports: 8 Scripts Supported: Lua Email Alerts: Supported
Digital loggers LPC7	Type: Remote Power Switch Switched ports: 8 Script: Basic
Digital loggers EPCR7	Type: Remote Power Switch Switched ports: 16 Script: Lua Event Notification: Email, XMPP, Webhook
Ventev BTRM-200	Type: Remote Battery Monitor DC Input:9-32 V AC Input: 90-130 V Interfaces:RJ45 andDB9
Digital Loggers 482	Type: Web Controlled -48V PDU DC Input:36-75 V -48 DC Connections:8