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.
Figure 1: Basic 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.
You Can check out Rfwel’s RTU integration system with high performance LTE routers, Remote terminal Unit (RTU) and power switch.
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
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 |
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| Item | Key Specifications | Available at these Online Market Places |
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Digital Loggers LPC9 (MPN: LPC9)
|
Type: Remote Power Switch Switched ports: 8 Scripts Supported: Lua Email Alerts: Supported |
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Digital loggers LPC7
|
Type: Remote Power Switch Switched ports: 8 Script: Basic |
|
Digital loggers LPC-PRO |
Type: Remote Power Switch Switched ports: 8 Script: LUA Event Notification: Email, XMPP, Webhook |
 |
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