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Server Technology
Server Technology Power Tower XL/XM
Data Centers today most commonly standardize on dual-power corded servers and network gear as facilities managers continue to push for improved network availability. Regardless of the power input feeds, however, servers & network gear do occasionally lock-up and require a reboot via remote power control to bring them back to operational status. Data Centers aiming for 100% Uptime require a remote solution to reduce Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) to reduce downtime and improved productivity & efficiency.
The Sentry Dual-Feed Power Tower (PTXL-HD16) is designed for servers and other devices with dual or redundant power supplies. It combines intelligent power distribution, remote power control, power monitoring and environmental monitoring into a single solution.
The PTXL provides Remote Power Management of each power receptacle, individually or as a selected group, via Web, SSH or SNMP management. Users can individually control each power outlet to remotely reboot network servers and internetworking devices. Or, power-off unused power outlets to prevent unauthorized power consumption on remote power circuit(s).
The exclusive Outlet Group Control feature of the power outlet-receptacles from two different power circuits allows a user to easily reboot a dual-power supply server or other device with a single command.
Input Current monitoring measures the aggregate load (in amps) on each power circuit. A digital display indicator on the Power Tower provides on-site verification of the load, and the remote user interface screen reports the same current measurement.
Quick links: Overview, Features and Benefits, Specifications, Other PhotosThe Sentry Power Tower XL (PTXL) Fail-SafeTM provides fail-over redundancy to single or dual-power supply servers and network devices. Exclusive to the Power Tower XL Fail-Safe is its ability to carry loads on the A circuit, B circuit or both and to remotely manage the outlets.
Similar, but unlike a common automatic transfer switch, the Power Tower XL Fail-Safe unit is unique in that it contains two (2) in-feeds and two (2) banks of eight (8) outlets each, for a total of 16 outlets across the two circuits.
The Power Tower XL Fails Safe's "A" in-feed routinely powers just the A1-8 outlets, and the "B" in-feed routinely powers just the B1-8 outlets. However, if the "A" in-feed goes down, the "B" in-feed powers all 16 outlets and the same if the "B" in-feed goes down, The transfer occurs in fewer than 18 milliseconds, which is faster than the interruption rate of the attached equipment.
This new "Fail-Safe" method has several advantages compared to a standard ATS because it does not prohibit load balancing between the two supplied circuits. A standard ATS contains two-in-feeds, but runs all outlets from just one source, with the secondary source only being used once an outage occurs on the capacity. This results in less heat, less resistance, and consequently less of a voltage drop compared to the same load existing on just one source. Only when an outage occurs on one of the two sources will the entire load be applied to a single source.
| PTXL-H016-1-0x | 100-120V 50/60Hz, 20A Two IEC 60320/C20Power Inlet (16) NEMA 5-20R |
| PTXM-H016-1-0x* | 100-120V 50/60Hz, 20A Two IEC 60320/C20Power Inlet (16) NEMA 5-20R |
| PTXL-HD16-1-0x | 100-120V 50/60Hz, 30A, (2) NEMA L5-30P Cord Set, 10 ft (3m), (16) NEMA 5-20R |
| PTXM-HD16-1-0x* | 100-120V 50/60Hz, 30A, (2) NEMA L5-30P Cord Set, 10 ft (3m), (16) NEMA 5-20R |
| PTXL-H008-2-02 | 208-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 16A & 20A, (2) IEC 60320/C20 Power Inlet, (16) IEC 60320/C13 |
| PTXM-H008-2-02* | 208-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 16A & 20A, (2) IEC 60320/C20 Power Inlet, (16) IEC 60320/C13 |
| PTXL-H016-2-0x | 208-240V 50/60 Hz, 20A & 30A, IEC 60320/C20 Power Inlet, (16) NEMA 5-20R |
| PTXM-H016-2-0x* | 208-240V 50/60 Hz, 20A & 30A, IEC 60320/C20 Power Inlet, (16) NEMA 5-20R |
| PTXL-HD16-2-0x | 208V-240V 50/60Hz, 30A (2) NEMA L6-30P Cord Set, 10 ft (3m), (16) IEC 60320/C13 |
| PTXM-HD16-2-0x* | 208V-240V 50/60Hz, 30A (2) NEMA L6-30P Cord Set, 10 ft (3m), (16) IEC 60320/C13 |
Use the Sentry Web interface to configure each unit, including network settings, outlet naming & grouping, SNMP traps for environmental & power thresholds and firmware updates. Also use the Web interface to control individual or group outlets and monitor key values, including amperage load(s), temperature/humidity and other environmental conditions. SSL security provides a secure HTTPs connection. Environmental monitoring is applicable only with the additional purchase of the EMTH-1-1 or EMCU-1-1.
The Sentry family of products supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). This allows network management systems to use SNMP requests to retrieve information and control power for the individual outlets. The Sentry includes an SNMP v1 agent supporting standard MIB I and MIB II objects. A private enterprise MIB extension (Sentry3 MIB) is also supported to provide remote power control. SNMP traps can be generated for various events, including Input Current Load Thresholds (min & max), Temperature Thresholds (min & max), Humidity Thresholds (min & max), water indication, closed contacts (cabinet doors open/close), as well as notification of any time an outlet status is changed (on/off). SNMP traps for temperature and environmental conditions require additional purchase of the EMTH -1-1 or EMCU-1-1 accessory.
Connect the Power Tower Expansion Module (PTXM) to the PTXL to control two power input circuits and 32 managed outlets (individual or groups) - our exclusive strategy for managing dual power-supply servers.
A vertical enclosure that occupies Zero Vertical U of rack space in the equipment cabinet.
Secure Shell (SSH), known as Secure Socket Shell, is a Unix-based command interface and protocol for securely getting access to a remote device. Sentry supports SSHv2. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a commonly-used protocol for managing the security of a message transmission on the Internet. SSL is an integral part of most Web browsers (clients) and Web servers. Sentry supports SSLv3/TLSv1.
Add an Environmental Monitor Control Unit (item EMCU-1-1) to the PTXL to obtain real-time measurements of environmental conditions in the data center cabinet. EMCU-1-1 add-on requires no external power source and adds support for 2 Temperature & Humidity probes and monitoring for 4 external contact-closures and 1 water sensor.
Access new firmware updates via FTP for new firmware features and code releases. An update to the firmware does not affect the status of the power outlets.
The sentry family of products supports Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Version 3 including LDAPS (LDAP over TSL/SSL). This support enable authentication with LDAP servers; user accounts do not need to be individually created locally on each Sentry device.
This allows administrators to pre-define and configure (in each Sentry product, and in the LDAP server) a set of necessary LDAP groups, and access rights for each. User's access rights can then be assigned or revoked simply by making the user a member of one or more pre-defined Sentry LDAP groups. User account can be added, deleted, or changed in the LDAP server without any changes on individual Sentry products.
Sentry LDAP support has been tested in the following environments:
- Microsoft Active Directory (MSAD)
- Novell eDirectory (eDir)
- Open LDAP
Individual input current monitoring ("Load Sense") provides real-time power measurement of the load in amps on each power inlet, accessible via firmware interface.
Serial control via any device with a bi-directional serial port, including a PC, laptop, KVM switch, Console Port Access switch, or terminal server.
20-amp power input support - IEC320/C20 power inlet receptacles supports any power cord with IEC320/C19 power connector (PTCORD-XX). 30-amp power input support provides hard-wired 10' cord and appropriate L5-30 or L6-30 plug type.
Use the firmware interface (Web or serial) to edit individual outlet receptacles. Identify each receptacle with the device's serial number, IP address, asset allocation #, department or any other method to individually name outlets.