The APC UPS Network Management Card 3 (AP9640) with PowerChute Network Shutdown is a powerful accessory designed to enhance the remote monitoring and management of APC Smart-UPS systems. Tailored for IT professionals, data center managers, and businesses, this network management card (NMC) provides mission-critical visibility and control, ensuring uninterrupted power protection for servers, networking equipment, and virtualized environments. In this blog, we’ll explore the key features, specifications, benefits, and ideal use cases of the AP9640, along with recent user feedback, to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your UPS management needs.
Key Features of the APC AP9640 Network Management Card
1. Secure Remote Monitoring and Control
The AP9640 enables remote management of individual APC Smart-UPS units via a web browser, command-line interface (CLI), or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). By connecting the UPS directly to a network, administrators can monitor real-time metrics such as battery health, load levels, and UPS status from anywhere, eliminating the need for on-site checks. It supports Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Base-T) for high-speed connectivity and operates on IPv6 protocol networks.
2. PowerChute Network Shutdown Software
The included PowerChute Network Shutdown software ensures graceful, unattended shutdown of physical servers, virtual machines, and hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) clusters during extended power outages. Certified for VMware Ready, Nutanix Ready, and Nutanix-AHV Ready environments, it supports operating systems like Windows, Linux, VMware ESXi, and Microsoft Hyper-V/SCVMM. The software’s preconfigured boot sequence ensures systems restart in the correct order, minimizing downtime and preventing data loss.
3. Advanced Security Features
The AP9640 prioritizes data security with robust protocols, including HTTPS/SSL, SSH (up to 2048-bit encryption), and SNMPv3. It supports Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPoL) for IEEE 802.1x port-based access control, secure email authentication, and secure file transfer (SCP). The card enforces strong password policies, offers three-tier user access, and includes a reset password mechanism, ensuring compliance with modern cybersecurity standards like IEC 62443-4-2.
4. Comprehensive Notifications and Logging
The card provides customizable alerts via email, Syslog, or SNMP traps, notifying administrators of power issues in real time. It offers 100x data and event log space compared to previous models, allowing users to track trends, pinpoint issues, and export logs for analysis. This proactive monitoring helps prevent downtime by addressing potential problems before they escalate.
5. EcoStruxure IT and Third-Party Integration
The AP9640 integrates seamlessly with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT for centralized management of IT assets. It also supports Modbus TCP/IP and BACnet/IP (BTL-certified for single-phase Smart-UPS), enabling compatibility with building management systems (BMS) and other third-party platforms. Users can forward SNMP traps using RFC 1628 MIB to their preferred network management system (NMS), ensuring vendor-neutral interoperability.
6. Firmware and Support
The AP9640 supports flash-upgradeable firmware, allowing remote updates via FTP. It includes a 1-year Secure NMC Subscription for access to the latest firmware, certified to IEC 62443-4-2 standards. However, recent user feedback indicates that future firmware updates may require a paid support contract, a point of contention for some home users.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 121 mm (width) x 38 mm (height) x 114 mm (depth)
- Weight: Approximately 0.08 kg (net)
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Base-T)
- Operating Conditions: 0–45°C, 0–95% relative humidity, 0–3048m elevation
- Storage Conditions: -5–45°C, 0–15240m elevation
- Compatibility: Select APC Smart-UPS models (e.g., SMT, SMX, SRT series; verify via APC’s compatibility chart)
- Interfaces: Web browser, CLI, SNMP, EcoStruxure IT, Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet/IP
- Language Support: Preloaded in English, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
- User Access: Up to 8 simultaneous web browser users, 3 CLI users
- Warranty: 1-year repair-or-replace warranty
Performance and Installation Insights
The AP9640 is plug-and-play, with users reporting straightforward installation, often completed within hours. For example, one user set up the card in an APC Smart-UPS SMT1000 with DHCP configurations, enabling SNMP for QNAP NAS devices, SMTP for alerts, and load-shedding preferences in under two hours. The card’s web interface is user-friendly, allowing customization of thresholds, alarms, and shutdown sequences. Recent reviews highlight its reliability, with no reported failures, though some users recommend increasing the default admin timeout from 3 to 60 minutes for convenience.
The card’s high-speed processor and Gigabit Ethernet ensure fast, responsive management, even in complex environments. For Smart-UPS SRT models, it provides detailed battery cartridge parameters for early-warning fault analysis, enhancing proactive maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy Installation: Plug-and-play setup with intuitive web interface.
- Robust Remote Management: Supports multiple protocols (SNMP, HTTPS, SSH) and EcoStruxure IT integration.
- Graceful Shutdown: PowerChute ensures safe shutdown of servers and VMs, certified for VMware and Nutanix.
- Advanced Security: Strong encryption and authentication protocols protect sensitive data.
- Comprehensive Logging: Extensive data and event logs for troubleshooting and trend analysis.
Cons
- Subscription Concerns: Future firmware updates may require a paid support contract, frustrating home users.
- Limited Compatibility: Only works with APC Smart-UPS models equipped with a SmartSlot; verify compatibility.
- Learning Curve: May require familiarity with SNMP or network configurations for optimal setup.
Ideal Use Cases
The AP9640 is ideal for:
- Data Centers: Enables remote monitoring and shutdown of servers and networking equipment.
- Small to Medium Businesses: Protects critical IT infrastructure with automated shutdown and notifications.
- Virtualized Environments: Certified for VMware, Nutanix, and Hyper-V, ensuring safe VM shutdowns.
- Home Offices with NAS: Provides peace of mind for home users with NAS or high-end gaming rigs, as noted in reviews.
- Building Management Systems: Supports Modbus and BACnet for integration with BMS.
Recent User Feedback
Recent reviews (2023–2025) highlight the AP9640’s ease of use and reliability. Users praise its plug-and-play installation and robust customization options, such as setting thresholds and alarms for load-shedding. One user noted seamless integration with QNAP NAS devices for graceful shutdowns, emphasizing its value for home setups. Another user appreciated the card’s ability to manage UPS power profiles via SSH or web browser, ensuring protection during power outages. However, some express frustration with APC’s indication that post-2025 firmware updates may require a subscription, a concern for non-enterprise users.
Environmental and Sustainability Notes
As part of Schneider Electric’s Green Premium program, the AP9640’s packaging uses recycled materials, and the product is eligible for APC’s take-back program in select regions, promoting recyclability.
Conclusion
The APC UPS Network Management Card 3 (AP9640) with PowerChute Network Shutdown is a robust solution for managing APC Smart-UPS systems in modern IT environments. Its remote monitoring, advanced security, and seamless integration with virtualized platforms make it invaluable for data centers, businesses, and advanced home users. While its cost and potential future subscription requirements for firmware updates are drawbacks, the card’s ease of use, reliability, and comprehensive features justify its value for ensuring power protection and business continuity.
For those needing secure, remote UPS management, the AP9640 is a top-tier choice. Verify compatibility with your UPS model and consider your long-term support needs before purchasing. CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.