In today’s interconnected IT environments, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical systems like servers, networking equipment, and virtualized infrastructure is paramount. The APC UPS Network Management Card 3 with PowerChute Network Shutdown (AP9640) by Schneider Electric offers a powerful solution for remotely monitoring and managing APC Smart-UPS units. This blog explores the features, benefits, specifications, and applications of the AP9640, highlighting its role in enhancing power protection and system reliability, along with insights from recent user reviews.
Overview of the APC AP9640 Network Management Card
The AP9640 UPS Network Management Card 3 (NMC3) is a high-performance accessory designed to integrate APC Smart-UPS models (equipped with a SmartSlot) into network environments. It enables secure remote monitoring, control, and graceful shutdown of connected devices during power outages. The included PowerChute Network Shutdown software ensures safe shutdown of physical servers, virtual machines, and hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) clusters, making it a critical tool for IT administrators in data centers, server rooms, and enterprise environments. With Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and advanced security features, the AP9640 delivers mission-critical visibility and control.
Key Features of the AP9640
1. Secure Remote Monitoring and Control
The AP9640 enables remote management of individual APC UPS units via:
- Web Browser: Access a user-friendly interface for real-time UPS monitoring.
- Command Line Interface (CLI): Manage via SSH for advanced users.
- SNMP (v1/v2c/v3): Integrate with network management systems (NMS) for centralized oversight.
It supports IPv6 protocol and secure connections through HTTPS/SSL, SSH (2048-bit encryption), and SNMPv3, ensuring robust data protection.
2. PowerChute Network Shutdown Software
The included PowerChute Network Shutdown software provides:
- Graceful Shutdown: Automatically shuts down Windows, Linux, VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Nutanix AHV systems during extended power outages, protecting data integrity. It is certified VMware Ready, Nutanix Ready, and Nutanix-AHV Ready.
- Customizable Shutdown Sequences: Configures boot and shutdown sequences for connected devices to ensure proper system restarts.
- Virtual Machine Migration: Supports disaster avoidance by migrating VMs during power events.
3. Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity
The AP9640 features a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, offering faster and more reliable network performance compared to older 10/100 cards. This ensures seamless communication in high-demand environments.
4. Advanced Data and Event Logging
The card provides 100x data and event log space, allowing detailed tracking of UPS performance, power events, and trends. This helps IT administrators identify issues, troubleshoot proactively, and export logs for analysis.
5. Enhanced Security Features
- EAPoL (802.1x): Supports port-based network access control.
- Secure File Transfer (SCP): Ensures safe firmware updates and configuration transfers.
- Three-Tier User Access: Allows multiple users with customizable permissions.
- Strong Password Policies: Enforces secure credentials and offers a password reset mechanism.
6. Flash-Upgradeable Firmware
The AP9640 supports remote firmware updates via FTP, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches. It includes a 1-year Secure NMC Subscription for firmware updates certified to the IEC 62443-4-2 cybersecurity standard.
7. EcoStruxure IT Integration
The card integrates with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT platform, providing centralized management of UPS units and other IT assets for enhanced efficiency.
8. Multi-Language Support
The AP9640 comes with pre-loaded multiple language support, making it accessible to global users.
Benefits of the AP9640
1. Enhanced Remote Management
The AP9640 allows IT administrators to monitor and manage UPS units from anywhere, reducing the need for on-site intervention. Features like real-time notifications, load-shedding customization, and remote reboot capabilities save time and improve uptime.
2. Business Continuity
PowerChute Network Shutdown ensures graceful shutdowns and proper restart sequences, minimizing data loss and system downtime during power outages. Its compatibility with virtualized environments supports modern IT infrastructures.
3. Cost-Effective Alternative to Subscriptions
Users note that the AP9640 is a cost-effective alternative to APC’s SmartConnect subscription, which requires ongoing payments for full functionality. One reviewer saved significantly by purchasing the card from a third-party vendor compared to APC’s list price.
4. Ease of Installation and Use
Recent reviews highlight the AP9640’s plug-and-play installation, with setup completed in minutes when DHCP is pre-configured. The intuitive web interface and CLI make it accessible for both novice and experienced users.
5. Robust Cybersecurity
With advanced encryption, secure protocols, and compliance with IEC 62443-4-2, the AP9640 protects sensitive data and ensures secure remote access, critical for enterprise environments.
6. Sustainability
The card adheres to Green Premium standards, promoting energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Applications of the AP9640
The AP9640 is ideal for:
- Data Centers: Provides remote monitoring and shutdown capabilities for servers and storage systems.
- Server Rooms: Enhances management of UPS units protecting networking equipment and critical infrastructure.
- Virtualized Environments: Supports VMware, Hyper-V, and Nutanix for safe VM shutdown and migration.
- Small to Medium Businesses: Enables cost-effective, enterprise-grade UPS management for smaller IT setups.
- Home Labs: Offers advanced control for high-end users managing rack-mounted UPS units, such as the SMT1000.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: AP9640
- Host Interface: SmartSlot (compatible with APC Smart-UPS models, e.g., SMT1000, SMT1500, SMT2200, SMX3000LVNC)
- Network Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T, RJ45)
- Protocols Supported: HTTPS/SSL, SSH, SNMP (v1/v2c/v3), FTP, SCP, Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet/IP
- Operating Temperature: 0–45°C
- Operating Humidity: 0–95% (non-condensing)
- Operating Elevation: 0–3,048 meters
- Storage Temperature: -5–45°C
- Storage Elevation: 0–15,240 meters
- Dimensions: Not specified in standard listings, but fits standard SmartSlot
- Weight: Approximately 0.5 kg (shipping weight varies)
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty (spare parts and labor)
- Included Software: PowerChute Network Shutdown
- Certifications: VMware Ready, Nutanix Ready, Nutanix-AHV Ready, IEC 62443-4-2
Recent User Feedback
- Ease of Setup: A user managing an SMT1500C praised the AP9640 as “plug and play,” noting easy installation and configuration via DHCP in a Unifi environment. Setup, including SNMP for QNAP NAS, SMTP alerts, and load-shedding preferences, was completed in a couple of hours.
- Reliability: Another user reported seamless operation with an SMT2200, highlighting the card’s ability to connect via RJ45 and perform reliably after simple setup steps.
- Web Interface Tip: One reviewer cautioned that the default 3-minute web interface timeout may interrupt firmware updates, recommending an increase to the maximum timeout for management LANs.
- Value for Money: A home user noted significant savings purchasing the AP9640 from a vendor like Amazon compared to APC’s pricing, avoiding SmartConnect’s subscription costs.
- Peace of Mind: Users appreciate the customization options for thresholds, alarms, and shutdown sequences, ensuring protection for servers and high-end gaming rigs during power outages.
Considerations
- Firmware Updates: One user noted that the installed firmware may be the last “free” update before APC requires a support contract, which could impact long-term maintenance for home users.
- Instruction Clarity: Some users found the setup straightforward, but novices may need additional guidance for advanced configurations like SNMP or EcoStruxure integration.
Why Choose the APC AP9640?
The APC UPS Network Management Card 3 (AP9640) is a robust, feature-rich solution for remote UPS management. Its Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, advanced security, and PowerChute Network Shutdown software make it ideal for modern IT environments, from data centers to home labs. The card’s ease of use, integration with EcoStruxure IT, and support for virtualized systems ensure business continuity and efficient power management. Backed by APC’s trusted reputation, the AP9640 is a valuable investment for anyone seeking to enhance their UPS capabilities.
Conclusion
The APC AP9640 UPS Network Management Card 3 with PowerChute Network Shutdown empowers IT administrators with secure, remote control over APC Smart-UPS units, ensuring uninterrupted power and data protection. Its advanced features, including Gigabit Ethernet, detailed logging, and seamless integration with virtualized environments, make it a versatile tool for businesses and advanced home users. With positive user feedback on ease of installation and reliability, the AP9640 is a top choice for optimizing UPS performance.
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