The APC UPS Network Management Card 3 (model: AP9640) is a powerful accessory designed to enhance the functionality of APC Smart-UPS systems by enabling secure remote monitoring and control. Paired with APC’s PowerChute Network Shutdown software, this card provides critical features for managing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, ensuring business continuity and data protection during power disruptions. This blog explores the features, benefits, and practical applications of the AP9640, making it an essential tool for IT environments.
What is the APC UPS Network Management Card 3 (AP9640)?
The AP9640 is a network management card (NMC) that connects directly to compatible APC Smart-UPS units via a SmartSlot interface, allowing remote monitoring and management through a web browser, command-line interface, or SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). The included PowerChute Network Shutdown software enables graceful, unattended shutdowns of connected servers, virtual machines, and hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) clusters during extended power outages. Certified as VMware Ready, Nutanix Ready, and Nutanix-AHV Ready, the AP9640 is a versatile solution for modern IT environments.
Key Features
- Remote Monitoring and Control: Connects the UPS to a network via Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T) for real-time monitoring and management through secure interfaces (HTTPS/SSL, SSH, SNMPv3).
- PowerChute Network Shutdown: Provides unattended, graceful shutdown of physical servers, virtual machines, and HCI clusters to prevent data loss during power outages. Certified for VMware ESX/ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and SCVMM.
- Advanced Security: Features 2048-bit encryption, secure file transfer (SCP), EAPoL for IEEE 802.1x network access control, and three-tier user access with strict password policies.
- Event and Data Logging: Offers detailed logging to identify trends, pinpoint events leading to incidents, and export logs for analysis. Supports 100x more data and event log space than previous models.
- Firmware Updates: Includes a 1-year Secure NMC Subscription for access to firmware updates certified to the IEC 62443-4-2 standard. Note that subsequent updates may require a subscription, which has drawn criticism from some users.
- Compatibility: Supports a range of APC Smart-UPS models, including SMTL2200RM2UC, SMTL3000RM2UC, and SMX1500RM2UCNC. Check the APC compatibility chart for specific models.
Benefits of the AP9640
1. Enhanced Remote Management
The AP9640 allows IT administrators to monitor and control UPS units remotely, reducing the need for on-site interventions. Users can reboot equipment, schedule self-tests, and configure settings via a user-friendly web interface or command-line tools, saving time and resources.
2. Proactive Issue Resolution
With configurable notifications (via email, Syslog, or SNMP traps), the card alerts administrators to potential issues in real time. Detailed event and data logs help identify problematic trends before they escalate, improving system reliability.
3. Graceful Shutdowns
The PowerChute Network Shutdown software ensures that critical systems shut down safely during power outages, protecting data and hardware. Its integration with virtualization platforms like VMware and Nutanix makes it ideal for complex IT environments.
4. High Security Standards
The AP9640 prioritizes data security with robust encryption, secure access protocols, and multi-user access controls, ensuring that sensitive UPS data remains protected.
5. Ease of Installation
Users report that the card is plug-and-play, with installation taking just minutes. Setup is straightforward, especially when DHCP options are preconfigured, and firmware updates can be applied remotely via FTP.
Installation Considerations
To maximize the benefits of the AP9640, keep the following in mind:
- UPS Compatibility: Verify that your APC Smart-UPS model supports the AP9640. Refer to the APC UPS Network Management Card Compatibility Chart for details.
- Network Setup: The card requires a network connection (Gigabit Ethernet). Ensure DHCP or BOOTP is configured, or manually assign TCP/IP settings. Users recommend extending the default 3-minute web interface timeout to accommodate firmware updates.
- Firmware Subscription Concerns: Some users have criticized APC’s requirement for a subscription to access firmware updates beyond the included 1-year Secure NMC Subscription. Be aware of potential costs for ongoing updates.
- Ventilation: Ensure the UPS is installed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating, especially in rack-mounted setups.
- Configuration Time: Basic setup (e.g., SNMP for NAS devices, SMTP for alerts, load-shedding preferences) can take a couple of hours, but calibration for accurate battery runtime estimates may require additional time.
Use Cases
The AP9640 is ideal for:
- Data Centers: Where remote monitoring and graceful shutdowns are critical for large server deployments.
- Small to Medium Businesses: Needing cost-effective, secure UPS management for network closets or small IT setups.
- Home Offices: For tech enthusiasts or small businesses requiring reliable power protection for NAS devices or high-end gaming rigs.
- Virtualized Environments: Supporting VMware, Nutanix, and Microsoft Hyper-V for automated shutdowns and VM migrations during power events.
Conclusion
The APC UPS Network Management Card 3 (AP9640) with PowerChute Network Shutdown is a robust solution for businesses and individuals seeking advanced UPS management. Its remote monitoring, secure access, and graceful shutdown capabilities make it a valuable addition to APC Smart-UPS systems, particularly in data centers, small businesses, and virtualized environments. While the subscription model for firmware updates has sparked some criticism, the card’s ease of use, security features, and integration with modern IT platforms make it a worthwhile investment for ensuring power reliability and data protection.
For more details or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Verify compatibility with your UPS model and prepare your network environment for a seamless setup to unlock the full potential of the AP9640.