Using UPSes
I know that using UPSes in servers environment is a MUST and it prevents many problems, but what about workstations and other network equipment [for example switches]?
If we ignore the idea that UPSes can [and most of the time do] save some hardware during power failures and assume that we use UPSes just to keep servers running 24/7 no matter what is going on, that why do we need it if lets say switches are not backed up with UPSes? On the other hand, why do we need those switches if all the workstations are not on UPSes as well?
And the main questions are: “Is it worthy to move all equipment on UPSes?” and “What kind of setup is better?”
(On Jul 12th, 2005 at 2:34 pm)
First of all, UPSes don’t make your office run 24×7. UPS is useful for power surges that are short. 4 hours is about a maximum a UPS can hold your server. Often, even less than that. If you want your power to be always present, than you need a generator. UPSes will hold your network long enough for you to start the generator, if it’s on manual start.
Also, having a UPS near every workstation and switch is expensive. The better option is to have all your equipment to be connected to the circuit which is powered through a generator. All you vital equipment should have a UPS attached. This way, if the pwoer will go out, UPS willl hold your vital parts until the power from the generator will come up, while everyone will have to wait down for this magic time.
The question is how vital is your environment. Most offices can afford 1 day downtime for most of their workers, but not more. So they only buy generators if they get problems with power for longer than 1 day.
(On Jul 12th, 2005 at 9:06 am)
The idea is that at the place I was talking about power is quite stable and power failures are rare and short [most of the times they are caused by some works in the building related to power switches] so I beleive there is no need for the generator.
On the other hand, there are many things which are quite clitical, like availability of telephones and some workstations for traders and agents.
Ofcourse, servers should run 24×7 while workstations should be available during office hours. As I thought of the situation, it is reasonable to put big UPSes near servers so they can stand a couple of hours without power, small UPSes near network equipment [modems, switches, as well as telephone station] and small UPSes near each critical workstation.
This setup is not very expensive:
- 2000VA UPS x2 for servers [around CYP600 each]
- 500VA UPS near each critical workstation and for some equipment [around CY80 each]
so total setup makes it around CY2000 and solves most of the problems related to power failures.