Remote UPS Control for Communication Infrastructure Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power outages affecting communication infrastructure devices (CIDs) at layer 2 and layer 3 of the OSI model can cause damage due to improper shutdowns or power surges, especially when technicians cannot reach the site quickly to manually shut down devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remote automated shutdown of CIDs using a network switch and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected via a dedicated network, allowing for remote detection of power events and issuance of shutdown commands to prevent damage during power outages or surges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If technicians manually shutdown CIDs at the site, then device safety is improved, but response time deteriorates due to travel time
Solution Approach 1:
A remote system comprising a network management server and network switches acts as an intermediary to shut down CIDs at distant sites without requiring technician presence. The network switch receives shutdown commands from the server and forwards them to the CID, enabling remote power management and eliminating travel time while maintaining device safety.
2Duration of action of moving object
If UPS batteries are exhausted during power events, then power supply duration is improved, but device shutdown quality deteriorates due to forced immediate shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback monitoring of UPS battery status and power events. When the network switch detects a power event or battery exhaustion condition, it automatically initiates a controlled shutdown sequence, allowing the CID to shut down gracefully rather than being forcibly powered off, thus maintaining both extended power supply duration and high shutdown quality.
3Productivity
If primary power is restored quickly, then power availability is improved, but device integrity deteriorates due to power surges
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of power restoration events through the network switch. When power is restored, the system proactively initiates a controlled power-up sequence for the CID, preventing damage from sudden power surges while ensuring quick restoration of power availability. This preliminary action allows safe device restart without compromising integrity.
4Ease of operation
If remote shutdown capability is implemented, then safety for personnel is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch serves multiple functions: it acts as both a network communication device and a power management control point. By utilizing existing network infrastructure for both data and power control communications, the system achieves remote shutdown capability and personnel safety without adding significant complexity, as the network switch already present in the infrastructure is leveraged for dual purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automated control of a layer 2 or layer 3 communications infrastructure device connected to a first network located at a first site. The system includes a first uninterruptable power supply (UPS) at the first site configured to supply power to the layer 2 or layer 3 communications infrastructure device and powered by a first power source, and a network switch located at a core site remote from the communications infrastructure device, the network switch being communicatively connected to the first UPS. The network switch is configured to receive information indicative of a power event associated with the first power source and to send a shutdown command to the first UPS in response to detection of the power event.