TW201338326A - Power distribution unit and method of using single IP to control multiple power distribution units - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power distribution unit and a method of using a single IP to control multiple power distribution units, which is mainly to dispose a controller on a power distribution unit and one or more network interface ports connected to the controller, the controller provides a user interface in a webpage form, and the user interface is provided with a virtual socket setting mechanism. When the aforementioned multiple power distribution units are interconnected via a network, the user can use one of the power distribution unit's IP for registering the power distribution unit, and sets other power distribution units as the virtual socket of the registered power distribution unit through the user interface of the registered power distribution unit. After the setting, socket information of all power distribution units will be displayed simultaneously on the user interface of the registered power distribution unit, whereby the user can control the socket power supply of all the power distribution units through a single IP.

Description

Power distribution unit and method for controlling majority power distribution unit using single IP

The invention relates to a power distribution unit and a method for controlling a plurality of power distribution units by using a single IP, in particular to virtualizing one or more network type power distribution units into sockets on another network type power distribution unit, and using a single IP Centralized control of all sockets of each network type power distribution unit.

The Power Distribution Unit (PDU) used to be used in the power management of IT equipment. In order to cope with the power demand of a large number of IT equipment or peripheral equipment, racks are installed on the racks of IT equipment. Power distribution unit, each rack power distribution unit provides multiple outlets that can connect multiple IT devices (such as servers, routers, firewalls, etc.) or peripheral devices (such as printers, monitors, fax machines) Etc.) to separately supply power to the connected IT equipment or peripheral equipment, and each rack power distribution unit is separately connected to the continuous power supply system (UPS) to simultaneously support the UPS function. Currently, the rack power distribution unit has various types, such as a basic type, an instrument type, a switching type, and a smart type, among which a switching type and a smart power distribution unit (or a network type power distribution unit) are provided. The function of turning the power on/off at the far end, that is, turning the power on or off through the network.

At present, there are different types of power distribution units, such as 1U/2U (Unit), and the number of sockets on them is roughly 8~16, but the equipment on the rack is usually not only this number, so more power distribution units must be used. With the current technology, up to 16 power distribution units can be connected in series. As mentioned above, the power distribution unit is characterized in that remote control is received through the network. In other words, the control center connected to each power distribution unit must be able to Log in to each power distribution unit to control the power supply of the connected devices on each of the outlets on the registered power distribution unit. However, each power distribution unit has one IP. If 16 power distribution units are connected in series, there are 16 IPs. To understand or control each power distribution unit, you must use the correct IP to log in to the corresponding power distribution unit. In management, managing and using 16 IPs is a big challenge.

In order to make the control of the power distribution unit more convenient, a power distribution unit with a Daisy chain connection was developed, and each power distribution unit was connected by a physical line (commonly RJ11/RJ45 cable). Most power distribution units are defined as a main power distribution unit (Master) and a plurality of sub-power distribution units (Slave), which are communicated by the main power distribution unit through the daisy chain physical line and each sub-power distribution unit, whereby the user only has to By logging in to the main power distribution unit, you can obtain information about all the power distribution units or control their outlets to achieve the purpose of monitoring all connected power distribution units with a single IP management.

However, the above method must be daisy-chained by the power distribution unit using the physical line, and the wiring in the rack is complicated. The above-mentioned physical line will increase the difficulty of the management, and the biggest problem is that the daisy chain has a length limit, so the daisy chain is connected. The power distribution unit has a distance limitation, in which case the daisy-chained power distribution units must be adjacent, thereby reducing the flexibility of the power distribution unit assembly position. Moreover, the rack equipment is gradually expanded. If the power distribution unit has other IT equipment installed in the adjacent rack space, the equipment must be disassembled and modified to remove the space for the power distribution unit to be installed. Moreover, the daisy chain physical line has the risk of falling off, and it is difficult for ordinary managers to know that when there is control demand, it is difficult to execute relevant commands, and the impact must ensure the demand of the computer room.

In addition to the daisy-chain connection described above, another solution is to set up a computer server, which is connected and controlled by the central control software of the server and the power distribution unit; the advantage is that it provides a single IP to control all connected power distribution units. The shortcoming is the existing network management station software (such as HP OpenView/IBM Tivoli, etc.), which is expensive and tens of millions to millions of dollars. It is not suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises; Servers, in addition to the IT field, there are practical difficulties, such as industrial plant lines, small-scale agriculture such as fishing rods, watering systems, lighting systems, are not easy to configure the computer, in terms of cost and installation environment and other factors Under the restriction, the technology of using the server software to centrally control the power distribution unit is still not popular.

It can be seen from the above that the existing power distribution unit must log in with IP, and can obtain its information or control. However, when the number of power distribution units is large, it must be registered with different IPs, which causes management and operation troubles; The power distribution unit is daisy-chained or connected to the power distribution unit in the servo software. It is a feasible solution to solve the above problems. However, the former has a physical line that limits the installation space and distance of the power distribution unit; the latter is expensive. And the installation environment is limited. Therefore, how to control most power distribution units with a single IP, and there is no such problem, that is, to further review and seek a feasible solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling a majority of power distribution units using a single IP, primarily by virtualizing more than one power distribution unit into another outlet of a registered power distribution unit to obtain all of the registered power distribution units. The information of the power distribution unit controls the power supply of the devices connected to the power distribution units, thereby achieving the purpose of controlling the majority of the power distribution units by a single IP without expensive cost, and is not limited by the length of the physical line.

The main technical means for achieving the foregoing objective is to make the foregoing method for controlling a plurality of power distribution units by using a single IP, such that a power distribution unit has a login mode, the login mode includes: connecting with a network; accepting login becomes one a login type power distribution unit; providing a user interface in the form of a web page file to accept more than one non-login type power distribution unit as a socket of the login type power distribution unit; and a non-login type power distribution unit virtualized as a socket The handshake is obtained, and the socket information of the non-registered power distribution unit is obtained; the socket of the login type power distribution unit and the non-login type power distribution unit is displayed; and the displayed socket is controlled.

The foregoing method is to enable the power distribution unit to become a login power distribution unit after the user logs in, and the user interface provided by the user interface not only displays the socket itself but also accepts the user to virtualize the other non-login type power distribution unit as the login. The socket of the power distribution unit will display the socket information of the non-registered power distribution unit on the user interface after receiving the socket information of the non-registered power distribution unit, and accept the control commands for each socket. When the user issues a control command to the socket of the non-registered power distribution unit on the user interface, the login power distribution unit transmits the control command to the non-registered power distribution unit to which the controlled socket belongs according to the network. The non-registered power distribution unit performs control on its socket; by the above method, the user only needs to log in to one power distribution unit with a single IP to make it a login power distribution unit, and then virtualize other non-login type power distribution units. The socket of the login type power distribution unit can be in the same user interface Log acquisition PDU type information and all sockets nonlogin type power distribution unit, and further control of the socket.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power distribution unit, which can be a login type power distribution unit after login, or can be handed over to a login power distribution unit without being logged in. The socket of the login power distribution unit displays its socket on the user interface of the login power distribution unit and accepts control.

The technical means for achieving the foregoing objective is to enable the power distribution unit to include: a plurality of sockets that can be clutched and connected to a power source; a controller that is respectively connected to each socket and controls its clutching with the power source, the controller Providing a user interface in the form of a web page file, and providing a virtual socket setting page for virtualizing other power distribution units into sockets on the user interface and a socket display and control page for displaying and controlling the sockets of all power distribution units More than one network interface is connected to the controller; the power distribution unit is registered as a login power distribution unit, and the user can accept other power distributions on the virtual socket setting page of the user interface thereof. The unit becomes the socket of the login power distribution unit, and displays the login type power distribution unit itself and the socket on the other power distribution unit on the socket display and control page, and further accepts the control; when not registered, it is a non-login type power supply. When the unit is assigned, it can be compared with the registered power distribution unit. The receptacle itself through the web log type information to the power distribution unit, a virtual login receptacle type power distribution unit, and displays it on the receptacle and to control the user interface to accept the login type power distribution unit.

The efficacies that can be achieved using the aforementioned methods are:

1. Manage and control most power distribution units with a single IP: The present invention primarily virtualizes more than one power distribution unit to another outlet of the registered power distribution unit to obtain all of the power distribution units on the registered power distribution unit Information, and control the power supply of the devices connected to each power distribution unit, so only need to log in to a power distribution unit with a single IP, you can control all the power distribution units with the above relationship, so that users can information about each power distribution unit. It is more convenient to obtain and control, and it is no longer necessary to log in to each power distribution unit one by one.

2. There is no limitation of the length of the physical line: the power distribution units of the present invention are connected to each other through the network, and are not daisy-chained through the physical line. Therefore, the power distribution units of the present invention are not spatially adjacent. Therefore, it is more flexible in the installation configuration of the power distribution unit.

3. There is no need to set up a dedicated server, and it is not necessary to use expensive central control software: the power distribution unit of the present invention operates under a general network protocol, and does not need to use a dedicated computer server and a central control software, thereby effectively reducing the use. cost.

The technical means adopted by the present invention for achieving the intended purpose of the invention are further described below in conjunction with the drawings and preferred embodiments of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a power distribution unit 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The power distribution unit 10 has a plurality of sockets 11 and one or more network interfaces 12, and the power supply is further described. A controller (not shown) is disposed in the distribution unit 10, and the controller is respectively connected to each socket 11 and controls the on/off of the power circuit on each socket 11; the network interface 埠12 is and controls The network connection used to connect to the network can be wired, wireless local area network (such as LAN, WLAN) or other wired and wireless network protocols (such as WIFI, ZIGBEE, etc.).

The controller of the power distribution unit 10 further provides a user interface in the form of a web page (html), which can be browsed by more than one computer through a network connection, and the controller provides a virtual socket setting in the user interface. The page and a socket display and control page cooperate to perform a virtual socket setting function; wherein: as shown in FIG. 2, the virtual socket setting page 100 has a registered IP display field 101 and a newly added device field 102. a device name input field 103 and a joined device display field 104; the registered IP display field 101 is an IP address of the power distribution unit 10 itself, when the user logs in to the IP address, and enters The virtual socket setting page 100 will display its IP in the registered IP display field 101.

The newly added device field 102 is further provided with a "new" button 102A, and the newly added device field 102 and the device name input field 103 are for adding another power source to be virtualized as the socket of the power distribution unit 10. The distribution unit, the other power distribution unit and the power distribution unit 10 have the same structure, and the difference is only when the login is made. The other way that the other power distribution unit is virtualized as the socket of the power distribution unit 10 is to input the identification data of another power distribution unit in the newly added device field 102, and the identification data may be the IP and MAC of the power distribution unit. Or serial number, in this embodiment, the IP is used, that is, the IP of another power distribution unit (for example, 10.10.27.131) is first input in the newly added device field 102, and the input may be further input in the device name input field 103. Add the name of the IP power distribution unit, and then press the "Add" button 102A to confirm the addition of the IP power distribution unit (hereinafter referred to as the new power distribution unit). The power distribution unit 10 will pass through the network and The power distribution unit is newly added to perform the handshake, and after receiving the handshake, the socket information returned by the newly added power distribution unit is accepted, and the newly added power distribution unit is virtualized as the socket of the power distribution unit 10, and the added device is added. Display field 104. Since all the power distribution units 10 have sufficient MAC and serial numbers for identification, when the power distribution unit 10 is connected to the network, all power distribution units that can be virtualized as sockets are automatically searched, and the search result will be displayed in the newly added device field. In 102, the newly added device field 102 is a pull-down function table, which can be directly selected by the user.

As shown in FIG. 3, the socket display and control page 200 of the user interface is disclosed, which has a registered IP display field 201, a control command selection field 202, a local socket field 203, and more than one. a virtual socket field 204; wherein: the logged-in IP display field 201 still displays the IP to which the power distribution unit 10 is logged in; the control command selection field 202 is available to select a control command to be executed (eg, on, Turn off or restart, etc.; the local socket field 203 is related information of all the sockets of the power distribution unit 10, such as its status (ON/OFF), socket number (1~8), and power supply of each socket. The device name (such as server A~D, computer A~D), and the local socket field 203 provides a checkbox 203A for each socket. When the user wants to change the state of a certain socket, Checking in the check box 203A of the socket, and then changing the control command in the control command selection field 202, the control command will be sent back to the controller, and the controller changes the state of the selected socket, for example, from on to off. , or from off to on.

The function of the virtual socket field 204 is substantially the same as that of the local socket field 203. The difference is that the objects displayed and controlled are different. The virtual socket field 204 is used to display the socket information of the newly added power distribution unit. These new power distribution units, which are displayed with socket information, have been virtualized as sockets for the power distribution unit 10. Although the above-mentioned new power distribution unit is virtual as the socket of the power distribution unit 10, when it is in communication with the power distribution unit 10, its socket information has been sent to the power distribution unit 10, so the power distribution unit 10 can be in its socket. The socket information of the newly added power distribution unit is displayed on the virtual socket field 204 of the display and control page 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the virtual socket field 204 lists the socket information of the newly added power distribution unit, including the status. (ON/OFF), socket number (1~8) and the name of the device powered by each socket (such as printer A~D, monitor A~D). Furthermore, virtual socket field 204 also provides one for each socket. A check box 204A is provided for the control command selection field 202 to change the state of the check socket. Once the user changes the state of a certain socket in the virtual socket field 204 of the socket display and control page 200, the corresponding generated control command will be sent to the new power distribution unit via the network, and the control command is received. The new power distribution unit performs a control command that changes the state of its outlet.

For the method of the present invention, please refer to FIG. 4, which discloses the network architecture of the present invention, which mainly connects two or more of the foregoing power distribution units 10, 10' to the network, and the power distribution unit 10, The 10' controller provides a login mode and a non-login mode workflow respectively. The so-called login mode is executed after the power distribution unit is logged in (Login) IP, and the non-login mode is not logged in. The power distribution unit of the IP performs, assuming that the power distribution unit 10 is registered with the IP, the other power distribution unit 10' is not registered with the IP, the power distribution unit 10 executes the login mode, and the other power distribution unit 10' performs the non-login mode. It must be noted that in accordance with the present invention, it is intended to achieve the purpose of controlling all power distribution units 10, 10' with a single IP, so in principle only one power distribution unit 10 is logged in to perform a login mode, said login type The mode is to perform the following steps after connecting to the network (please refer to FIG. 5): after receiving the login, it becomes a login type power distribution unit 10 (501); providing a webpage file User interface for accepting more than one non-registered power distribution unit 10' as the socket (502) of the login power distribution unit 10; and the non-registered power distribution unit 10' virtual socket for the socket ( 503), accepting the socket information sent by the non-registered power distribution unit 10' (504); displaying the socket information of the login power distribution unit 10 and the non-login type power distribution unit 10' on the user interface (505); accepting the pair The displayed socket is controlled, mainly to determine whether a control command for the socket is received (506); if the control command is received, it is further determined that the control command is for the login type power distribution unit 10 or the non-login type power distribution unit 10' ( 507), if the socket of the login type power distribution unit 10 is controlled, that is, the login type power distribution unit 10 performs control on the own socket (508), and if the control command is for the socket of the non-registered type power distribution unit 10' Then, the control command is transmitted to the non-registered power distribution unit 10' to which the socket belongs through the network, and the non-registered power distribution unit 10' performs control on the socket (509). .

Referring to the so-called non-login mode, as shown in FIG. 6, after the network is connected, the steps are performed: a handshake with a login power distribution unit 10 (601); and the socket information is sent to the login power distribution unit 10. (602), setting itself as a non-login type power distribution unit (603), and virtualizing the socket of the login type power distribution unit 10; determining whether or not the socket control command from the login type power distribution unit 10 is received (604) If yes, execute a control command (605) on the associated socket, and if not, return to the previous step (604).

It can be seen from the above that the technical solution provided by the present invention is that most power distribution units connected through a network are only logged into one of the power distribution units 10 by a single IP, and the other power distribution units 10' are virtualized as sockets of the foregoing power distribution unit 10. The socket information of all the power distribution units 10, 10' is obtained on the user interface of the power distribution unit 10 and the state of the socket is controlled. Under the foregoing architecture, the user can centrally control the outlets of all the power distribution units 10, 10' by simply logging in to one power distribution unit 10.

Although the other power distribution unit 10' is a socket that is virtualized as the power distribution unit 10, there is no master/slave relationship therebetween, that is, when the user logs in to one of the power distribution units 10', the power distribution unit 10 and the other power distribution unit 10' may also be virtualized as the socket of the registered power distribution unit 10', and the socket information of all the power distribution units 10, 10' is obtained on the user interface thereof, thereby controlling the state of the outlet. In other words, it will be more flexible for the user to manage and control the power distribution unit 10, 10'.

The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed in the above preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. A person skilled in the art can make some modifications or modifications to equivalent embodiments by using the above-disclosed technical contents without departing from the technical scope of the present invention. It is still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention to make any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications to the above embodiments.

10,10’. . . Power distribution unit

11. . . socket

12. . . Network interface埠

100. . . Virtual socket setting page

101. . . Logged in to the IP display field

102. . . Add device field

102A. . . Add button

103. . . Device name input field

104. . . Added to device display field

200. . . Socket display and control page

201. . . Logged in to the IP display field

202. . . Control command selection field

203. . Local socket field

203A, 204A. . . Checkbox

204. . . Virtual socket field

1 is a schematic diagram of a power distribution unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a schematic diagram of a user interface of a power distribution unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a schematic diagram of yet another user interface of a power distribution unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a flow chart of a login mode in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flow chart of a non-login type mode in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

200. . . Socket display and control page

201. . . Logged in to the IP display field

202. . . Control command selection field

203. . . Local socket field

203A, 204A. . . Checkbox

204. . . Virtual socket field

Claims (10)

A method for controlling a plurality of power distribution units by using a single IP, mainly for causing a power distribution unit to have a login mode, the login mode comprising: connecting with a network; accepting login as a login power distribution unit; providing a webpage a user interface in the form of a file, which accepts more than one non-registered power distribution unit as a socket of the login type power distribution unit; and a non-registered power distribution unit that is virtually a socket, and obtains a non-registered power distribution The socket information of the unit; the socket of the login type power distribution unit and the non-login type power distribution unit; the socket for display is controlled. The method for controlling a plurality of power distribution units by using a single IP according to claim 1, wherein the power distribution unit further has a non-login type mode, and the non-login mode includes: a network connection; and a login power distribution unit; The socket information is sent to the login type power distribution unit, and the self is set as a non-login type power distribution unit, and is virtualized as the socket of the login type power distribution unit. The method for controlling a plurality of power distribution units by using a single IP according to claim 2, wherein the login mode of the power distribution unit further determines whether a control command for the socket is received, and if the control command is received, further determining that the control command is The login power distribution unit or the non-registered power distribution unit controls the socket of the login power distribution unit, that is, the login power distribution unit performs control on its own socket, and if the control command is for the non-registered power distribution The socket of the unit transmits the control command to the non-registered power distribution unit to which the socket belongs through the network, and the non-registered power distribution unit performs control on the socket. The method for controlling a plurality of power distribution units by using a single IP according to claim 3, wherein the login mode of the power distribution unit further determines whether a socket control command from the login power distribution unit is received, and if so, performs execution on the associated socket. control commands. A power distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: a plurality of sockets that are detachably connected to a power source; and a controller that is respectively connected to each socket and controls the clutching with the power source, The controller provides a user interface in the form of a web page file, and provides a virtual socket setting page for virtualizing other power distribution units into sockets on the user interface and a socket for displaying and controlling the sockets of all power distribution units. Display and control page; more than one network interface is connected to the controller. The power distribution unit of claim 5, wherein the virtual socket setting page of the user interface comprises: a registered IP display field, a newly added device field, a device name input field, and an added device. Displaying a field; a registered IP display field for displaying the IP of the power distribution unit itself; and a newly added device field for adding identification data of other power distribution units to be virtualized as the socket of the power distribution unit; A device name input field for entering the name of the power distribution unit that has been added to the IP. The power distribution unit of claim 6, wherein the socket display and control page comprises: a control command selection field, which is a control command to be selected for execution; and a local socket field, which is displayed by the power distribution unit itself. The information of the socket, the local socket field further provides a check box for each socket for checking the socket to be controlled. The power distribution unit according to claim 7, wherein the newly added device field is a pull-down function table, and the power distribution unit that automatically searches for the direct selection. The power distribution unit according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the identification data is an IP, a MAC or a serial number selected from a power distribution unit. The power distribution unit of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the network interface is a wired or wireless local area network protocol.