PowerChute Network Shutdown
Enterprise-grade sequenced shutdowns for physical servers and virtual machine clusters via Network Management Cards.
Protect Your Entire Server Infrastructure
PowerChute Network Shutdown (PCNS) is designed for enterprise IT environments with virtualized servers, clusters, and multi-server deployments. It works exclusively with APC Smart-UPS units equipped with Network Management Cards to provide automated, network-based graceful shutdowns when battery runtime is running low.
When to Use PowerChute Network Shutdown
- You have Smart-UPS units with Network Management Cards installed
- You run VMware vSphere/ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V environments
- You need coordinated shutdowns across multiple servers powered by the same UPS
- You require automatic, unattended recovery after power restoration
- Your servers are in a data center or server room (not directly cabled to a desktop)
If your UPS connects directly to a single computer via USB or serial cable, use PowerChute Serial Shutdown instead.
Advanced Shutdown Orchestration for Enterprise IT
Complex Network-Wide Shutdowns
PCNS goes beyond simple “turn off the server” commands. It orchestrates a multi-step shutdown process that respects dependencies, prioritizes critical workloads, and ensures data integrity across your entire infrastructure.
Virtual Machine Management
Sequenced VM Shutdown
Shut down VMs in a configurable order. Ensure application servers stop before database servers, and domain controllers go last.
VMware vSphere Hyper-VVM Migration
Before shutting down, PCNS can live-migrate VMs to hosts powered by unaffected UPS units, keeping workloads running through localized outages.
Automatic Cluster Restart
After power is restored and hosts reboot, PCNS automatically restarts VMs in the correct sequence, bringing your cluster back online without manual intervention.
What You Need to Get Started
Hardware Requirements
- APC Smart-UPS with NMC: Each Smart-UPS protecting your servers must have a Network Management Card installed. The NMC is the communication link between the UPS and PCNS.
- Dedicated PCNS Server: PowerChute Network Shutdown runs on a separate Windows or Linux server (physical or virtual). It should not be installed on the same machine as the workloads it protects.
- Network Connectivity: The PCNS server, all NMC-equipped UPS units, and all protected servers must be on the same network or have routable IP connectivity.
Software Requirements
- Windows: Windows Server 2016 or later
- Linux: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)
- Virtualization: VMware vSphere/ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V for VM management features
- Network: TCP/IP connectivity between the PCNS server and all NMC cards
Architecture Summary
Smart-UPS + NMC
Each rack UPS has its own Network Management Card, providing an IP endpoint for PCNS to communicate with.
PCNS Server
A dedicated Windows or Linux server running PowerChute Network Shutdown software, receiving signals from NMC cards.
Protected Servers
Physical hosts and VMs that PCNS shuts down gracefully and restarts automatically when power returns.
Find the Right APC Smart-UPS for Your Data Center
PowerChute Network Shutdown works with APC Smart-UPS units equipped with Network Management Cards. Browse our full range of enterprise UPS solutions.