Yes! And here’s why a whole network power backup should be part of your business continuity plan.
Having a backup solutions supporting only your servers will keep them powered during an outage while the business still loses access to them. If the network switch, router, or other equipment connecting users to those servers shuts down, applications and communications will become unavailable, which will disrupt your business and create the potential for financial losses.
EverSafe provides battery backup solutions for servers and networking equipment, sized around the connected load and required runtime. Effective protection starts with identifying everything that needs power to keep your essential systems working together.
Start with the equipment your operations depend on
A backup power assessment should look beyond the server itself. Depending on your facility, the equipment requiring protection may include:
- Servers and storage devices
- Network switches, routers, and firewalls
- Modems and other internet connection equipment
- Wireless access points and their power sources
- Phone systems and radio communications equipment
- Connected security cameras and access controls
Consider a business with a server in its main equipment room and network switches in several separate closets. Backing up the server alone leaves those switches vulnerable. An outage in one closet could disconnect an entire area of the building, even while the server continues operating.
Identifying these dependencies helps define the scope of protection before selecting a system.
Decide what the backup needs to accomplish
Some facilities need enough battery runtime to keep equipment operating while a power generator starts. Bridging that gap, while only a few seconds to a few minutes, can be critical for IT operations and data retention. Others need time to complete critical work and shut systems down in an orderly way. While sites without a generator may need several hours of continued operation to meet business needs.
These goals require different system configurations. A solution intended to bridge a brief interruption should not be assumed to support an extended outage.
Runtime depends on both battery capacity and the total power demand of the connected equipment. With the same battery capacity, adding equipment increases the load and generally shortens runtime. Identifying which equipment must remain operational helps keep the system focused on supporting your priorities.
Match the system to the electrical requirements
Battery capacity is only part of the selection process. An Uninterrupted Power Supply must also provide sufficient output power and match the equipment’s voltage, connections, and other electrical requirements.
For sensitive IT equipment, transfer performance and power conditioning also matter. Different UPS designs provide different levels of protection against interruptions and voltage fluctuations. The appropriate configuration should be selected around the application, with room for anticipated growth.
EverSafe offers standalone plug-and-play systems and hardwired configurations, allowing the installation approach to be evaluated alongside the power and runtime requirements.
Account for the supporting infrastructure
Keeping equipment powered is one part of continuity planning. A server room may also depend on cooling that needs separate backup consideration. Likewise, powering your modem and router cannot restore an internet connection if the service provider’s infrastructure is offline.
For essential communications, review both local power protection and the availability of an alternate connection. These considerations help establish what your backup system can support and where additional planning is needed.
Build a backup plan around your equipment
To begin, gather an equipment list, available electrical specifications, desired runtime, and details about your existing generator or UPS. Include devices in separate network closets and any planned additions.
EverSafe can use this information to evaluate your application and recommend a battery backup configuration suited to your requirements.
Contact EverSafe Power today to discuss backup power for your servers, networks, and communications equipment.
