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Reserve Your Seat TodayDo you oversee remote telecom sites, critical infrastructure, or data centers? That makes power management an absolute requirement for you.
Much like choosing a remote site monitoring system that will stand the test of time, picking the right remote power switch pays off both immediately and for many years to come.
In my work designing monitoring systems at DPS, I've seen firsthand how a suitable remote power unit saves you from expensive truck rolls, unexpected downtime, and unnecessary complexity.
With the right "smart fuse panel" PDU, you can manage your distant equipment right from your desk. Whether you need to reboot a stubborn router or shut off a malfunctioning device, you can do so without leaving your chair (or entirely automatically!).
A truly effective remote power management solution isn't just about toggling devices on and off. It's about building confidence and stability into your entire infrastructure. It would give you:
Your ideal remote power management devices would operate quietly in the background, enabling your team to focus on strategic decisions rather than putting out fires.
It would be the kind of infrastructure element you rarely think about. It simply does its job, day in and day out, preserving network stability and giving you a solid return on your investment.
We had all of these principles in mind when we sat down to build a "smart fuse panel" for DPS clients like you: broad compatibility, strong security, proactive alerts, long-term adaptability, and user-friendly design.
Let's look now at many of the individual elements that make this a good remote power switch for all sorts of remote unmanned locations.
Without the right remote tools, even a simple power issue (or a "frozen" or "locked up" device) at a distant site can force a technician onto the road. These truck rolls are costly, time-consuming, and inconvenient.
The AB6 G6 solves that problem by providing an encrypted web interface, so you can reboot stuck devices or power-cycle equipment with just a few clicks.
This direct remote control is your competitive advantage that cuts downtime, saves on labor, and improves your responsiveness. Whether you're managing telecom gear, utility systems, or data center infrastructure, this capability helps you resolve problems quickly and cost-effectively.
In addition to its web interface, the AB6 G6 supports SNMP SET commands. This means your existing SNMP manager can actively manage power states. You can power devices on or off, reboot after failures, and respond automatically to predefined conditions.
For example, if a sensor detects overheating, your SNMP manager could instantly shut down non-critical loads to protect your equipment. If a router locks up, it can be power-cycled without any manual intervention.
Incorporating SNMP SET commands into your process reduces human error and keeps your network more stable, even as conditions change.
Security is paramount when it comes to remote devices that can affect critical systems. The AB6 G6 uses HTTPS with TLS 1.2 encryption to keep your remote sessions protected. It also supports SNMP traps (including via encrypted SNMPv3) to send real-time alerts for feed outages, blown fuses, or other issues as soon as they arise.
These immediate notifications mean you don't have to stare at a screen waiting for problems to surface. Instead, you'll know about potential trouble the moment it occurs, allowing you to respond before a tiny issue grows into a serious service-affecting outage.
When making a significant investment in new equipment, you want to know it will be around for the long haul. The AB6 G6 is designed with durability in mind:
Its compact, 1 RU form factor allows it to fit easily into existing racks. The typical location? You guessed it: right at the top of the rack where a traditional (dumb) fuse panel would go.
If you're already using DPS RTUs (like the NetGuardian series), the AB6 G6 integrates naturally into your established monitoring environment. This lets you set threshold alarms for overcurrent or undervoltage conditions and ensure that your power settings persist through reboots or firmware updates.
One major utility even worked directly with DPS to develop a custom AB6 G6 that combined AC and DC outputs in one chassis. You get that flexibility when you collaborate with a manufacturer who is willing to understand your challenges and tailor solutions to match.
Power management doesn't occur in isolation. Environmental factors (ex. temperature, humidity, and water leaks) can threaten your uptime just as much as a power glitch.
Imagine that your RTU detects rising temperatures. By integrating environmental alarms with your AB6 G6, you can automatically shut down non-essential equipment before overheating causes permanent damage.
But you don't necessarily need a separate RTU to get these benefits. The AB6 G6 can be built with 16 discrete inputs and a set of analog inputs. This configuration lets the AB6 G6 monitor environmental conditions on its own.
Instead of relying on external equipment, your AB6 G6 can serve as both the power management hub and the RTU, delivering an all-in-one solution that's ready to protect your infrastructure from every angle.
This is really where you get the most from DPS devices. If you can put 2 functions (PDU + fuse panel) into one box, you're doing more with fewer purchases and fewer installs. At 3 functions (PDU + fuse panel + RTU), you're moving toward a "no brainer" purchase decision.
Some industries, especially utilities and telecommunications, must operate under strict regulatory oversight. The AB6 G6's secure connections, thorough logging, and encrypted sessions help you maintain a transparent trail of user actions and power changes.
Should you need to demonstrate compliance during an audit, these detailed records can serve as valuable proof that you're adhering to required standards.
Compliance is ultimately up to you, and standards will vary by your industry and region, but it's always better to have good technology that helps you meet targets.
Your investment in new equipment pays off best when your team knows how to use it. Once the AB6 G6 units are installed, set aside time to train the staff who will interact with them - NOC personnel, field technicians, or maintenance staff. Everyone should understand how to operate the web interface, interpret SNMP traps, and issue SNMP SET commands correctly.
A few hours of education can prevent confusion down the line and ensure that the device's full capabilities are actually realized in your daily workflow.
DPS Tech Support is included with your purchase. You can use that for short (perhaps 90 minutes) sessions to get started.
DPS Telecom Factory Training is also available at our California headquarters many times each year. You can also pay for private on-site training, which is usually better than buying your employees hotel rooms and plane tickets if you have 4 or more staff to train.
It's always wise to have a quick, focused conversation with someone who's been through this many times before.
At DPS, you won't encounter a pushy sales team. If anything, we have engineers who basically don't know how to be pushy.
When you call us, you'll find engineers who've spent decades solving these very problems. We can point out pitfalls, suggest alternative approaches, and guide you to the best solution for your unique situation.
Ready to improve your remote power management? Call us at 1-800-693-0351 or email sales@dpstele.com
A brief conversation now can save you from unnecessary budget waste and service-affecting downtime tomorrow.
Andrew Erickson
Andrew Erickson is an Application Engineer at DPS Telecom, a manufacturer of semi-custom remote alarm monitoring systems based in Fresno, California. Andrew brings more than 17 years of experience building site monitoring solutions, developing intuitive user interfaces and documentation, and opt...
