MPL Technology Group Driving Data Center Efficiency

“As a pioneer in the design, development and manufacture of Software and Hardware, MPL technology Group can deliver the

most expansive range of Power, Environmental and Security Management solutions to meet the growing demands in managing

mission critical IT and facilities environments.”

MPL Worldwide

N-Gen delivers as a multi-user, mobile compatible, secure role-based Monitoring Software platform which combines individual preferences and access levels so that each user has their own unique view and live dynamic dashboard.

N-Gen provides a detailed yet intuitive interface, rich visualisations and easy access to data in real-time that covers four key modules: Power, Ambience, Security and Asset Management.

N-GEN simplifies monitoring by integrating multiple communication protocols into one complete system. It provides the data granularity required for efficient management of both the facility and IT infrastructure environments.

N-GEN combines simplicity and modularity to allow clients to only work with what they require, allowing for a more organic migration into different modules as the business requires.

S O F T W A R E

N-Gen software delivers the following features that centre around the key modules indicated:

• Real-time dynamic dashboards

• Integration of 3rd party vendor power and sensor products into N-GEN

• API and Integration methods to allow for information to be shared with other platforms

• Multi-Tier Alerts

• Intuitive Reports

• Simple Administration

• Dynamic Floor plan

• Outbound connectivity JSON - MYSQL

Headquartered in Bicester UK, MPL Technology Group is a Global leader in the development, production and integration of advanced Software and Hardware solutions to support the delivery and operation of efficient IT infrastructures worldwide.

As a pioneer in the development of in-rack and in-line power devices since 2004, we have enabled major global corporations to monitor power consumption on their most critical and costly IT infrastructure.

We produce affordable, quality products whilst providing our clients with superior service. Whether it is enhancing customer care or implementing new technologies, MPL promotes innovation, quality and satisfaction in all aspects of business.

N-GEN Software

The four core modules of N-GEN provide monitoring and control of:

POWER, AMBIENCE, ASSET MANAGEMENT & SECURITY.

We believe that these four modules are the cornerstone of delivering a comprehensive software management platform that allows IT and FACILITIES departments to work together to deliver optimization and efficiency within the Data Center environment.

ASSET MANAGEMENT MODULE

• Provide the most optimal rack layout to achieve the maximum utilisation of the equipment across your Data Centre

• Produce detailed allocation reports

• Export utility of allocation in various file formats for re-import into existing workflow and asset management tools

POWER MODULE

• Monitoring & Control of In-rack PDUs

• Analyse 3rd party PDUs and incorporate them into the N-GEN real-time framework

• Phase and Outlet Power Management and control

• Bus bar Visibility and Integration

• True Power Fail Reports

SECURITY MODULE

• Rack Level Access Management and Control

• Remote handle open and control

• Create and Manage New tasks that are related to other work process systems

• Track the Access History of your Rack estate

• Audit trail for Compliance

• Associate IP Security cameras with access

AMBIENCE MODULE

• Real-Time Analysis of Temperature & Humidity parameters

• Data centre floor heatmap to Indicate hotspots and coldspots

• Psychometric graph feature to align sensors with Ashrae guideline parameters in one clear view

• DELTA T Triangle to assess efficiency of CRAC air distribution across the IT equipment and air handling units

REPORTS

MODULAR

SIMPLE

USER FRIENDLY

FLEXIBLE

ALERTS

FLOOR PLAN

WIDGETS

Data Management & Integration

HOW DO WE ACHIEVE REDUNDANCY AND EFFICIENCY?

The RS485 connection between the devices and the Poller is independent of the data room’s network, minimising network traffic and port requirements. It allows devices to be connected and disconnected from the system freely. The data cable also carries power for the device’s logic and the re-boot relays, making interconnection a simple, single connection with the advantage of enabling the device to actively report power outages on its mains supply.

If cabinet monitoring devices were to rely solely on cabinet power to power their logic, they run the risk of not being able to actively report a power failure when the cabinet power fails. Instead MPL monitoring products are powered from the RS485 data bus and the Poller supplies some or all the power to the bus.

“N-GEN’s renowned high performance, reliability, and near universal connectivity combines to provide a data management solution that your organization can rely on for the management of mission-critical business environments.”

We can seamlessly integrate data from old and new worlds. N-GEN has the capability to extend your data integration from existing on-premise systems to the cloud, big data, IoT systems, and new enterprise applications and databases swiftly, painlessly, and cost-effectively.

MPL’s REST API provides a simple, reliable and scalable solution for businesses looking to share information between multiple software systems.

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are the underpinning of the cloud, mobile, and Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. The speed, ease, and portability of data exchanged through APIs allow for all our modern innovations and conveniences.

We have a continuous development cycle that ensures that we maintain the highest standards of data integration available.

POLLER E

The Poller E, enhances the Poller V4 to include additional interfaces. This allows the Poller E to be managed independently and also be integrated into any DCIM or purpose-built management CMDB tools.

Key features include:

• Single IP address.

• SNMP interface for data extraction.

• REST API for direct application integration.

• Web interface that allows independent config and management of PDUs and Sensors.

• Direct SNMP Alerts and Threshold Management.

• Local storage and CPU capacity that facilitates future upgrades and will permit future connector development

POLLER M

The Poller M has an IP interface and x8 Modbus ports, connecting to 32 devices per port, supporting various power devices and infrastructure components. An intuitive web browser interface allows a user to view and track data, configure alert thresholds and perform management tasks. The Poller M can also connect to different types of Modbus devices providing a gateway to link facilities equipment data with IT data to enable more intuitive data analysis.

Key features include:

• Single IP address.

• SNMP interface for data extraction.

• REST API for direct application integration.

• Web interface that allows independent config and management of Modbus devices.

• Direct SNMP Alerts and Threshold Management.

• Local storage and CPU capacity that facilitates future upgrades and will permit future connector development.

HOW DO WE GATHER DATA?

The architecture surrounding the MPL solution is based on a central management unit “The Poller” that has the capability to collect data from multiple devices over one single IP address and integrate that data directly into the N-GEN database or other software platforms as required by our clients.

PSU

PSU

PSUNETWORK

POLLER

RS485 + Power

➊ Busbar

➋ RPPs

➌ BMS

➍ Other Facility Devices

➊ Intelligent PDUs

➋ In-line Monitor

➌ T&H Sensor

➍ Rack Security

➎ 3rd Party PDUs

➏ Assets

MPL has pioneered the way in Power distribution management since the company introduced its product range into the Global market in 2004. Leading the way with an RS485 data connection solution that combined resilience with a low IP port overhead, the company embarked on a growth curve that saw clients quickly adopt our range due to the flexibility and low cost overhead of operating a power and environmental monitoring system.

Our complete hardware range is designed with the objective of providing Real Time Monitoring of the main parameters of Data Centre Infrastructure to help identify critical issues before they cause major downtime. Intelligent Monitoring devices provide an in-depth view into a client’s IT environment and can also deliver a variety of control and monitoring functions to operate hardware infrastructure remotely.

Power Distribution

NON-INTELLIGENT PDUS

With a rise in demand for the supply of customised non-intelligent PDUs, we have adapted our flexibility in the design to deliver a wide range of solutions to meet demand for single and 3-phase variations.

We can apply various protection options such as Circuit breakers, standard fuses per outlet or magnetic circuit breakers. Outlets can also be secured to ensure power cords are connected correctly. Different colour schemes can also be adapted to separate A and B feeds as required.

IP PDUS

The latest product to join our range of intelligent PDUs is an IP solution. Our new device delivers the same monitoring capabilities as the RS485 solution and works together with the N-GEN Software interface.

We now have a complimentary range of PDU protocols to support small, medium and large IT rooms giving the market options on the utilization of IP ports when implementing a power monitoring system. The units also support environmental sensors for temp/humidity and door open/closed status.

DESK POWER

We can design and manufacture a wide range of Desk top power distribution units. MPL’s range consists of solutions with multiple sockets, RJ45 Cat 5/6, data USB points and USB powering configurations to suit any office or factory installation.

EAZI-UP

The Eazi-Up™ desktop PDU reduces total in-rush currents by sequentially starting each socket to ensure a fast and secure startup sequence. Typical non-switched desk units can create a huge draw on the power supply that can cause potentially damaging surges. This typically occurs during the first 10 seconds of a systems boot sequence.

-Each socket is started at a 5 second interval -Current 13A max -Voltage 230V AC -Eazi-Up™ is fully customisable during order placement with stock availability of 4, 8 and 12 UK 3pin outlets, with USB options. -Input connector 13A with 2m of cable

Power Distribution

IN-LINE POWER MONITORING

The combination of equipment in an IT room presents different challenges when selecting a power monitoring solution. Vertical and horizontal PDUs are used in Server and Network racks, but they cannot be connected to free-standing equipment that usually has two or more power connections that would normally connect directly to the power source.

The In-line power monitoring range from MPL comprises of single and 3-phase devices that can deliver remote monitoring where a conventional PDU is not suitable for power connection. With the most expansive range

that reaches 63amp 3-phase, we can cater for every type of equipment to ensure that our customers are monitoring the entire IT room. Each in-line monitor has on-board intelligence that monitors the electrical and environmental status and communicates this data to the Poller unit via the RS485 daisy chain connection topology. They can also be used with non-intelligent PDUs where there is a need to monitor power between the busbar and the in-rack PDU.

N-GEN SOFTWARE

The security control and logging pages are included within the N-GEN software. All access attempts, successful or otherwise, are recorded.

Access control is always routed through the N-GEN Server. Access codes and valid card details are never stored at the cabinet. This system allows inert prox cards to be kept by security or reception staff at a remote location that are only activated once the designated user has confirmed receipt.

In N-GEN, you can associate 3rd party IP Cameras with areas of a data center, including racks and doors as required.

The software allows you to track the Access History of your locking estate. You can see what rack was accessed by whom and at what time. You are also able to track who has tried to access a rack without authorisation, and who has used a key to override the card access system.

Rack Access SecuritySYSTEM TOPOLOGY

A MPL-Poller unit connects up to 250 doors via 4 x RS485 connections, using 1 x IP address. Each cabinet will have 1 x RALF unit which daisy chains back to the other cabinets and MPL Poller via RS485 cabling. Each RALF unit can control 2 x doors, and includes an internal T&H sensor. The RALF unit connects to the MPL-Card readers via an RJ45 cable, and then into the electronic access handle.

There is the option to add door sensors to the rack, either via a microswitch/hall effect sensor which can be cabled to the RALF via RJ11 connections, or using a hall effect magnet fitted opposite the MPL-Card reader.

MPL also provides the option of a handle which can integrate directly with 3rd party software solutions. This covers all types of access cards, and connects directly to the 3rd party system using an RJ45 patch lead and a connector for the motor.

The N-GEN Rack security system combines an intuitive software interface with a fully integrated card reader system to deliver rack and cold aisle access control.

The solution may be installed as part of a power and environmental monitoring system, or installed as a stand alone system.

Market research shows that as much as 70% of data centre outages are directly attributable to human error, and 13% is a result of unauthorized access alone. This makes physical security measures critical in the management of unwanted downtime, negative reputation and cost.

Handles available to integrate directly with 3rd party software/ hardware solutions

KEY FEATURES

• Sensors to alert for door open, handle open and key overrides

• Audit trail for Compliance

• Totally vendor agnostic solutions

• Retrofit to any rack

• 1 x IP address can control up to 250 doors

• Compatible with all types of access control cards

• Handles fail in locked position

• Motorized Cold aisle containment solution

• Complete audit trail and management solution when used with N-GEN by MPL

• Fully compliant with – PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOX, Directive 95/46/EC, ISO/IEC 27001/27002, FISMA, GDPR

• Works independently of the PDU Monitoring system

GATEWAY

RELAY SENSOR

RELAY SENSOR

RELAY SENSOR

EDGE SENSOR

X20EDGE SENSOR

X20EDGE SENSOR

X20

Temperature & Humidity Management

Maintaining optimum temperature and humidity around your IT assets is vital. In fact, more damage can be caused by environmental conditions such as temperature extremes, humidity, and power failure as the challenges increase in trying to manage mission critical environments. Today’s smaller, more condensed, and hotter-running devices compound the difficulty. Further, the architecture of some data centres also complicates IT staff’s ability to maintain optimum environmental controls.

MPL Technology Group has developed the Airlab service and combined it with the wire free sensor technology and NGEN software to deliver real-time analysis of the critical environmental challenges that require more control. In addition to the wire free sensor technology, MPL also possesses hard wired sensors that connect to our power management range and rack security system to ensure that environmental management is available across our entire range.

AIRLAB SERVICE

This unique service was created to facilitate key decision making and deliver improved efficiency by using accurate data taken from a full in-depth analysis of the IT room, our wire free sensors and the NGEN software ambience module.

The graphic illustrates the key components of the AIRLAB service and the different levels of information that are presented in the reports following the site survey. The DELTA T feature is incorporated into the NGEN software providing a full temperature map of the room by means of four different Temperature Deltas. The data is then delivered in real-time via a visual Triangle in the software to assess the temperature changes, providing opportunities for efficiency improvement, together with achieving temperature uniformity at the equipment air inlet.

FEATURES

• Monitor all your critical areas; racks, cold aisles, hot aisles, CRAC supply and CRAC returns.

• Mount and position to any rack in minutes and manage with intuitive easy to use N-GEN software.

• Each sensor forms part of a flexible Wire-Free mesh network reporting data in real-time.

• Monitoring, alerting and granular reports both for individual and group of sensors utilising the N-GEN Software

• Accuracy Levels: Temperature ±0.3 ºC Humidity: (± 2 %)

• Connect 3 Relay Sensors and 60 Edge Sensors to 1 Gateway = 1 x IP Address

Wire-free Sensor

KNOW THE HEALTH OF THE IT EQUIPMENT

HOTSPOTS

RAISING THE RETURN

INPROVING EFFICIENCY

IMPROVING IT EQUIPMENT HEALTH

COLDSPOTS

ESD

BYPASS AIRFLOW

RECIRCULATION

DELTA T

COOLING CAPACITY FACTOR

SWITCHING OFF COOLING UNIT

KNOW THE EFFICIENCY

www.mpltechnologygroup.com

MPL Technology Group

Unit 2, Telford Business Centre, Telford Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4LD

Telephone: +44(0) 1869 329560 www.mpltechnologygroup.com