Using Ethernet to connect to an APC Battery Backup

Question

Using Ethernet to connect to an APC Battery Backup

Hi there, I'm struggling to connect my UPS (battery backup) to my iMac as there aren't USB ports available at the back of my computer.

My ethernet port as well as my firewire ports are unused.

If anyone knows of a way to connect the iMac to the UPS via ethernet that'd be great.

Thanks in advance.

George...

iMac-24in-3.06GHz 4GB-RAM SE-W610i UltraMax-1TB EyeTV-250 Plus, Mac OS X (10.5.6), AEBS, Airport Express, Mighty Mouse

Posted on Jan 17, 2009 11:40 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,855 points

Jan 18, 2009 12:32 AM in response to Jorge_Gonzalez

You cannot connect the USB control cable from your UPS to an Ethernet or Firewire port. If you don't have an available port then connect a USB hub to one of your other ports to free up a port for the UPS or just don't use the control cable. The UPS will work without any connection to the computer.

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Answer 2

Jan 18, 2009 8:01 AM in response to Kappy

The cable supplied with the UPS has a USB end that's meant to connect to the computer and an ethernet-like connector on the opposite end to connect to the UPS.

I'd like to use a real ethernet cable and see if it can be used. Like I said, the ethernet port in my computer is unused.

I got the UPS back in August at the same time I bought my iMac and I've been using them like that, without communication, I just want to make sure in case of extended blackouts, the computer will shut down the best possible way.

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,855 points

Jan 18, 2009 11:45 AM in response to Jorge_Gonzalez

The device can be configured independently of the controller cable. See the user manual that came with the UPS or download one from the APC website. However, if you want to have computer control through the Energy Saver preferences then you will need to connect to a USB port. The UPS does not have networking capability as far as I'm aware. I use one in my home and just have the USB connector plugged into the spare USB port on my keyboard. Works just fine. It should work fine connected to any USB hub.

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