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Auto-probe and power cycling explained

Discover why Eaton’s auto-probe (remote power cycling) feature is essential for managing high power, high density solutions like our Eaton Tripp Lite Series Net LX and Eaton Rack PDU G4 models.

What to expect from the auto-probe feature

All managed Eaton PDUs and Eaton Tripp Lite series Net LX models (such as the PDU15NETLX and PDUMV30HVNETLX) include the IP-based auto-probe feature, which helps maintain continuous network uptime by communicating with other network devices, detecting lost connectivity and automatically rebooting equipment.

If communication is lost, this power cycling feature autonomously performs one or more user-configurable actions that help you return the network devices to an operational state, including email notifications. This type of continuous uptime is ideal for businesses that rely on ATMs, retail kiosks, digital signage, Distributed IT, edge computing and branch offices. With this feature, you can save time and money on service visits and restore service to your remote sites.

A deeper dive into the specs

Eaton Tripp Lite series Net LX and Eaton rack PDU G4 models can detect network device failures and immediately initiate recovery actions. Eaton rack PDU G4 models support secure remote outlet switching (on/off/reboot) and scheduled switching through the web UI or via API. They will also send user-configurable alarm notifications (email, SNMP traps) for various conditions (e.g., overloads, environmental alarms) to alert administrators. They also extend efficiency with a modern web interface and support for IPv6, SNMPv3, MQTT and a RESTful API, enabling easy integration into Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) platforms. 

Our modules also support daisy-chaining up to 32 rack PDUs from a single network connection for simplified, large-scale deployment. With Eaton’s Brightlayer integration, rack PDU G4 models can feed power and environmental data into Eaton’s Brightlayer Distributed IT software, DCIM software and PredictPulse monitoring platforms, providing a unified view of infrastructure health and supporting intelligent, system‑level management.

Eaton Rack PDU G4 hot swappable module

What can auto-probe/power cycling do for you?

By communicating autonomously with one or more devices on the network, auto-probe is capable of a variety of user-configurable actions, including those that can help return the network devices to an operational state:
 
  • Reboot a device by cycling the outlet powering that device
  • Reboot multiple loads
  • Send an email notification
  • Send an SNMP trap
  • Perform a control, such as rebooting the network card
  • Perform an SNMP v1 set on a remote device
  • Trigger a safe computer shutdown
As many as 64 unique auto-probe actions can be configured per PDU. Execution of auto-probe actions are captured in the event log of the PDU’s web interface.

How does power cycling work?

The PDU supplies power to devices (like an internet router) and continuously monitors their responsiveness by attempting to communicate with them. If the PDU fails to receive a response from the router three consecutive times, it assumes the device is unresponsive and automatically cuts power to the outlet, then restores it to reboot the router.

Additionally, the auto-probe can be configured to power-cycle multiple outlets at specific intervals and restart devices in a defined sequence, ensuring that each component is fully operational before the next begins its checks. Once all devices are back online, the system resumes continuous monitoring to maintain reliability and quickly address any future failures.

Which Eaton rackmount PDUs come with auto-probe feature?

Auto-probe is included with all Eaton rack PDU G3 and G4 models with a network interface, as well as Eaton Tripp Lite series switched PDUs with LX network interfaces.

Model-specific PDUs with auto-probe feature

Horizontal Models Vertical Models

PDUMH15NET2LX

PDUMV15NETLX

EHMA515L

EMA112-10

EHMAL630P

EVMAL630X, A or B

PDUMH20NET2LX

EMA114-10

EHMA520M

EVMAL620A

EHMAL530O

EMA108-10

Discover the Eaton Rack PDU G4

With market-leading cybersecurity, global approval and versatility within deployments, the Rack PDU G4 is ideal for data center managers seeking to streamline PDU procurement and management.

Read the blog: Explore what our experts are saying