In my original query, I asked how to remotely hard-boot systems - i.e,
physically power cycle them.
Several people inquired as to why we wanted to remotely reboot the
machines, pointing out the obvious problems of doing so.
We're working on a device driver and some associated kernel
modifications. Occasionally, I wedge the machine sufficiently to
require a hard reset. I would like to be able to work remotely, so I
can watch my daughter while kernel hacking. Using the console serial
line & the kdebug port, you do most everything remotely, save
powercycle the box.
One person (Tom Webster <webster_at_kaiwan.com>) suggested that a company
called "BoardWatch" might have a "watchdog timer" system that could do
what we wanted.
Several people suggested using a UPS to toggle the power. This is the
solution we're going to try. We have Fortress UPS's from Best
Technology, and they have a serial-line interface that allows you to
power-down the UPS. Allegedly (haven't tried this yet), if you have
the appropriate "reset mode" selected, the unit should power cycle and
resume operation.
We got this information in a document titled "Communicating with the
Fortress" from Best Technology. The document is marked "restricted",
so you'll have to contact Best for more information.
Received on Thu Aug 08 1996 - 01:16:58 NZST