Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1066130
January/February 2019 I 59 PDU manufacturers use various names for the functions, but following are the four basic models of intelligent PDUs: MONITORED — Provides measurement at the rack level. Measures total power used by all attached equipment. Ideally, it will also provide input and branch monitoring for proper load balancing. MONITORED PRO (outlet monitored) — Includes measurement at each outlet to provide device-level measurement. Ideally, it will also include the ability to group outlets across multiple units to see easily the total power for dual- corded devices. SWITCHED — Provides the ability to turn outlets on and off remotely, allowing remote reboot of equipment and forced off conditions for unused outlets. This feature is especially beneficial in colocated equipment, as it may reduce remote hands charges and simplify and speed correction in enterprise sites. Forcing outlets off also prevents accidental overloads and requires some formal process to energize any new equipment in the rack. This typically includes grouping of outlets to toggle dual-corded equipment and timed responses to control the order and timing of reboots. SWITCHED PRO (all features) — The most robust solution controls all functions, providing unit (rack) level monitoring, outlet (device) level monitoring, and outlet (device) level control. Other critical features to look for in an intelligent PDU include: • Locking outlets to prevent accidental disconnections • High temperature rating to ensure monitoring as temperatures within the rack rise • IP consolidation to reduce networking costs • Secondary IP to provide redundant connection (failover capability) • Integrated environmental monitoring to monitor inlet and outlet temperatures, ensuring properly conditioned supply air and reduced expense of a separate subsystem • Integrated electronic locks to provide physical security and meet regulatory compliance requirements • Built-in administration, security, threshold, notification and logging functions Functionality Basic Power Distribution Inlet Metering Branch Circuit Metering Networking Access Control Outlet Metering Switched Outlets Monitored - to monitor total power usage. Monitored Pro - to remotely measure individual power used by each piece of equipment. Switched - to remotely turn power on or off at each outlet. Switched Pro - to remotely measure and control power at each outlet. "Organizations spent $608 million in intelligent PDUs in 2017, placing revenue for intelligent PDUs at more than 65 percent of the overall rack power distribution global market." TABLE 1: Critical features of intelligent PDU models.