What is a switched rack PDU?

A Smart Rack PDU serves as a network-controlled power distribution unit, allowing for remote management of power outlets within data centers. This capability enables organizations to control power at the rack level, manage multiple facilities remotely, and significantly reduce operating costs through automated scheduling.

Key Takeaways

• Switched rack PDUs allow remote management of power outlets, reducing downtime and operational costs.
• Power scheduling features help save energy by turning off unused servers during low activity periods.
• Security features like outlet lockout and strong password policies protect critical equipment from unauthorized access.

Features of Switched Rack PDUs

Remote Reboot Capabilities

Switched rack PDUs offer robust remote reboot capabilities that significantly enhance operational efficiency. Administrators can quickly recycle power to unresponsive systems, which reduces server downtime and associated labor costs. Unlike traditional systems that necessitate physical presence for reboots, these PDUs allow immediate access and action from any location. This capability not only minimizes the time systems remain offline but also enhances operational flexibility.

Leading manufacturers provide various features in their remote reboot solutions. For instance, Vertiv Geist enables remote access to power usage and allows users to turn on, off, or reboot power at each outlet. Similarly, Legrand (Raritan) incorporates a built-in failover power system and advanced alerting capabilities. The following table summarizes key features offered by these manufacturers:

Power Scheduling

Power scheduling in switched rack PDUs contributes significantly to energy savings and operational efficiency. These units collect detailed data from individual outlets, helping identify servers that can be decommissioned or virtualized. They allow administrators to remotely switch off production servers during periods of low utilization, which can be turned back on when needed. This practice not only reduces power consumption but also lowers cooling requirements, leading to further energy savings.

The following table outlines the scheduling options available for power cycling in switched rack PDUs:

Outlet Lockout

The outlet lockout feature in switched rack PDUs enhances security by restricting access to specific outlets. This capability prevents unauthorized devices from drawing power, safeguarding critical systems from accidental overloads and tampering. In shared environments like colocation data centers, outlet lockout ensures that only authorized personnel can access designated power sources.

Key aspects of outlet lockout include:

• Preventing unauthorized access to critical equipment.
• Ensuring equipment is shut down, de-energized, and secured against accidental reactivation.
• Utilizing padlocks and tagging out equipment with warnings to enhance safety.

The following table summarizes the purpose and method of outlet lockout:

Multi-Facility Management

Switched rack PDUs facilitate multi-facility management, allowing organizations to oversee power distribution across various locations efficiently. This capability addresses several challenges, including the need for remote control capabilities and real-time environmental monitoring. Effective management of multiple IP devices across different facilities ensures proper power distribution and load balancing, preventing overloads and outages.

However, managing multiple facilities can be complex. Environmental factors like heat and humidity can severely impact infrastructure. Many data center managers may not be aware of these issues until they escalate. Incorporating environmental sensors can help monitor and alert users about potential threats. Intelligent PDUs can alleviate some burdens by offering daisy-chaining capabilities for easier network connectivity.

The following table lists software platforms that support multi-facility management for switched rack PDUs:

Comparison with Other Types of PDUs

Basic PDUs

Basic PDUs serve as the foundation for power distribution in data centers. They distribute power without advanced features, making them a cost-effective solution for simple power needs. These units do not provide control over individual outlets, limiting their functionality. Users cannot remotely manage power distribution, which can lead to increased downtime during maintenance or troubleshooting.

Basic PDUs provide reliable power distribution to critical IT equipment. They are low-cost and meet various compliance requirements. However, they lack the advanced features that switched PDUs offer, such as remote monitoring and control, which are essential for managing power usage effectively.

Metered PDUs

Metered PDUs enhance power management by providing real-time monitoring of energy usage. They track power consumption and include load balancing features, making them suitable for environments focused on monitoring energy consumption. However, metered PDUs do not offer the same level of control as switched PDUs.

• Metered PDUs:
  • Provide real-time power monitoring.
  • Track energy usage and include load balancing features.
  • May offer alerts for power issues.

In contrast, switched PDUs offer all the monitoring capabilities of metered PDUs but add outlet-level control. This allows administrators to manage power distribution effectively, enabling remote device rebooting and scheduled power cycles. The ability to power cycle equipment remotely reduces the need for physical intervention, minimizing downtime.

Smart Rack PDUs

Smart rack PDUs take power management to the next level. They capture various power metrics such as voltage, current, and energy consumption, allowing for detailed monitoring of power usage. Smart PDUs also enable control over individual outlets, allowing for remote power cycling and management of power sequencing to prevent overloads.

Smart rack PDUs also provide outlet-level monitoring and environmental monitoring. They enable remote access to real-time critical infrastructure data, enhancing operational efficiency. Features include alerts and alarms based on user-defined thresholds, which help prevent potential issues before they escalate.

Practical Applications in Data Centers

Power Management

Switched rack PDUs significantly enhance power management in data centers. They allow authorized personnel to control power remotely, which improves efficiency in high-density environments. The ability to quickly reboot unresponsive equipment reduces the need for technician visits, saving both time and resources. Additionally, users can limit power usage at the outlet to prevent accidental overloads, ensuring system reliability.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is another critical benefit of switched rack PDUs. These units provide detailed power usage data, helping identify underutilized servers for decommissioning or virtualization. By enabling remote switching off of production servers during low utilization periods, they reduce unnecessary power consumption. This capability also decreases the power needed for cooling, further lowering overall energy consumption in the data center.

1. Switched PDUs provide detailed power usage data (A, V, kW, kVA, kWh) that helps identify underutilized servers for decommissioning or virtualization.
2. They enable remote switching off of production servers during periods of low utilization, reducing unnecessary power consumption.
3. By decreasing the power needed for cooling, they further lower overall energy consumption in the data center.

Enhanced Security

Switched rack PDUs integrate several security features to protect sensitive equipment. Strong password policies and firewalls control access based on IP addresses and user roles. Measures like blocking after failed attempts and session timeouts enhance security against breaches. Additionally, encrypted communication ensures secure data transmission, safeguarding against potential threats.

These features not only enhance security but also contribute to compliance with data center security standards, ensuring that all processes align with the highest levels of security and reliability.

Switched rack PDUs play a crucial role in data center management. They provide advanced power control, enhance energy efficiency, and improve operational security. Key benefits include:

• Remote management capabilities that minimize downtime.
• Surge protection and load balancing features that prevent outages.
• Environmental monitoring to optimize operations.

These features collectively contribute to a more reliable and efficient data center environment.