Considering the Critical Capabilities Required On Intelligent PDUs

Considering Remote Power Control

In today’s hyperconnected, “always on” world, the critical need for developing a power management strategy includes basic control of power for remotely located ICT equipment. This is especially true because network deployments at the edge are quickly becoming the norm. 

As a matter of fact, recent news from AT&T and Verizon Wireless has created quite a bit of excitement, announcing the early 2022 rollout of their newest C-band 5G networks. What does this mean for the industry? Many understand that the demand for 5G deployments like these are only going to increase from here on out. 

A Simple, Cost-Effective Solution

For the IT managers responsible for effective power distribution in the kind of nontraditional and edge sites where 5G lives, intelligent cabinet/rack power distributions units (PDUs) with remote power control offer a simple, cost-effective solution with a generally quick return on investment (ROI).

Evaluate the Critical Capabilities 

When putting together a power management strategy and evaluating intelligent PDUs that support specific goals, it’s important to understand the key capabilities required on intelligent PDUs with remote power control. It's also helpful to know what capabilities to consider when it comes to remote monitoring and security.

Your 2022 Power Management Strategy

Below are some of the biggest key considerations for when you start developing this year's power management strategy:

1. Remote power control at the outlet level is critical. This includes the ability to cycle power to outlets, which can used to affect a remote reboot or ensure power is off at unused outlets.

2. Naming of the PDU helps associate the PDU with specific site/location and cabinet/rack.

3. Naming of the individual outlets helps associate the PDU with specific rack-mount equipment.

4. Strong network security (including HTTPs support with the ability to upload a custom certificate and support for SNMPv3 for third-party software integration).

5. Strong user authentication, including integration with enterprise authentication services such as RADIUS and LDAP and separate levels of permission for PDU management versus power/outlet control.

6. Use of bi-stable relays that minimize the power consumption of intelligent PDUs with remote power control during normal operation. They also allow the individual outlets to maintain their state after a power event.

While the list above will help get you started, there’s always plenty more to consider.

As you continue to optimize your operations through remote management, be sure to read Remote Management of Data Center Cabinets: The Importance of Remote Power Control in Multitenant/Colocation, Laboratory and Remote/Edge Sites to learn more about the benefits of intelligent PDUs.

Download white paper here and don't forget to bookmark it, too.

Contact your local Accu-Tech Representative to learn more about Chatsworth Products, or visit their vendor page here.