Power Distribution Units (PDUs) are essential dedicated power distribution devices in every data center cabinet. 

They can be divided into two types: basic and intelligent PDUs. 

intelligent PDUs can minimize potential accidents and ensure the safe and stable operation of their data centers. So it is popular thesedays.

Introduction to Basic Functionality

Intelligent PDUs features such as remote monitoring, remote control, anomaly alerts, status recording, reset buttons and online firmware upgrades. 

The functionality of intelligent PDUs can be categorized into four types: A, B, C, and D. 

A and B types offer remote monitoring and control capabilities, where A type allows for monitoring and control of both main and branch circuits, while B type only monitors and controls the main circuit. 

C and D types provide remote monitoring functionality, with C type monitoring both main and branch circuits and D type exclusively monitoring the main circuit. 

The product models correspond to the four types as follows: A type: GMSC, B type: GMC, C type: GSM, and D type: GM.

Why are Intelligent PDUs Suitable for Data Centers?

While some data centers still utilize basic PDUs, an increasing number of them are adopting intelligent PDUs to harness their advantages. 

Intelligent PDUs enable data center managers to collect and, in certain cases, store data related to power loads, temperature, humidity and other factors. This data can then use to assist data center managers in 

• Capacity planning and forecasting, 
• Identifying underutilized capacity,
• Pinpointing hotspots to avoid over-cooling. 

The role of intelligent PDUs in data center operations includes

Maximizing uptime and availability

Intelligent PDUs can be pinged over the network to check their status and operational condition. 

This allows data center administrators to promptly take action when a specific PDU or multiple PDUs are disconnected, experience power loss, or are in a warning or critical state. 

Environmental sensor data helps identify areas in the data center that may have inadequate airflow or cooling, ensuring a safe operating environment for IT equipment.

Enhancing personnel productivity

Most intelligent PDUs allow for remote power control, enabling data center staff to easily power off or reboot servers without physically being present at the site. 

Remote power control is also valuable during data center preparations or recovery from disasters, ensuring priority and availability of critical mission services.

Reducing data center energy consumption

Granular power monitoring at the socket level helps data center managers measure power consumption and eliminate ghost servers and energy waste. Remote power-off capabilities can also be leveraged to prevent devices from running when they are not required.

Both basic and intelligent PDUs provide reliable power supply to data center equipment.