What is a managed PDU?

A managed PDU is a rack power distribution unit with a network connection. It lets you monitor power use, receive alerts and, in some models, turn individual outlets on and off from a web page or software. Vendors may also call it an intelligent or networked PDU.

What it does

• Reports current, voltage and power use for the whole unit and sometimes for each outlet.
• Sends alerts by email, SNMP trap or syslog when a load passes a threshold.
• Reboots a frozen server by switching its outlet off and on remotely.
• Turns outlets on in sequence after an outage to avoid a power surge.
• Reads temperature and humidity through add-on sensors.

Managed PDU types

• Monitored (metered by network): remote reporting only.
• Switched: remote reporting plus outlet control.
• Outlet-metered switched: reporting and control for each outlet.

How it connects

A managed PDU has an Ethernet port, and many support SNMP, a web interface, SSH and integration with data center management software.

When you need one

• Remote or unmanned sites where a reboot would otherwise need a trip.
• Racks with high power density where you must avoid tripping breakers.
• Billing or tracking power use by customer or department.
• Compliance or capacity planning that needs power data.

Security tips

Change the default password, turn off unused services, keep the PDU on a management VLAN and update the firmware.

If you only need to distribute power, a basic PDU is cheaper. Choose managed when remote visibility or control will save time or prevent outages.