Understanding PDUs

Power Distribution Units (PDUs) by CyberPower are engineered to distribute reliable network power to multiple devices. A PDU does not generate conditioned power, but delivers AC power from a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), a generator, or utility power source to servers, network/telecom equipment, and other devices. Selecting the best PDU for your needs depends on the output voltage required, the number of outlets needed for connected devices, plug and outlet types, and mounting options.

Versatile. CyberPower PDUs are designed with as many as 38 outlets. Offered in 0U, 1U, and 2U form factors, each PDU includes the necessary hardware to be mounted vertically or horizontally inside densely configured rack enclosures. The PDU can also be mounted on a wall or under a shelf.

Scalable. In smaller networks, conditioned power can be distributed through a single PDU from a UPS, while a complex data center might require the connection of multiple PDUs to a large-capacity UPS system.

Different PDU Series for Different Needs

CyberPower offers multiple offerings of power distribution units (PDUs): Basic, Metered, Metered ATS, Monitored, Switched, Switched ATS and Maintenance-Bypass. Each series serves a specialized purpose. Models within the same series have similar features and capabilities.

Basic: Reliable and unfiltered AC power distribution from a UPS system, generator, and/or utility source to multiple connected devices.

Metered: Network-grade power distribution plus load meters (amps) to prevent overloads and safely optimize load levels.

Monitored: Network-grade power distribution with remote monitoring through an SNMP network interface and local management via a digital meter display to prevent downtime due to overloads or other power events.

Switched: Intelligent, network-grade power distribution and the ability to control outlets individually or collectively to solve power issues such as shutdowns or to plan scheduled rebooting. A digital meter provides information on load and voltage, as well as local control of the outlets. An SNMP connection enables remote monitoring and control of the outlets to ensure complete control regardless of location.

Switched Metered-by-Outlet: Monitor the power consumption of individual outlets in real-time over the network, or locally using the PDU’s interactive digital display. Outlets can be switched on and off remotely for unscheduled reboots, automated load shedding, controlled power-cycling and more.

Metered ATS: Redundant NEMA plugs. Dual power cords can be plugged into separate power sources. If power for the primary source exceeds the lower or upper thresholds, or if power fails, the PDU will switch to the secondary power source to ensure continuous operation.

Switched ATS: Individual management of switched outlet receptacles. Remote and local control of outlets. Redundant NEMA plugs. Dual power cords can be plugged into separate power sources. If power for the primary source exceeds the lower or upper thresholds, or if power fails, the PDU will switch to the secondary power source to ensure continuous operation.

Maintenance-Bypass: Maintenance Bypass PDUs allow the seamless transfer of an electrical load from UPS power to utility power for uninterrupted operation of connected equipment when performing maintenance, replacing batteries, or installing a new UPS.

Power Device Network Utility

The Power Device Network Utility gives users an easy-to-use interface for establishing the IP addresses of CyberPower PDU devices, RM Cards, and PowerPanel Business Edition Agents and Clients. It scans network devices with MAC addresses that match CyberPower network hardware. Once found, the device(s) can then be configured with a specific IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address, allowing the device(s) to work properly on the network and to integrate with the CyberPower Management Console.

CyberPower Management Console

The CyberPower Management Console is a Network Management System (NMS) that provides real-time remote power monitoring and control of Power Distribution Units (PDUs). This useful hardware interface is built into CyberPower Switched and Monitored PDUs. For both Switched and Monitored PDUs, the Management Console enables administrators to perform operational tasks, such as load monitoring and event logging via email, text, or SNMP trap notifications. With a Switched PDU, it enables manual power cycling to restart unresponsive devices and allows for scheduled power cycling of outlets and/or load shedding for specific devices connected to the PDU..