There are two main categories of PDUs: Basic PDUs and Intelligent PDUs.

Basic PDUs are simple devices that provide power outlets from an input source, such as a wall socket or a UPS. They do not have any intelligence or monitoring capabilities, and they are usually mounted on racks or cabinets. Basic PDUs are suitable for low-density and low-complexity applications that do not require advanced power management features.

Intelligent PDUs, also known as smart or networked PDUs, are more sophisticated devices that have an embedded intelligence module that allows them to measure, monitor, and control various aspects of power distribution. They can communicate with other devices via LAN or SNMP protocols, and they can provide real-time data on power consumption, voltage, current, frequency, temperature, humidity, and other parameters.

Intelligent PDUs can also enable remote switching of power outlets, load balancing across phases or circuits, power sequencing, and alarm notifications. Intelligent PDUs are ideal for high-density and high-complexity applications that require granular visibility and control over power distribution.

Within the category of intelligent PDUs, there are further subtypes based on the level of metering and switching capabilities. These include:

• Metered PDUs: These PDUs can measure the total power consumption of the connected equipment at the input or output level. They can display the data on a local LCD screen or send it to a remote management system. Metered PDUs can help data center operators track power usage trends, identify inefficiencies, and plan capacity.
• Switched PDUs: These PDUs can remotely switch individual or groups of outlets on or off via a web interface or a command line interface. They can also perform power cycling or rebooting of the connected equipment. Switched PDUs can help data center operators troubleshoot problems, manage power consumption, and prevent unauthorized access.
• Metered-by-outlet PDUs: These PDUs can measure the power consumption of each individual outlet in addition to the total power consumption at the input or output level. They can provide more detailed and accurate data on the power usage of each device connected to the PDU. Metered-by-outlet PDUs can help data center operators optimize power allocation, prevent overloading, and bill customers based on actual usage.
• Switched-metered-by-outlet PDUs: These PDUs combine the features of switched PDUs and metered-by-outlet PDUs. They can measure and switch each outlet independently, as well as provide total power consumption data at the input or output level. Switched-metered-by-outlet PDUs offer the highest level of functionality and flexibility for data center power management.

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software is commonly utilized to enhance the features and capabilities of PDUs through an integrated, user-friendly interface. By automatically transforming the data collected from PDUs into actionable insights, operations teams can leverage business intelligence dashboards and visual analytics. The same interface enables remote management, power actions, bulk firmware updates, configuration cloning, and backup restorations.

In summary, a PDU is a device that distributes electric power to equipment in a data center. DCIM software enhances PDUs with a user-friendly interface, transforming data into actionable insights. It enables remote management, power actions, firmware updates, and more. Choosing the right PDU and using DCIM software improves power distribution reliability, efficiency, and security in data centers.