Power distribution units (PDU)
- one of the most important elements of the power distribution system of any data center. A medium-sized data center uses hundreds of PDUs. Today we will talk about what role they play as part of the data center engineering architecture, what parameters of the PDU are most important for customers in terms of their functionality.
Any IT specialist knows that the main functions of the PDU include maintaining a reliable power supply and protecting against overloads. This is the basic kit that any model PDU from any manufacturer should do. Nevertheless, there are different types of products on the market that differ from each other in terms of parameters and functionality. How to make the right choice? How to understand the required characteristics?
If we talk about the key parameters of PDUs, first of all, you need to understand that they are operated in rather harsh conditions: they are installed in the back of the cabinet, where there is little space, but there are a lot of patch cords, high (up to 50 ° C) temperature, etc. This means that, first of all, such qualities of these solutions as reliability and ease of use are important.
Reliability means that the product ensures the safe operation of the equipment and does not cause problems. That the PDU is assembled and tested for reliability of connections, that the circuit breakers used can withstand the operating temperature range without reducing their characteristics.
The convenience parameter assumes the compactness of the product: it should be easily mounted in a cabinet and not “compete” for space with other communications, not interfere with their work. Ideally, a PDU should be small and low profile. The savings in the usable space of the turbine hall due to the compactness of products and various types of PDU configurations can be up to 10%.
Some PDU models are equipped with special connectors with cable fixing for greater convenience. The latch serves to prevent the cable from loosening or accidentally separating from the PDU during manipulations performed by employees serving the server equipment. You can pull out the cable from such PDUs only by pressing a special button. It is also worth paying attention to the use of circuit breakers with interlocking against accidental shutdown.
From the point of view of functionality, the entire line of PDU solutions can be divided into three types:
- Basic (without the "intellectual" component),
- PDU with monitoring (allow you to keep track of current consumption, monitor sensor readings and remotely provide the customer with a complete picture of the power state),
- PDU with monitoring and control, including one-piece.
Basic models
are usually performed in two forms:
- In horizontal design, occupy 1U, support 1 or 2 types of connectors, equipped with switches or thermal fuses. Such models are usually in demand by companies from the SMB segment. They usually rent several units in a closet and do not place high demands on the PDU.
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perform the same basic functions, but are not limited to them:
Power distribution units (PDUs) with C3 Solutions monitoring provide monitoring of power consumption and environmental parameters. PDUs allow you to connect several sensors of different types: temperature, humidity, access control, smoke detection, water leakage.
Custom settings allow you to warn about too high or low parameter values before a critical event occurs. Users have access to parameter configuration via a secure web interface, SNMP or Telnet, and client software.
Smart PDUs can provide group control of several devices (such a group is controlled through a single WEB interface from a single IP address) and provide multi-user access with setting access policies.
Managed PDUs support the above monitoring functions, but additionally:
C3 Solutions Managed PDUs can use multiple control scenarios. Sockets can be switched on and off according to a schedule, in a certain sequence or according to a special algorithm. For example, socket "A" turns on, and only after 10-15 seconds - socket "B". Another control option is with the Super Ping function. In this case, the PDU, using its monitoring system, constantly addresses (sends a Ping command) to a specific network device and waits for a response from it. If the device stops responding, the PDU may, for example, reset a specific outlet.
Intelligent PDUs provide support for all network protocols and can be integrated with high-level monitoring systems, and in general, take into account all the technical capabilities that are needed when operating in complex engineering environments. Models of this kind are in demand among "advanced" IT companies and in large data centers.
C3 Solutions produces customized solutions that can be customized to the needs of a specific customer, if necessary. As an example, I can cite our project for one of the largest banks in Russia. Specifically for their requirements, we have released a series of two-color PDUs with cable fixation in the connector and mirrored sockets for each color. PDUs were mounted in a rack on both sides, while the mirrored arrangement facilitated switching for the operating personnel. Also, within the framework of the project, the supply included power cords of two colors: to avoid confusion, each of the wires was blue or red and switched to the corresponding PDU. This color coding helps to avoid mistakes when connecting equipment.