The increasing energy consumption of data centers has become a growing concern and a key factor determining their efficiency. The use of intelligent power distribution units (PDUs) that measure the current power consumption of servers has become one of the solutions being adopted to promote energy savings and efficiency in data centers. Servers typically use between 30% and 50% of the power declared by the manufacturer and are more efficient when used at their maximum capacity. Aten's new PN5/PN7 PDUs exemplify efficiency by improving server rack utilization and energy consumption monitoring, thereby increasing server efficiency and IT staff productivity.
The built-in support for real-time power status measurement in the PN5/PN7 allows system administrators to monitor the current, voltage, and power consumption of their IT equipment, both at the PDU and outlet levels. This minimizes the energy costs of operating their equipment and ensures high availability levels for server rooms of all sizes. Furthermore, the PN5/PN7 PDUs feature a space-saving 0U design that allows for vertical installation outside the rack, resulting in more efficient use of room space and eliminating typical cable clutter.
The PN5/PN7 PDUs support daisy-chaining and power outlet groups to provide redundant power management. Devices with dual power supplies can be assigned to outlet groups for more convenient control. Up to 15 additional units can be easily daisy-chained from the master unit, allowing IT administrators to connect server power cables to different units—each connected to a separate power source—for failover protection. Management efficiency is also enhanced, as the power consumption status of both power outlets can be monitored and controlled from the same portal.
Other key features of the PN5/PN7 products include:
- Flexible power control/safe shutdown support: Leveraging integrated safe shutdown software, IT administrators can remotely control servers and completely power them down before disconnecting them.
- Real-time energy and environmental monitoring: Real-time measurement functionality, along with a threshold alarm, keeps staff informed of the operational status of all connected equipment. The PN5/PN7 products support external environmental sensors that allow administrators to remotely monitor temperature and humidity.
- Early warning notification: Warning messages can be sent based on triggered alarms via an SMTP server or SMS through the unit's Digital Output port. The PN5/PN7 products allow server room administrators to set custom thresholds for current, voltage, power consumption, humidity, and temperature.
- Daisy-chain support/redundant power management: The new products support daisy-chaining and power outlet groups to provide redundant power management. Equipment with dual power supplies can be assigned to power outlet groups for optimal control.
- Centralized Management: Using ALTUSEN CC2000 management software (Control Center Over the NET™) offers IT administrators the advantages of centralized control for all power, KVM, and Over the NET™ series products from a single user interface.
The PN5/PN7 series comprises the following product configurations:
- PN5212: - 20A / 16A, 12 outlets.
- PN5320: - 30A / 32A, 20 outlets.
- PN7212: - 20A / 16A, 12 outlets; PDU and outlet energy metering; sensor ports, digital output, and modem support.
- PN7320: - 30A / 32A, 20 outlets; PDU and outlet energy metering; sensor ports, digital output, and modem support.
