Cross-Connect Blog

eConnect® Meets All Market Demands for Intelligent PDUs

July 27, 2016

According to research and analysis firm IHS, the global rack power distribution (PDU) market growth forecast for 2016 is being driven by demand for the following features: high power ratings, intelligent capability, environmental and security, power provisioning, capacity planning and remote control. eConnect® PDUs from Chatsworth Products (CPI) meet all of these needs.

The global rack PDU market is forecasted to grow 5.6 percent year-over-year to reach almost 1 billion in 2016, IHS says. Users are seeking products with more intelligent features such as remote control and switching, enterprise reporting and monitoring capabilities, according to IHS.

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Here are a few features of eConnect PDUs and how they fit into this market trend:

Demand for higher power ratings

High-density environments require more input power from the PDU. Extending three-phase connections to the rack boosts the amount of power you can deliver through each PDU, increasing rack density. Increasing voltage, allows lower amperage circuits, which use smaller conductors, to deliver more power. eConnect features configurations the meet high voltage requirements, including three-phase 380-415 volts input, 220-240 volts output, and three- and six-branch circuits of up to 30 amperes. 

Shift toward more intelligent products 

As data centers become more complex, all networked devices need to be monitored for temperature and power. From Monitored, Monitored Pro, Switched and Switched Pro models, eConnect PDUs provide local LCD display and remote monitoring or switching features. 

Remote monitoring includes voltage, amperage, power, power factor, energy for the unit and breakers on all models. You can also add two external temperature and humidity sensors to each PDU. Monitored Pro and Switched Pro models provide monitoring  of voltage, amperage, power and energy at the outlet level. Switched and Switched Pro models also provide remote control (on/off/cycle) of each outlet.

Demand for environmental and security features

Increased temperatures in data centers improve cooling system efficiencies and lower cooling cost, but the exhaust temperature is also increasing. To prevent equipment failure due to overheating, it is necessary to deploy PDUs with high ambient temperature rating. eConnect PDUs are rated to operate in temperatures as high as 149°F (65°C). [Pro tip: Gain better insight into your rack environment by monitoring temperature and humidity with CPI Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM-1000) system].

On the security aspect, eConnect supports network protocols with integrated security and various user authentication methods including HTTP/HTTPS, SNMP v1/v2/v3, RADIUS and LDAP integration and Secure Socket Layer (SSL). There are both user and admin account permission levels. 

Additionally, eConnect features patent-pending Click Secure Locking Outlets, which click straight cords into place and prevent accidental disconnections.

Need for power provisioning, capacity planning and remote control

Using intelligent PDUs move power measurements closer to equipment. By measuring power at the rack or device level, operators can identify underutilized or overutilized capacity.  PDUs with special switching capabilities such as eConnect Switched Pro, also allow remote outlet control (ON/OFF) capability for every outlet, so that unused outlets can be turned off when not in use. By integrating intelligent PDUs with a DCIM software solution, like Power IQ® for eConnect, operators can track power use over time and report costs of activities.

Conclusion

The modern data center requires intelligent products that not only meet the minimum market requirements but exceed expectations in reliability, capability and quality. In this case, eConnect PDUs are the ideal solution for any high-density environment.

Curious about eConnect? Try our Online Software Demo to test the intuitive interface and functionality of eConnect PDUs. For more information on all the different models of eConnect, visit the product page.

Raissa Carey, eContent Specialist


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