2.4 Explain important factors of physical installations
Power
📘CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
A Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is a device used in IT environments, especially in server rooms, data centers, or network closets, to distribute electrical power to multiple devices like servers, switches, routers, and other networking equipment.
Think of it as a power strip for professional IT equipment, but with extra features and reliability to safely manage high-power devices.
1. Purpose of a PDU
The main purposes of a PDU in a network or server environment are:
- Distribute Power – Provides electricity to multiple devices from a single electrical source.
- Manage Power – Some PDUs can monitor and control power usage for each device.
- Protect Devices – Protects critical IT equipment from overloading and power problems.
2. Types of PDUs
PDUs come in different types, depending on features and the needs of your IT environment:
a) Basic PDUs
- Just provide multiple outlets to plug in devices.
- No monitoring or remote control.
- Example: Plugging servers and switches in a rack to a single power source.
b) Metered PDUs
- Monitor power usage at the PDU level.
- Helps IT staff know how much power the devices in a rack are consuming.
- Useful for capacity planning in a data center.
c) Monitored PDUs
- Monitor power consumption remotely.
- Can send alerts if a device is drawing too much power.
- Helps prevent overloading circuits.
d) Switched PDUs
- Allow IT staff to turn power on/off remotely to individual outlets.
- Useful for troubleshooting or rebooting servers without physical access.
- Can also schedule power for energy saving.
3. Features of PDUs in IT environments
PDUs may have several important features:
- Multiple Outlets – Lets multiple devices share one power source.
- Load Balancing – Helps distribute electrical load evenly across outlets.
- Monitoring – Some PDUs can measure:
- Voltage (how strong the power is)
- Current (how much electricity is used)
- Power (overall consumption)
- Temperature and humidity (for environmental monitoring)
- Remote Management – Accessible over the network for monitoring and controlling devices.
- Circuit Protection – Built-in fuses or circuit breakers protect devices from electrical surges.
4. Form Factors
PDUs are designed to fit into server racks and network closets:
- Horizontal PDUs – Mounted across the width of the rack. Good for multiple devices on the same rack.
- Vertical PDUs (VPDUs) – Mounted along the side of a rack. Save space and provide more outlets for tall racks.
5. Benefits of Using PDUs
- Efficiency – Distributes power efficiently to many devices in a rack.
- Reliability – Protects devices from power overloads.
- Monitoring & Control – Helps data center admins manage power remotely.
- Scalability – Easily add more devices without rewiring power circuits.
6. Exam Tips
For the CompTIA Network+ exam, remember:
- PDU = rack power distributor for IT equipment.
- Types of PDU:
- Basic → Just outlets.
- Metered → Monitors total power.
- Monitored → Monitors and alerts remotely.
- Switched → Monitors and allows remote power control.
- Form Factors: Horizontal vs. Vertical.
- Key Benefits: Distribution, monitoring, protection, and remote control.
✅ Quick Summary Table:
| Type of PDU | Main Function | Extra Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Power distribution | None |
| Metered | Power distribution | Measures power |
| Monitored | Power distribution | Measures & alerts remotely |
| Switched | Power distribution | Remote on/off control |
PDUs are critical for any IT environment with multiple devices because they simplify power management, improve safety, and allow monitoring and control.
