Intelligent power management company, Eaton, has announced the launch of its new Rack PDU G4 (4th generation) which delivers high security and Business Continuity data centre that operators consider non-negotiable.
G4 reflects the in-depth research incorporating customer and marketplace feedback that Eaton has undertaken to create a PDU that not only takes cybersecurity to new levels, but also brings big increases in network and power redundancy, server capacity and operational flexibility – underpinned by reduced energy requirements.
“Data centre designers have traditionally faced a guessing game when specifying the number of C13 (10 A) and C19 (16 A) outlets required, but Rack PDU G4 offers a unique solution,” said Qasem Noureddin, Commercial Director, Eaton Middle East. “Its innovative, combined C39 outlets securely connect both C14 and C20 power cords, backed by a built-in high retention system and a locking mechanism that secures the power cord. Nearshore manufacturing also means the Rack PDU G4 offers the advantage of a shorter lead time.”
G4’s ability to control and measure the power consumption of up to 48 outlets on a single chassis, with 1% measurement accuracy for amps, volts and watts, is another feature developed in response to customer demand. This means the new PDU delivers greater accuracy for department billing, as well as colocation data centres.
“Critically, given that embedded devices are popular targets for cyberattack, Eaton’s cybersecure G4 network management and control module (G4 NMC) uses a secure boot process by which it serves as a root of trust device, i.e., a specially authenticated, first line of defence against intrusion,” added Noureddin. “Upon booting, the G4 NMC (Network Management and Control Module) will authenticate any attached firmware, ensuring that the executed code is Eaton-authorised, preventing a cyberattack from spreading, should a threat exist.”
Network redundancy is another vital element to keep data flowing. G4 strengthens this with twin gB Ethernet ports to connect PDUs together. This saves on unnecessary IT infrastructure, such as extra switches and IP addresses, by enabling up to 32 daisy-chained PDUs to be connected to the network at both ends – minimising the effect of ‘early’ breaks in the chain. Power redundancy at PDU level has also been upgraded on G4, a new power sharing capability now enabling one PDU to power up the second network management and control module should it go down, while still powering the network to access its critical data.
Alongside dependable high performance, this energy saving PDU has been designed as a green solution end-to-end. Rack PDU G4’s latching relay – available on the switched and managed model only – controls the power supply without continuous electrical input, cutting the power consumption required for a 48-outlet model rack PDU by 80% when compared with standard relay.
Rack PDU G4 delivers the flexibility, security and dependable high performance which data centre operators need in order to keep their businesses successfully running, as well as in the increasingly data-driven economies of the future.
