Communication Modules

Central Intelligence for Scalable Energy Management with the EnerTree Platform

The Gateway Module forms the core of the EnerTree DCEM platform and is designed for data centres requiring advanced energy management and large-scale PDU integration. This module shifts the intelligence from the PDU to the software platform, reducing the need for hardware per unit while increasing scalability. This not only saves physical space but also creates a powerful environment for data analysis, risk assessment and centralised system control.

The Gateway supports the management of up to 10,000 PDUs per system (100 per IP address) and offers advanced features such as group switching, mass configuration, customised reporting and configurable alerts. With a measurement refresh rate of one reading per second, the module provides real-time insight into power usage per PDU — essential for high-availability environments.

The hardware interface includes a 1 Gbps Ethernet RJ45 port with status LEDs, two RJ45 databus ports with status LEDs, and two USB-A ports. An additional 1 Gbps Ethernet connection can be established via the USB interface. All ports support zero-touch provisioning (plug-and-play) for rapid and error-free deployment within existing network infrastructures.

The Gateway also enables automatic detection of new PDUs, centralised management of system settings, and a web-based user interface via the EnerTree Platform. This allows data centre managers to centrally control settings, updates and reporting — free from the limitations of individual PDUs.

Full integration with existing DCIM solutions is supported via standard protocols such as HTTP/HTTPS, REST API, MODBUS/TCP, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, SNMP Traps, IPv4/IPv6, SMTP, Syslog and CLI. This makes the Gateway Module a future-proof solution for data centres seeking complete control, scalability, and energy efficiency.

Embedded Energy Management with EnerTree Lite

The Controller Module is designed for data centres that prefer a conventional, standalone approach to PDU management. It features fully integrated EnerTree Lite software, including an internal web GUI, and provides all essential functionality for monitoring and energy management — without the need for external platforms.

EnerTree Lite is a lightweight, embedded version of the full EnerTree Platform. It allows administrators to configure settings, define thresholds, activate alerts, and generate reports directly via the web interface. The module supports up to 100 PDUs in a ring configuration, making it an efficient solution for medium to large-scale installations with a local management model.

The Controller Module is fully compatible with all common DCIM solutions, making it ideal for data centres that require direct integration between the PDU and existing infrastructure — without relying on external servers or software.

The hardware includes a 1 Gbps Ethernet RJ45 port with status LEDs, two RJ45 databus ports with status LEDs, and two USB-A ports. A second 1 Gbps Ethernet interface is supported via USB. All ports support zero-touch provisioning, ensuring fast and error-free deployment and network integration.

The Controller Module offers all the features expected from a modern intelligent PDU, including real-time monitoring with a refresh rate of one reading every five seconds, alert notifications, and user-friendly dashboards via the web interface.

This module is the perfect choice for environments where local PDU management, reliability and ease of use are key priorities.

Secure Hardware Scalability Without Network Load

The Daisy Chain Module is a data-secure communication module without an Ethernet port, designed to forward PDU data via an internal bus structure to a central PDU equipped with a Gateway or Controller Module. Acting as a data relay, this module enables the connection of up to 100 PDUs in a ring topology, using only a single IP address and no additional network ports per unit.

In this setup, only the PDU with the Gateway or Controller Module connects to the network. All other PDUs, fitted with Daisy Chain Modules, remain physically isolated from the LAN. This significantly reduces the attack surface and simplifies network security management — only the rack with the primary module requires network protection.

The solution enables real-time data transmission, increases scalability, and improves operational efficiency. With no Ethernet port on the Daisy Chain Modules, fewer hardware components are needed, resulting in lower costs and enhanced reliability.

The module is equipped with two RJ45 databus ports with status LEDs and two USB-A ports. All interfaces support zero-touch provisioning, ensuring quick and plug-and-play installation.

For ring configurations, Schleifenbauer recommends using one PDU with a Gateway or Controller Module in combination with up to 99 PDUs fitted with Daisy Chain Modules.

This configuration makes optimal use of the Daisy Chain concept, minimising both network load and project costs.