Communication Modules PDU

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 that require advanced energy management and large-scale PDU integration. This module shifts intelligence from the PDU to the software platform, reducing the hardware required per PDU and increasing overall scalability. This not only saves physical space but also creates a powerful environment for data analysis, risk evaluation and centralised system management.

The Gateway supports the management of up to 10,000 PDUs per system (100 per IP address) and offers advanced functionality 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 energy consumption per PDU, which is essential in high-availability environments.

The hardware interface consists of a 1 Gbps Ethernet RJ45 port with status LEDs, two RJ45 data bus ports with status LEDs, and two USB-A ports. In addition, a second 1 Gbps Ethernet connection can be enabled via the USB interface. All ports support zero-touch provisioning (plug-and-play) for fast and error-free deployment within existing network infrastructures.

The Gateway also provides automatic detection of new PDUs, centralised management of system settings and a web-based user interface via the EnerTree Platform. This enables data centre operators to manage settings, updates and reporting centrally, without limitations imposed by 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-ready solution for data centres aiming for full control, scalability and energy efficiency.

Flexible PDU configurations with Gateway modules

Schleifenbauer PDUs equipped with a Gateway module offer maximum flexibility when setting up a data bus ring. Within a single system, up to 100 PDUs can be connected and managed via a single IP address.

Depending on project requirements, two common configurations are used.

Single Gateway architecture

In the most commonly used setup, one PDU is equipped with a Gateway module and acts as the central communication point. The remaining PDUs are fitted with Daisy Chain modules and are connected via the data bus ring.

This approach is efficient, cost-effective and requires only a single IP address to monitor and manage all connected PDUs.

All Gateway architecture

For projects where a uniform hardware configuration is preferred, all PDUs can be equipped with Gateway modules. In this setup, EnerTree assigns one PDU as the communication master, while the remaining PDUs are logically grouped within the same data bus ring.

This simplifies logistics and provides maximum flexibility without requiring changes to the physical hardware.

Software-defined flexibility

A key advantage of the Gateway module is that the role of a PDU is not fixed in hardware. Whether a PDU functions as the communication master or as part of the data bus ring is determined within the EnerTree Platform. This allows the system architecture to be adjusted at any time, without replacing modules or making physical changes to the installation.

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.