100 PDUs on a Single IP Address, Scalable, Secure and Designed for Modern Data Centres
In many data centres, the need for scalable, manageable and efficient power infrastructure is growing. Traditional PDU setups often require one IP address per PDU, resulting in high network load, more configuration work and rising operational costs. Schleifenbauer’s PDU 5.0 breaks with this model. With its daisy chain functionality, PDU 5.0 allows you to manage up to 100 PDUs via a single IP address — without compromising measurement accuracy, speed or security. For modern colocation, cloud and AI/HPC data centres, this offers a direct reduction in complexity and a structural decrease in TCO.
Schleifenbauer PDU
Why Daisy Chaining? Less Network Load, More Control
Schleifenbauer’s daisy chain protocol uses a dedicated data bus (UTP5) through which PDUs are connected in a ring topology.
In this configuration:
• only one PDU includes an intelligent communication module (Gateway or Controller)
• all other PDUs communicate via a Daisy Chain Module
• data and events are combined and forwarded through one central IP address
• the system functions as a single management entity within EnerTree or via SNMP/API
The result: fewer IP addresses, fewer cables, fewer points of failure and a management structure that scales with your data centre.
Optimal Configuration: Closed Ring for Maximum Performance
Schleifenbauer recommends a closed ring topology, where both data bus ports (A ↔ B) are connected.
Advantages of a closed ring:
• Redundancy: communication continues in case of cable or connector failure
• Better performance: improved stability for large chains (up to 100 PDUs)
• Faster detection: automatic topology recognition and fault diagnosis
• Automatic registration in EnerTree via Gateway or Controller
Once a PDU with a Daisy Chain Module is connected, it appears automatically in the EnerTree Device List and can be assigned to a rack, group or project.
Which Communication Module Do You Choose? (Gateway, Controller or Daisy Chain)
PDU 5.0 uses hot-swappable communication modules. You decide how much intelligence is needed per rack or PDU group, ensuring you only invest in the functionality you actually use.
1. Gateway Module – For Large-Scale Centralised Management (up to 10,000 PDUs)
Choose the Gateway Module when you:
• want a single centralised energy management platform via free EnerTree DCEM
• want to use one IP address per ring (max. 100 PDUs)
• operate in a large-scale environment (hyperscale, cloud, AI/HPC)
• do not require a separate web interface per PDU
• value external processing of data, analytics and reporting
Key features
• 1 IP = 100 PDUs → extremely low network load
• Up to 100 rings per EnerTree installation → up to 10,000 PDUs
• Measurement refresh rate: 1× per second
• Ethernet, 2 data buses, USB, extra LAN via USB
• Full integration with open protocols: SNMP, REST API, Modbus/TCP, Syslog
• Supports auto-detection, mass configuration and group switching
• Higher security: Daisy Chain Modules have no LAN access
Topology
• 1 Gateway Module PDU
• Up to 99 Daisy Chain Module PDUs
• Closed ring via UTP5 data bus
2. Controller Module – Conventional Management via Embedded EnerTree Lite
Suitable when you:
• want a dedicated web interface on each PDU
• manage standalone racks or smaller clusters
• require traditional DCIM integrations at PDU level
• want the flexibility to group PDUs under one IP address or keep them separate
Key features
• Embedded EnerTree Lite (no external installation required)
• Refresh rate: 1× per 5 seconds
• Easy integration with existing DCIM tools
• Ethernet, 2 data buses, USB
Topology
• 1 Controller Module PDU
• Up to 99 Daisy Chain PDUs under one IP address (optional)
3. Daisy Chain Module – Cost-Efficient Expansion Without Its Own IP Address
Use the Daisy Chain Module for:
• expanding a ring with additional PDUs
• setups where you want one IP address per rack or zone
• saving on hardware costs (no Ethernet interface)
• additional network integrity: no direct LAN access
Key features
• Hot-swappable, zero-touch provisioning
• Data flows through the Gateway or Controller
• Up to 99 modules per ring
• No web interface (management via central module)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a chain with 100 PDUs become overloaded?
No. The data bus is designed for low overhead and is proactively monitored.
With the Gateway Module, a 1 Hz refresh rate is achievable even at full capacity.
2. What happens if a cable in the ring breaks?
Communication continues through the other side of the ring.
The LED ring of the central module displays Ring Connection Lost.
3. How are new PDUs discovered?
Automatically via EnerTree (Plug & Detect).
Daisy Chain Modules become visible immediately once connected.
4. Is this secure?
Yes. The Gateway/Controller controls all access.
Daisy Chain Modules have no LAN port and no IP stack → additional security.
5. What does this mean for my IP management?
A data centre with 4,000 PDUs needs only 40 IP addresses.
Traditional solutions would require 4,000.
Conclusion: Daisy Chaining Is the New Standard for Scalable Power Infrastructure
The daisy chain concept of Schleifenbauer PDU 5.0 removes unnecessary network load, simplifies large-scale management and combines this with modern capabilities such as automatic detection, reporting, security and full DCIM integration.
With support for 100 PDUs per ring, 10,000 PDUs in a single system and modular communication modules, PDU 5.0 is ready for the demands of AI/HPC, cloud and hyperscale data centres.
