Why every Meter network will include a cloud-managed Power Distribution Unit

Published March 13, 2025
Abhi Acharya

When it comes to reliable network infrastructure, every detail matters—including how your devices are powered. That’s why customers are finding value in Meter’s Power Distribution Units (PDUs), a now indispensable component of our full-stack hardware lineup.

Today, we’re spotlighting our PDUs' impact on our customers, who expect nothing less than maximum uptime and seamless network operations.

Why would a networking company build their own PDU?

The Meter PDU provides real-time monitoring and control over power management, delivering actionable insights and automated capabilities. It’s tightly integrated with the Meter Dashboard, enabling users to manage both network and power operations through a single pane of glass.

Networks are intricate systems of hardware, software, and firmware—all dependent on electricity to function. Sometimes, solving a tricky issue is as simple as toggling the power. However, for network engineers managing thousands of locations, each powering multiple security appliances, the ability to remotely and precisely power cycle eliminates costly truck rolls. This capability can save thousands of dollars in operational costs every time a power cycle is needed.

When PDUs are integrated into the stack, our customers benefit

Improved reliability: All Meter networks are redundant by design, and PDUs are no different. We deploy at least two Meter PDUs per MDF/IDF and more are added if required. In the same way we design redundant switching topologies for greater reliability, we ensure that if one PDU fails, the network will still be usable.

Streamlined remote management: Customers leverage Meter PDUs to power critical devices like security appliances, core switches, and ISP modems. Instead of sending someone on-site, they can toggle outlets remotely to reboot devices—saving time, reducing operational costs, and restoring connectivity faster.

Enhanced uptime: Downtime is costly—especially when it involves mission-critical devices. By allowing remote power cycling and monitoring key metrics like current, temperature, and voltage, the Meter PDU minimizes disruptions and helps teams troubleshoot proactively.

Actionable energy insights: Granular data on power consumption per outlet helps businesses optimize energy use. This is especially valuable for organizations that aim to track and manage their environmental footprint or reduce energy costs.

Seamless integration: The PDU doesn’t just add functionality; it complements the existing Meter hardware stack. With unified controls for security appliances, switches, access points, and power distribution, businesses gain a holistic view of their network infrastructure.

“Meter's addition of cloud-managed PDUs into its network solution enables the company to streamline infrastructure management, resolve issues faster, minimize downtime, and optimize energy use. Integrating PDU's into its portfolio also furthers Meter's promise of an enterprise Network as a Service (NaaS) offering by managing components remotely and proactively addressing problems before they affect end users.”

Brandon Butler
Senior Research Manager, Enterprise Networks

Built to make power management simpler

From its ability to monitor real-time conditions to upcoming support for automated cycling based on schedules, the Meter PDU is designed to adapt to your needs. Whether managing a single office or multiple remote sites, you’ll have greater control, flexibility, and visibility.

Globex
Network
Insights
Network
Clients
Topology
Logs
Hardware
PDUs
Security appliances
Switches
Access points
Network-wide
ISPs
VLANs
Routing
Rate limiting
RADIUS profiles
Captive portal
Wireless
SSIDs
Radio profiles
Hotspot 2.0
Firewall
ACLs
DNS security
Port forwarding
1:1 NAT
mDNS
Design
Rack elevations
Floor plans
Secure tunnels
Client VPN
IPSec
Hardware
2700 18th St
Quick access
Meter 5G
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Hardware
Power distribution units
PDU-01
Online
Primary
1
2
Core
3
MDF1
4
MDF2
5
6
Disconnected
Connected
Disabled
1
2
3
4
5
6
Enabled
Label
Primary
Outlet 2
Core
MDF1
MDF2
Outlet 6
Connected
Primary
MDF1
Consumption
15.48W
101.17W
90.36W
Current
0.23A
0.9A
0.8A

Power and network in harmony

Adding PDUs to the Meter network completes the puzzle. Our customers have shared how this integration has saved them time and money, empowering them to focus on more significant priorities—knowing that their infrastructure is smarter, simpler, and better protected against unexpected outages.

“Managing distributed networks is already a challenge—power management shouldn’t add to the headache. With Meter’s PDUs, our customers can remotely monitor and control power across multiple sites from a single dashboard, ensuring faster troubleshooting and fewer disruptions.”

Joel Orban
Lead NOC Agent

This is more than power management—it’s another step toward a fully optimized, enterprise-grade network. For more details on how Meter PDUs are enhancing operational efficiency across industries, contact us.

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