Deploying power distribution units (PDUs) in a data center often comes with unexpected expenses and unnecessary complexity. Every PDU typically requires a dedicated IP address, which means more network ports, higher infrastructure costs, and additional management overhead.
But what if you could eliminate excess IP addresses, simplify network management, and reduce costs—all without sacrificing reliability?
How Secure Array™ IP Consolidation Solves This Problem
Secure Array™ IP Consolidation, an exclusive feature of Chatsworth Products’ (CPI) , enables you to connect up to 32 PDUs (or 48 in some configurations) under a single IP address while maintaining failover protection for added reliability.
This means:
✔ Up to 90% reduction in networking costs
✔ Easier installation with fewer network connections
✔ Improved reliability with automatic failover capabilities
✔ Simplified management with centralized control
Instead of requiring multiple network connections per cabinet, Secure Array allows you to fully network 16 cabinets with just two connections—making your setup more efficient, cost-effective, and easier to maintain.
This award-winning feature is available within all networked eConnect PDUs: , , , and
Quick Overview of Secure Array™ Benefits
How Secure Array™ Delivers Real Cost Savings
Reducing the number of network ports means real, measurable savings. Here’s what that looks like:
Example 1: 16-Cabinet Deployment
Traditional Networking: 16 cabinets require 64 ports, costing a hefty $9,600.
With Secure Array: Just 2 ports do the job for only $300.
💰 That’s a $9,300 Savings!
Example 2: 50 Cabinet Deployment
Traditional Networking: 50 cabinets demand 200+ ports, totaling over $30,000+.
With Secure Array: Just a few ports keep your network running efficiently.
💰 You save $28,800!
Try our to see what this could mean for your own setup.
How does Secure Array improve reliability compared to daisy chaining?
Many deployments rely on a daisy-chain network, where only one PDU in the chain has an IP address. The problem? If a middle PDU loses connectivity, all PDUs downstream are affected.
Secure Array eliminates this risk by using two designated PDUs as Primary and Alternate Primary. The first PDU in the Array has an IP address and it is referred to as the Primary PDU. The last PDU in the chain is also assigned an IP address and it is referred to as the Alternate Primary.
In the event a PDU with the Array loses connectivity, all PDUs upstream of the failure automatically begin to communicate through the Primary PDU. All PDUs downstream of the failure begin communicating through the Alternate Primary PDU.
Easy Deployment in Three Simple Steps
Setting up Secure Array is straightforward:
- Connect the first PDU to the network via Ethernet
- Link additional PDUs using standard Cat5/6 cables
- Automatic detection—the Primary PDU identifies all connected PDUs for centralized monitoring and configuration
What happens if a PDU loses connectivity?
If a PDU within the Secure Array™ loses connectivity, communication is automatically rerouted, ensuring continuous operation. Built-in redundancy provides seamless failover and minimizes downtime.
✔ Failover Protection: If the Primary PDU loses connectivity, the Alternate Primary PDU takes over.
✔ Automated alerts notify you immediately if a PDU goes offline.
✔ Self-Healing Network: The system reroutes traffic, ensuring all PDUs remain online.
See Your Potential Savings Today
Understanding potential savings is key when justifying technology investments. The eConnect Secure Array™ Savings Estimator lets you input your data center configuration and see the impact for yourself.
Try our eConnect to see how much you can save and simplify your network today.
