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

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.

Meter full-stack hardware and Network dashboard

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.

Meter Network Design: High-availability topology
Sample Meter network design: high-availability cabling convention

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.

Meter Dashboard: PDUs, Outlets view

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.