CyberCertPrepNetwork FundamentalsNetwork DevicesEASYFree question
Scenario
A data center manager is evaluating power protection for 20 servers. An electrician recommends a PDU (Power Distribution Unit) strip to replace the current power strips. The IT manager asks whether a PDU alone provides the same protection as a UPS.
What is the functional difference between a PDU and a UPS in a data center context, and what does each protect against?
- A.A PDU protects against power surges only; a UPS protects against both surges and outages; the correct answer is to use a PDU for surge protection upstream and a UPS for each server individually
- B.A PDU and UPS are interchangeable terms; both provide battery backup and power distribution - the distinction is only marketing
- C.A UPS distributes power to multiple outlets like a power strip; a PDU provides battery backup for individual devices that cannot be plugged into a UPS
- D.A PDU distributes and monitors power to multiple devices (switching, metering, remote outlet control) but provides NO battery backup - servers lose power instantly during a utility outage; a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) contains batteries and provides ride-through time during power outages and surge/sag protection, allowing graceful shutdown or generator transfer