PDU
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Power distribution unit |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Technology & Computing, Education & Academia |
PDU has three meanings. The most common are Power distribution unit (computer hardware) and Protocol data unit (networking); it can also stand for Professional development unit.
Meanings of PDU at a glance
| # | PDU stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Power distribution unit | Technology & Computing › Computer Hardware |
| 2 | Protocol data unit | Technology & Computing › Networking |
| 3 | Professional development unit | Education & Academia › Professional Certification |
1. Power distribution unit
Technology & Computing · Computer Hardware Abbreviations
Rack-mounted power strip that distributes electricity to servers, switches and storage in a data-center rack. Metered PDUs report power draw, and switched PDUs let administrators turn individual outlets on and off remotely.
Example: Each rack has two PDUs on separate circuits so servers with dual power supplies stay up if one fails.
Data-center PDUs commonly use IEC 60320 C13 and C19 outlets rather than household sockets. Larger floor-standing PDUs distribute power from the building's supply to entire rows of racks. Remote outlet control lets technicians power-cycle a frozen device without a site visit. In networking, PDU means protocol data unit, an unrelated term.
2. Protocol data unit
Technology & Computing · Networking Abbreviations
The generic name for a unit of data at a given layer of a network stack, including that layer's headers. By convention the layer 2 PDU is a frame, the layer 3 PDU is a packet, and the layer 4 PDU is a TCP segment or UDP datagram.
Example: At the transport layer the PDU is called a segment, the answer key explains.
The distinction helps when reading packet captures and certification questions, which often ask what data is called at each OSI layer. In SNMP, PDU also names message types such as GetRequest and Trap. In data centers PDU more often means a power distribution unit, the power strip in a server rack, which is a hardware meaning.
3. Professional development unit
Education & Academia · Professional Certification Abbreviations
Unit of continuing education used by the Project Management Institute to maintain certifications, with one PDU equal to one hour of learning or giving back to the profession. PMP holders must earn 60 PDUs every three years.
Example: Attending the PMI chapter conference earned her eight PDUs.
PDUs are organized into the "Talent Triangle" of ways of working, power skills and business acumen. Other organizations also use the term for their own continuing education. Holders report PDUs online through PMI's certification system.
Related abbreviations
More computer hardware abbreviations
- PATA – Parallel ATA
- PCI – Peripheral Component Interconnect
- PCIe – Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
- PD – USB Power Delivery
- PGA – Pin grid array
- PPM – Pages per minute
- PS/2 – Personal System/2 port
- PSU – Power supply unit
See all 151 computer hardware abbreviations →