Optimizing Data Center Power Management with Moxa's Industrial Connectivity Solutions

Overview‍

As data centers scale to meet rising demands from AI, big data, and digital services, power management becomes a critical focus. The Electrical Power Management System (EPMS) is at the heart of ensuring uninterrupted operations and energy efficiency. However, building reliable EPMS networks is increasingly complex due to aging infrastructure, incompatible protocols, cybersecurity risks, and harsh environmental conditions in electrical rooms.

This case study explores how Moxa’s industrial connectivity solutions are helping data centers overcome these challenges—improving reliability, reducing downtime, and enabling seamless integration of power monitoring devices with modern management platforms.

Key Challenges in EPMS Implementation

• Protocol Incompatibility: OT equipment like meters and ATSs often use legacy serial protocols (e.g., Modbus RTU), which don’t natively communicate with Ethernet-based systems like SCADA or DCIM.
• Harsh Environments: Electrical rooms expose devices to high EMI, temperature swings, and vibration—demanding industrial-grade reliability.
• Zero Downtime Expectations: Expanding or maintaining the power infrastructure must be done without disrupting 24/7 operations.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Legacy OT devices are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, especially when connected to public or hybrid networks.
• Scalability & Maintenance: Integrating hundreds or thousands of devices while simplifying configuration, wiring, and updates is a major undertaking.

Moxa’s Purpose-Built Solutions

Moxa offers a full suite of rugged networking and edge connectivity devices that simplify EPMS deployment across three levels of control:

1. Device Level – OT Data Acquisition

• MGate MB3000/MB3660 Gateways: Convert serial Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP/IP or BACnet/IP, with up to 16 ports for large-scale integration.
• NPort 6450 Serial Servers: Bring legacy serial devices online with secure Ethernet access.
• ioLogik & ioThinx Remote I/O: Gather analog and digital signals from sensors and circuit breakers to feed into EMS platforms.

2. Information Level – Reliable Data Transmission

• EDS & PT Series Switches: Support Turbo Ring/Chain and PRP/HSR for sub-second failover and uninterrupted power monitoring data flow.
• Media Converters: Extend connectivity across buildings and protect data transmission from EMI.

3. Control Level – Operational Visibility

• MXview Software: Provides centralized monitoring, network visualization, and faster troubleshooting.
• Edge Computers (DA/MPC Series): Enable real-time processing and data visualization at control centers.

Real-World Deployments

• Semiconductor Fab – Taiwan:
  Moxa’s high-port MGate MB3660 gateways connected hundreds of Modbus RTU devices across EMI-heavy environments for backup power monitoring.
• U.S. Technology Giant:
  A mix of MGate gateways, NPort servers, and ioLogik I/O modules streamlined monitoring of power stability from ATSs and switchgears for EMS platforms.

Business Outcomes

Reduced Downtime: Industrial redundancy and EMS protection prevent communication failures.
Improved Energy Efficiency: Real-time data helps optimize power usage and reduce PUE.
Streamlined Deployment: High port-density devices and daisy-chain wiring reduce cabling and setup time.
Enhanced Security: Devices comply with IEC 62443 and support HTTPS, SNMPv3, and secure firmware updates.
Scalable Infrastructure: Modular designs and flexible protocol support make expansion easy without disrupting operations.

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Conclusion‍

As energy demands grow and sustainability becomes central to data center strategy, Moxa’s rugged industrial connectivity solutions offer the reliability, security, and performance needed to build future-ready EPMS networks. By bridging legacy OT with modern IT systems, Moxa helps data centers operate more efficiently—without compromising uptime.

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