1. I’m having trouble connecting to my device over network
The first thing to check is the Link LED on the front panel of the device when connecting your PDU.
If the Link LED is slowly blinking at a rate of about 1 blink/second, then there is likely a network provisioning issue. Please note that netBooter B series PDUs are only capable of 10MBps HalfDuplex mode - if the link LED is slow, then there is likely a network compatibility issue with this mode. Please consult with your network or IT admin and ensure your networking equipment can support this mode.
If the Link LED is mostly solid with occasional fast blinks, then the device is successfully connected, and you likely need to work through some configuration options on either the PDU side or network side:
- Static IP Networks: If your network assigns static IPs, ensure that no other device is using the IP address 192.168.1.100. This is the default IP for factory-reset PDUs. Please also confirm your network supports this IP range.
- DHCP Networks: If your network uses DHCP, restart the PDU in DHCP mode. To do this, power off the PDU, hold a pin in the RST hole, and power on the device. Then:
- Check your router’s admin page for a device named REMOTEPDU or locate it using the MAC address (found on the label on top of the PDU).
- Once you find the device’s IP address, connect via Telnet or a web browser to configure further.
- Alternative Access Methods: If you're still unable to connect, access the PDU via serial port or a direct Ethernet connection for a reliable method of connection.
2. My device is on the network but I can’t access the webpage
- Ensure the webserver is enabled by entering the command: web 1 via Telnet or serial console.
- If it is already enabled, try restarting the PDU’s network interface. Enter the command: nwset inside a Telnet or serial session. This will restore networking services without affecting outlet power states.
3. Will resetting the PDU power cycle the outlets?
Resetting the network using the nwset command or the “Restart Network” button will not affect the outlet power states. Your devices will remain in their current on/off state.
4. Why am I getting a 414 error when accessing the PDU from a domain name?
- Some PDU models only support domain names up to 15 characters long.
- A 414 error may also be caused by leftover cookies from previous sessions.
- To fix this:
- Ensure the domain name you’re using is 15 characters or fewer.
- Clear all cookies and cache from your browser or HTTP client.
5. Is there a programmable API or scripting support?
Yes. The PDU supports a programmable HTTP API, which you can use with any programming language capable of sending HTTP requests. You can find code examples on here. The HTTP API supports basic outlet operations, including getting outlet status or turning outlets On/Off or rebooting them.
You can also use Telnet or serial commands within scripts to build automated functions for the device.
6: Why do I hear a constant clicking sound from my PDU, and it only stops when I power it off and back on?
This behavior usually indicates that the PDU is receiving insufficient input voltage or frequency, particularly during startup. When the voltage dips too low or the line frequency becomes unstable, the PDU may fail to complete its initialization sequence. This can cause the unit to repeatedly attempt startup, resulting in a persistent clicking sound.
This issue may occur due to a variety of power-related causes, such as:
- Sudden power interruptions or brownouts (temporary voltage drops)
- A weakened or overloaded power source
- Unstable output from certain UPS systems, especially if they cannot recover voltage quickly under load
Recommended Action:
- Verify that your power source is providing a stable voltage and correct frequency (e.g., 120V/60Hz or 230V/50Hz, depending on your unit).
- If the PDU is connected to a UPS or power conditioner, monitor that device for output consistency, especially if power was recently removed and restored, as some UPS systems may struggle to stabilize output in such cases.
- Try powering the PDU from a known-stable wall outlet or a different power circuit to isolate the issue.
7: My outlets seem to be reversed — when I turn them ON, they appear to be OFF, and vice versa.
This issue is likely due to the wrong firmware version being installed for your specific hardware variant. While HW3.2 and HW3.2.1 hardware are nearly identical, they differ in relay logic — meaning their ON/OFF states are reversed in firmware.
To resolve this:
- Log into the web UI of your PDU.
- Navigate to the System Status section (usually at the bottom of the homepage or dashboard).
- Note the current firmware version listed.
- If your device is running firmware for HW3.2, install the firmware for HW3.2.1, or vice versa. Instructions for updating firmware can be found here.
- After updating, verify that the outlet states now match the ON/OFF commands correctly.
8: How do I enable HTTPS or SSH?
Unfortunately, the netBooter B series does not support encryption. There are no plans to add in encryption-based protocols like HTTPS or SSH via future firmware updates.
If you are interested in PDU series that support HTTPS or SSH, please see our Products page for compatible models.
