The present disclosure relates to a system for at least one of identifying or verifying which specific data center device, from a plurality of data center devices, is being powered from an AC outlet of a power distribution unit. The system includes a message encoding algorithm module, a message decoding algorithm module and an input signal monitoring subsystem. The input signal monitoring subsystem monitors an AC power signal being supplied to the data center devices, wherein one of the data center devices includes an AC powered target device. A power distribution unit (PDU) supplies the AC power signal to the AC powered target device. The PDU has a controller which uses the message encoding algorithm to create a modulated AC power signal that includes an encoded message in accordance with a predetermined power cycle profile (PCP) event. The target device analyzes the PCP event as the modulated AC power signal is received and creates a decoded message therefrom. The decoded message is used to indicate whether the AC outlet of the PDU is providing power to the target device.