Selecting a new server rack cabinet is a critical decision for any IT installation, whether you’re putting together a small business network or a massive data center. This is not a metal box; it’s the mind that orchestrates, protects, and provides optimal performance for your valuable IT hardware. Selecting an appropriate server rack cabinet involves thorough consideration of multiple factors, ranging from the equipment you’re storing to the environmental conditions where it will be stored. This guide is here to guide you through the most important choices you need to make so that you find the ideal product for your precise requirements.
Knowing the Essentials: Rack Types and Their Function
Prior to going into details, it is essential to understand about different types of racks and cabinets. The terms “rack” and “cabinet” are interchangeably used but there exists a fundamental difference. A network rack cabinet is an encasement with a front door, side panels, and a back door, which offers more security and protection. Open frame racks are simply a frame and no doors or sides. Both have their own merits.
Open frame racks are an ideal option for secure, climate controlled areas such as a dedicated server room. Open frame racks promote maximum airflow, which is essential for cooling the equipment and avoiding overheating. They also ensure utmost accessibility for straightforward installation, maintenance, and cable management. They provide no physical security and leave your equipment open to dust and other pollutants.
On the other hand, a secure server enclosure is a locked cabinet that provides maximum physical protection. They are suited for where there is unrestricted access, or when you need to protect your equipment against tampering and from environmental factors. Many of these cabinets have perforated door and side panels for air supply, and can be equipped with cooling fans and accessories to maintain optimum temperature.
The Use of Size and Dimensions
After you have established what type of rack you need, the next step is to decide on the right size. Server racks are measured in “rack units” or “U,” and one U equals 1.75 inches of height. The majority of data center rack sizes are between 42U and 48U, but smaller units exist.
When you’re measuring a server rack cabinet, height isn’t the sole measurement to pay attention to. Depth and width are important as well. Servers and other IT equipment vary in depth, so be sure the cabinet you buy has sufficient depth space to contain your hardware with a little extra space for cables and airflow. The standard width of a rack is 19 inches, but most cabinets are wider to better cable management for server racks and hold accessories.
Include not just your current needs but future growth. It is generally less expensive in the long term to buy a slightly larger data center cabinet than it is to replace it when your needs grow.
Cable and Accessory Management: The Unsung Heroes
Cable management for server racks is as essential to maintaining a well organized and efficient setup as any other area. Damaged cables can obstruct airflow, leading to a decrease in cooling and equipment malfunction. They are also a nightmare for maintenance and troubleshooting. Fortunately, there is an abundance of server rack accessories to help.
Horizontal and vertical cable management panels, cable trays, and D rings are all designed to keep your cables tidy. Cable management not only makes your rack look better but also extends the life of your equipment by providing the best possible airflow. Look for a network rack cabinet that has built in features or channels that can be added easily in order to cable manage.
In addition to cable management, also consider other essential server rack accessories like shelves, power distribution units (PDUs), and blanking panels. They all contribute to a better and more productive data center cabinet.
Special Purpose Racks: Beyond the Usual
Although most IT setups can fit in a typical server rack cabinet, there are certain applications that require special solutions.
- Network Cabinets: Just like server racks, network cabinets are generally shallower and for networking equipment like switches, patch panels, and routers. Great for network closets or mini server rooms where space is limited and you don’t need the room of large servers.
- Outdoor Network Cabinet: When your computer hardware must be mounted outside, there’s no possibility that the standard indoor rack will do. An outdoor network cabinet is specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and weather extremes. These are normally enclosed and have built in cooling or heating systems to protect sensitive electronics. An outdoor weatherproof enclosure cabinet box is a must for such an application, and it will ensure that your equipment remains secure from the weather.
- Wall Mount Server Rack: For small businesses, home installations, or minimal space, a wall mount server rack offers the perfect solution. By mounting the rack on a wall directly, you can free up valuable floor space. These are typically smaller in stature, but are equally as efficient at protection and organization as floor standing ones. A wall mount server rack cabinet is an excellent way of keeping your networking equipment secure and out of the way.
- Data Center Cabinets: A large scale operation needs high density deployment oriented data center cabinets. Such racks are designed to bear a considerable weight and may be loaded with advanced cooling and power distribution mechanisms for meeting the demands of modern data centers. The right choice of data center cabinets is the backbone of a stable and efficient infrastructure.
Making the Final Decision: Where to Buy Server Rack Cabinet
Once you have a clear idea of what you need, you can then proceed to find a good supplier. A simple search on “server cabinet for sale” will bring up all sorts of options, but not everyone is the same. Look for one that offers ample options in products, from full height racks to more specialized solutions.
Consider the material and construction of the racks. They must be made from durable steel and have a solid construction for effective long term equipment protection. Customer reviews and an effective support team are also great indicators of a good supplier.
When you’re prepared to make the purchase, why not try out the web shop of Sturdx. Sturdx offers a complete range of networking and server solutions that can meet the needs for small or large scale operations. From a simple server rack cabinet to a sophisticated secure server enclosure, Sturdx supplies the quality equipment you need to build a strong and sound IT infrastructure.