Have you ever been to a data center or a server room?
If yes, you know that IT equipment is accommodated in special multi-layer furniture. These are exactly server cabinets and racks. The first group has enclosed designs with locks, while the second class is distinguished by open-frame constructions.
According to the design, a server rack is an open-frame construction consisting of 2 or 4 vertical posts made of durable metal. It is equipped with mounting rails and special holes for equipment fastening.
Perks of Server Furniture
This type of server furniture has the following advantages:
- Cooling is one of the most essential benefits. Due to the open construction, the air freely passes through racks and accommodated devices. Hardware exchanges heat. Thus, natural ventilation provides a sufficient level of equipment cooling.
- Note that racks can be complemented with removable side panels and doors to improve hardware protection.
- Ease of maintenance. Access to devices is available from all sides. It is easy to replace a certain apparatus without disorganizing the entire system.
- Ease of cable wiring. Cables can be organized as system administrators want to enter the rack anywhere.
- Effective space allocation. Racks have multi-level designs. Thus, they can house lots of network equipment on a small territory. This saves space in rooms.
A computer server rack is an effective and convenient solution for both large data centers and small offices. A great diversity of models allows picking an appropriate option for any purpose, size of the system, and room.
The Importance of Planning Server Furniture Installation
Planning network rack installation is an important task that requires thorough consideration and a serious approach. Its importance is determined by the following factors:
- the right rack size allows accommodating the needed amount of hardware. Moreover, it is important to leave extra space. Thus, if system administrators miscalculate the size of the required furniture and devices are placed too tightly, this will result in overheating;
- foresee cable wiring;
- understand whether the needed rack will fit a premise;
- realize how the airflow will pass and whether a forced ventilation system is needed.
Rack Dimensions
This is one of the key parameters to analyze at the stage of selecting a proper furniture piece.
The range of models is truly huge. Racks start from compact products for small premises and reach huge pieces that can accommodate dozens of servers and accessories for large data centers.
When analyzing rack dimensions, pay attention to three parameters:
- All models are produced in two standard widths to allow all types of network hardware to pass. Here, you can choose between models of 800 and 900 mm in width.
- Depth can be adjusted in racks.
- This dimension required particular consideration. It is measured in U (units), with 1U being 1.75 inches. Thus, when the rack has a height of 4U, it means that you should multiply 1.75 * 4. The height starts from 2U or 4U and can reach up to 32U or even 44U.
Detailed Instruction on How to Select a Proper Rack
Here’s a server rack installation guide that will help organize your server room properly. Go from one step to another, and you’ll succeed in planning your future data center.
Find a suitable room – Note that IT equipment is vulnerable to environmental changes. Thus, a room requires meeting certain requirements. Any rise or fall in temperature, humidity, or other factors can cause system malfunction.
It is recommended to avoid premises where building communication systems go through. It is better that there are no sewer pipes in the room. Usually, premises without windows are chosen for the data centers.
Make sure that the fire-fighting system works properly.
Consider cooling – Think about the way functioning devices will be cooled. Will natural airflow be enough or is it necessary to add fans? Foresee this point since if you have to additionally install fans, you’ll have to leave space in the rack for them.
Type of rack – Choose a suitable solution according to the above-mentioned algorithm. Here, you should remember to leave enough free space for future system enlarging. Thus, after calculating the required server rack size, add a quarter or even half of the size.
It is recommended to create a 3D server rack equipment layout that will help you find out whether devices will fit the rack and be allocated efficiently.
Choose a power distribution unit – Make sure that a reliable PDU is used within the building. The unit must be able to handle power needs since computing hardware consumes a lot of electricity.
Room isolation – Be ready that servers and accompanying devices produce a lot of noise and heat during operation. Thus, make sure that the room has a sufficient level of isolation.
Compatible rails – Note that different models of server furniture require diverse mounting rails. Thus, if you buy them separately, identify their sizes and make sure to get the needed model to match the rack.
Cable management – Think about the way wires will be routed. Server systems require hundreds of cables that will connect both the system to the PDU and functioning devices between each other. Use cable labeling and bundling to keep wires organized.
Cost of equipment – Make a preliminary estimate to allocate a budget correctly. Do not try to save money on the server rack since the quality of furniture determines the security and equipment service life.
Sticking to these server rack installation best practices will help select a proper solution for your business and enjoy the long life of your system. Note that the ability to adjust to the needs of users is a feature of server furniture.
The main thing is not to buy a too small product. It is better to purchase a bigger one that will be more spacious, while a small model will come useless and harm your equipment.