Building or upscaling an IT infrastructure is a daunting task where each component must be carefully examined to ensure performance and sustainability. In this regard, the network or server rack is an important part that holds and organizes the equipment and servers in the data center and Hub room. It ensures proper airflow, easy maintenance, and sufficient space for scalability. Hence, choosing the right network or server rack is essential for any data center or Hub room.
Understanding rack units, dimensions and weight capacity
The first step in choosing a network or server rack is to decide on the required dimension. Server racks are measured in rack units (U), where each unit is 1.75 inches high or 44.45 mm. Standard sizes range from 24U to 48U or more. Depending upon the network equipment, servers, and future plans one should make a conscious decision. Here, one should also consider the weight capacity of the rack since servers, switches, and other hardware can increase the load on the rack. Racks with adjustable mounting rails and removable side panels make it simpler to install new devices or reconfigure existing setups. Hence, Netrack believes that extra space in the rack with reinforced frames is essential to accommodate any additional equipment. It also ensures proper ventilation improving airflow performance. The better the weight distribution, the lesser is the chance for any structural damage.
Open racks or enclosed racks
Open racks are the best option for network IT hub rooms. These racks have no protection from dust or noise, the advantage is that they can be accessed easily and addressing the effective cable management is a major concern. Hence, these racks are suitable for networking / labs / data Centres for Hosting the Core Network Applications. On the other hand, enclosed racks are designed with doors and side panels. For additional security, each of these server cabinets has locks. These racks ensure optimal security and ensure dust control and noise reduction. However, they require enhanced cooling solutions to prevent overheating.
Importance of airflow and cable management
Overheating is a huge concern in server racks, especially in enclosed cabinets. Poor airflow can lead to equipment failure and performance issues. To avoid this, proper ventilation is important. Hence, Netrack manufactures IT racks with perforated front and rear doors. Also, the fans and external cooling system works well with blanking panels in-between unused rack spaces to direct airflow.
Again, a good cable management reduces the chance of equipment overheating and also makes troubleshooting of wires easy for the technician. Here, Netrack recommends racks with built-in cable management features, such as high density vertical and horizontal cable organizers, cable tie points, and trays. With color-coded cables, labelling on both sides, and by keeping the power and data cables separate technicians can easily identify the cable they need to work on. This can reduce the troubleshooting time, thus reducing the time for outage.
Need for the right PDU
Finally, an efficient power distribution unit can ensure the servers run smoothly. Most server racks accommodate rack-mounted Power Distribution Units (PDUs) that help distribute power across devices. Hence, invest in PDUs with energy-monitoring features to help with the tracking of power consumption. This will prevent overloading and eventually reduce downtime. Netrack’s smart PDU has advanced features such as surge protection, remote monitoring, and load balancing capability.
The last word!
Choosing the right network or server rack is crucial to the success of any IT infrastructure. From size and type to airflow, cable management, and security, each factor plays a significant role in ensuring the efficiency and durability of a data center IT infra. In fact, a well-chosen rack isn’t just a place to store equipment, but the backbone of a well-organized, efficient, and scalable IT ecosystem.
