As data centers continue to increase their demand for computing power and space, server racks are becoming more and more important. Proper use of data center server racks can effectively promote the integration of different network devices. However, there are many types of data center server racks available on the market today. So which one is best for you?
What is a data center server rack?
Data center server racks are mainly used to accommodate data center IT equipment, such as servers, storage, HUBs, and network switches, etc., aiming to improve the efficiency of data center network management and operations.
What are the types of server racks in data centers?
(1) Open Server Rack
The open server rack in the data center has no doors or mounting rails. It is an open structure that not only provides convenience for installation, but also provides ample open space for cable management. It is an ideal choice for network patch panels and high-density fiber patch panels. Currently, there are two basic types of open server racks: 2-port racks and 4-port racks. The advantage of the 2-port rack is that it can install equipment with greater depth, while the advantage of the 4-port rack is that it can withstand equipment with greater weight.
(2) Data Center Server Cabinets
Server cabinets usually refer to “enclosed racks” with curved front doors, double-opening rear doors, removable left and right half-side doors, and movable mounting rails. Since the front and rear doors and left and right side doors of the server cabinet can be locked, it has high anti-interference performance such as dustproof, waterproof and electronic shielding .
(3) Wall-mounted rack
Wall-mounted racks mainly carry network equipment such as fiber distribution frames and switches. They are designed to be installed on the wall, which can effectively save floor space. It should be noted that due to its small size, it cannot bear excessive weight and cannot provide the same safety as closed racks.
Things to consider when buying a data center server rack
1. Size
Standard data center server racks generally match the size of the equipment, with a width of 19 inches, but different heights and depths. The height of a data center server rack is expressed in U, with 1U representing 1.75 inches, while the width and depth are usually measured in standard units. The most commonly used standard data center racks are 19 inches wide and 42U (73.5 inches) high.
2. Flexibility and manageability
In order to achieve a flexible and easy-to-manage cabling environment, sufficient free space should be left in the server rack after the equipment is installed. At the same time, some data center server racks are also equipped with pulleys to facilitate the movement of the rack.
3. Sufficient load-bearing capacity and capacity
As more equipment is added to the data center, the server rack should have sufficient load-bearing capacity. When selecting a rack, the number of switches, cables, PDUs, and overhead cable mounts should be considered.
4. Cooling efficiency
Nowadays, the cooling cost of data centers is increasing, so it is important to choose a data center server rack with better cooling effect. Generally, a good server rack will have thermal management accessories or some other designs. Currently, most rack door designs have at least 64% perforations to ensure airflow.
5. Security
Some equipment in a data center may require security protection, therefore, you can choose a data center server cabinet with doors, side panels, and tops. The design types of these accessories vary depending on the application.
What accessories can be installed in a data center server rack?
Data center server racks can accommodate all standard 19-inch equipment, but the equipment cannot be too high or too deep. Server racks have removable mounting brackets that can usually be screwed directly to the vertical rack rails and can support equipment such as UPS systems, PDUs, cable managers, switches, patch panels, and fiber optic patch panels.