Have you ever been to a data center or a server room? If yes, you perfectly understand how hardware is stored there. For those who have never visited such premises, we explain the issue. It is an essential part of any modern facility or business. Networking equipment is stored on special racks and in cabinets.
What are Server Racks and Cabinets?
Cabinets and racks are the two most popular types of furniture for data centers. Their constructions are specially designed for carrying heavy devices and arranging space ergonomically.
The modern market is characterized by the abundance of models for any size, capacity, and purpose. Manufacturers produce durable products with diverse designs to satisfy the need of modern consumers. Distributors provide a wide catalog of options. Different models of cabinets and racks, as well as a server rack kit and other supplementary tools, are found on https://sysracks.com/catalog/rack-accessories/.
Types of Server Furniture
All products that are manufactured for the sphere can be classified by the number of posts, the type of body, and mounting type.
Number of Posts
Taking into account posts, they distinguish between 2- and 4-post models. 2-post products are designed for carrying small loads. A few devices can be installed on such racks. Only open-frame furniture can have such a construction.
As for 4-post furniture, both open-frame and enclosed models are produced. These cabinets and racks are more spacious and allow storing more devices.
Type of Body
Here, two classes of furniture are distinguished: open-frame racks and enclosed cabinets.
Models with an open frame have 2 or 4 vertical racks with special holes to which the equipment is attached. Such products have the following features:
- Free airflow and an ideal cooling for equipment due to the absence of side panels;
- Easy access to equipment and maintenance;
- Easy cabling and management.
However, such models are lagging in terms of safety since they do not protect the accommodated hardware from external damages, unauthorized access, and pollution with dust.
Enclosed cabinet designs are characterized by having sidewalls and lockable perforated doors. This type of body ensures the following benefits:
- Perfect protection from dust and external influence;
- Big sizes up to 48U allow housing multiple devices of different sizes and weights;
- Suitable for installing in public places.
Yet, such constructions have poor cooling properties since the air can’t freely go through side panels. Such products require the use of forced ventilation. It is complicated to replace devices, maintain equipment, and wire cables.
Type of Mounting
According to the way of installation, floor-standing and wall-mount products are distinguished. Floor models are more spacious and have higher carrying capacity, while wall-mount furniture is smaller.
What Hardware is Stored in Server Furniture?
Now, let’s answer the question “what is…
