Telecommunication equipment is designed to cope with computing tasks. Such systems usually comprise a great number of devices, each of which performs certain functions. Such systems are rather bulky and place-consuming. To arrange systems ergonomically and ensure their perfect placement, specialized server furniture is used.
There are two types of models that are designed for the application in data centers. These are open-frame server racks and enclosed cabinets. A large catalog of products for server rooms is offered by network rack SysRacks. The distributor produces high-quality models from the high-quality materials.
Server Cabinet Dimensions
Furniture differs not only in design but also in size. Computing systems are created to perform multiple tasks. Depending on their complexity, systems require different numbers of devices to provide enough power and cope with high-computing tasks. That is why racks should meet the demands of all consumers.
A standard server rack size is measured taking into account three dimensions – height, depth, and width. The width and depth are usually standardized to fit most devices. The width of most telecommunication hardware is 600 mm and 900 mm.
Server rack height is the most important dimension. In system administration it is measured in units (“U”). According to the accepted standards, 1U is equal to 1.75 inches. When you see 24U, it means that the height of the cabinet is 24*1.75 = 42 inches.
Common Server Cabinet Sizes
On the market there are 4 classic options of furniture. All of them have metal enclosures. These include:
– 18U
This is the smallest model of floor-standing cabinets. 19″ 18U cabinets are ideal for a small amount of equipment. Their height allows system administrators to place furniture in rooms with low ceilings. Products are made in a system of supporting structures of 482.6 mm.
– 27U
The 27U closet is a popular height in the 19″ line of floor-standing telecommunication products. It will perfectly fit into a small room where there is no separate data center. Still, even a height of 27 units (1388 mm) is enough to neatly place a router, server, patch panel, and other network hardware. Judging by depth, there are 3 standard data cabinet sizes: 600×600, 600×800, 600×1000.
– 40U
This is a 2-compartment model for accommodating equipment that does not require a lot of rack space. This multi-customer, enhanced security product features a narrow width for optimal use of space in the data center. The interior space is divided into compartments, each of which has access only to the tenant. Both compartments are provided with individual keys for locking devices.
– 42U
The 42U server floor cabinet is ideal in almost all cases. It houses various types of equipment: active, cross-connect, data storage, etc. The cabinet is usually 2055 mm high and 600-1000 mm deep. Any type of fiber optic cable can be connected to such a cabinet, which allows system administrators to arrange the system and bring the network into the proper form.
Rack Sizes for Different Types of Equipment
The modern market offers a wide diversity of models. System administrators widely use the below-mentioned goods to arrange data centers and improve system performance.
Open-Frame Rack
These are floor-standing models. Their main difference from enclosed models is that their constructions do not have side panels. Such models have classic sizes of 18U-22U.
Such furniture has the following advantages: free access to any device inside the rack, perfect air circulation and optimal environment for hardware cooling, ease of maintenance and rearrangement. Yet, such models are suitable for use in closed premises only.
Wall-Mount Rack
Such models are characterized by a smaller size since the carrying capacity is limited. Common sizes of this furniture class are 6U, 9U, 12U, 18U.
Such models have a number of benefits. Products do not occupy space on the floor providing the best room ergonomics. They are protected from accidental damage. But their sizes are limited.
How to Select the Right Height of the Server Cabinet?
Although it may seem an easy task, do not be too quick with conclusions. Choosing the most appropriate height requires time and effort. It is not enough to buy just the first model you like. Make sure to keep in mind the following points.
1. Determine your need
You should clearly understand what you want to store in the cabinet and how many devices will be placed. To simplify your task at this stage, make a list of all devices with accessories to be housed inside the rack. Now, you can be sure that nothing is left. Recheck it once again and move further to the next point.
2. Determine an Optimal Height
Measure the height of all devices and calculate the required rack height. Remember how server rack dimensions are set. Calculate the height in mm and then convert the result into units.
3. Take into Account Future Projects and Accessories
Note that it is always required to leave extra space inside the rack/cabinet. Why? There are two obvious reasons.
First of all, the air will circulate, which will allow avoiding system overheating. Remark: hardware is never placed tightly since it exchanges heat, which leads to system failure and overheating.
Also, cabling management requires space. Bundles of wires go to the cabinet and should be connected somehow. Thus, the inside of your server furniture should be spacious enough.
Secondly, it is most likely that you’ll expand your system in the future. Thus, experienced system administrators foresee the development of new projects and leave space for placing new equipment.
The modern market offers a branched catalog of models. All of them are produced from quality metal to ensure enough solidity and durability. Different types of server furniture allow meeting the demands of all clients. Products from small to large are provided. The most popular height is 18U-26U. Such models allow accommodating different kinds of devices while arranging the system ergonomically.