A server rack is a specialized enclosure designed to house IT equipment. It provides a secure and organized environment for servers, UPS systems, switches, and other IT devices.
Server racks come in a variety of sizes and configurations, ranging from small desktop units to large floor-standing models. In this article, we will cover the different types of rack, and how to find the right rack for your needs.
Types of Server Rack
Cabinet Racks
Open-Frame Racks
Wall-Mounted Racks
Low-Profile Racks
Industrial-Grade Racks
Portable Racks
Vertical-Mount Racks
Sound-Proof Server Racks
What to Consider When Buying a Server Rack
Selecting the right server rack requires careful consideration of your current and future needs, as well as the physical environment in which the rack will be located. Here are some of the more important factors you should consider:
Form Factor
Most server racks are either floor-standing or wall-mounted.
Floor-standing racks are ideal for use in data centers or areas where
physical security is a concern. Wall-mounted racks are compact and ideal
for smaller installations, or where floor space is limited.
Rack Size and Capacity
You should choose a rack that can accommodate all your equipment and allow some room for future growth. The standard width of a server rack is 19 inches (48.26 cm). The 19-inch width is the distance between the vertical mounting rails that run the full height of the rack.
Server racks also have a standard height, which is measured in “rack units” (RU) or simply “U”. One rack unit is equivalent to 1.75 inches (4.45 cm) in height. A typical floor-standing server rack will range in height from 24U to 50U, although larger racks are available for high-density server environments.
Determine the combined weight of the devices you will install in the rack and choose one that can support it. If your rack has casters, there may be a difference between static and rolling weight capacity.
Cooling
Adequate airflow is essential for safe operation of IT equipment. If you are relying on passive cooling, look for a server rack with perforated doors or panels, or a vented roof, to ensure good heat dissipation.
Power
Don’t forget to leave room for power! Most racks include a UPS Battery Backup and at least one Power Distribution Unit (PDU). The UPS and any extended run battery packs will use some of the available rack space, usually at the bottom of the rack.
Horizontal PDUs use one or two rack units and should be positioned near to the devices they are powering, if possible, to avoid cable clutter. If space is tight, consider a vertical PDU (also called a 0U PDU) rather than a horizontal one.
A vertical PDU distributes power to multiple devices in the server rack. It is called a “vertical” PDU because it is mounted vertically inside the rear of the rack.
Security
Physical security is essential for several reasons, including protection from theft and malicious tampering, compliance with industry standards such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), business continuity and company reputation. Keyed or combination locks on doors and side panels is a good start. Some server racks use biometric access control such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition technology to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the equipment.
Equipment and Cabling Access
The rack should provide easy access to equipment for maintenance and upgrades, and cable management should be designed to ensure ease of access. For floor-standing racks, consider installing casters so the rack can be moved to provide access to the rear doors. Some wall-mounted racks have a hinged rear mounting bracket that swings away from the wall to allow easy access to equipment and cabling during installation and maintenance.
