Server furniture’s size determines the number of hardware pieces that can be stored within it. A smaller or larger cabinet will be required depending on how many components you have in your IT system.
A second important thing to remember is that rack size can have an impact on the durability and smoothness of equipment performance. This will cause problems with cooling and air circulation if there isn’t enough space. It is therefore important to choose the right size rack.
There are many options for server furniture in today’s IT market, from small wall-mount cabinets to large floor-standing boxes. Sysracks has a variety of options for you to choose from a 4-post or 2-post server shelf.
Let’s look at typical dimensions of network racks and discuss the important aspects of selecting the right model for you.
The main dimensions of server furniture
Every furniture piece is measured in three dimensions: width, depth and height. We’ll be paying particular attention to each one.
Server Cabinet Width
The EIA-310 norm is used to measure the width of server racks. This parameter allows active hardware to be mounted. 19 inches is the most common mounting width. Most servers and computers can mount to 19 inches.
This width allows cabinets to be made so that furniture can be easily fitted. Some models are wider than others, however, and offer more space to accommodate ventilation and cabling.
Server Rack Depth
This parameter can be adjusted and is adjustable. Administrators can adjust the depth to be used from 0 inches to 50 inches. The use of caters that allow stretching uprights allows for adjustment. Two common indicators of depth are used in most cases.
These indicators are 24 inches and 48 inches. This depth is not chosen randomly. This indicator is useful because it allows for active and passive network hardware, as well as patch panels and other accessories. A cabinet that is deeper will allow for more airflow and cable routing.
Server Furniture Height
The dimensions of the server rack cabinets are standard and easy to understand, but the height needs more attention.
First, server furniture heights are measured in units. 1 unit (U), is 1,75 inches. The designations 2U, 6U or 24U indicate that the cabinet’s height should be multiplied by 1,75. OneU comes with three standard holes that can be used to mount server equipment.
There are many models to choose from, including compact cabinets that can be mounted on walls (2U-12U) and large floor-standing models that can be used for massive network systems (36U-48U).
There is a difference between 4-Upright Racks and 2-Upright Racks
When choosing the right furniture model, it is important to consider its body construction. There are two types of body construction to choose from. Apart from the dimensions of server cabinets, models also differ in terms of their uprights and depth. These differences are highlighted below:
- For lightweight equipment and accessories (switches routers patch panels, patch panels, etc.), 2-post models can be used. 4-beam racks can support more weight, i.e. more devices;
- Models with 4-posts have mounting tails and shelves that can accommodate various types of hardware.
- 2-upright racks can be as high as 42U high and are available in two heights.
- You can easily transform 2-beam racks into 4-post models with a caster kit.
Floor-standing or wall-mountable open-frame racks are possible. System administrators can choose between a smaller or larger furniture piece depending on how many components they have. Wall-attached models have a limited load capacity so make sure to weigh all items that will be stored. Floorstanding models can hold heavier devices.
Let’s look at some other ways to measure the size of the server furniture.
Here are some tips to consider when calculating the required rack size
These are the top tips to help you choose the right size server cabinet for your data center.
- Make a list of all the devices that will be used. It is important to allow hardware to be assigned loosely. Overheating and equipment malfunction can be caused by tight fitting.
- Make sure you leave enough space. Administrators of system should leave enough space to allow for adequate air circulation and unhindered flow. This results in adequate cooling and prevents overheating.
- Cable routing. Cable routing is dependent on the layout. Make sure you leave enough room for connecting units and wiring cables when creating a layout.
- Fan installation. Fans are needed if natural airflow is insufficient to cool hardware. Calculations can be made by adding the fan size.
- Expansion of the network system. Your network system will likely grow and expand in the future. You can avoid purchasing a bigger cabinet later on. You won’t have to purchase additional furniture later on, as the space you leave will allow for air circulation.
System administrators must keep in mind these factors and add at least one third to half the space needed to calculate the size of the rack model. This ensures that the system runs smoothly and has a perfect space allocation. This rule also makes it easy for staff to reach the hardware they need, which reduces downtime and simplifies maintenance.
Computing hardware is used for complex tasks and datum storage. Multi-layer racks are required for mounting many hundred components in network systems. To accommodate these components correctly and ensure smooth operation, the first task is to calculate the required rack size. With the help of this guide, you will be able to choose the right model based on all parameters.
