How to chose the right Server or Network Rack

The role of a network or server rack is to host, secure and organise critical rack-mounted IT devices and equipment found in a data centre, comms room or network closet. Network and server racks form the backbone of the data centre or comms rooms physical infrastructure and provide protection against physical threats to the critical IT systems they host.

There are many, many different variations or of IT rack enclosure, and it’s difficult to know where to start when selecting the best option for your data centre or comms room. Below are a few things to consider to help you narrow down which rack enclosure is best suited to your requirements and environment.

Server & Network Rack Height

Rack heights, just like servers, network switches and other IT devices are measures in U. Racks considered to be “full height” are usually 42U in rack height, which converts to around 200cm, but there are many different rack heights to choose from. Other common rack heights are 22U or 27U (often referred to as half racks) or extra-large 48U racks. Before deciding what height your server rack needs to be, start by planning how much U space your IT equipment requires and how much extra capacity you might need for any extra devices you might add to your rack enclosure in the future.

Server & Network Rack Width

Another important consideration when selecting a network or server rack is the rack width. The industry standard for the internal mounting rails in all rack enclosures is 19″, but the overall width of the rack can vary and the most common options or 600mm, 750mm or 800mm. Given that the internal rack rail width is the same no matter how wide the overall rack is, deciding which width your IT rack should be comes down to how you intend to use it, or what devices it will be hosting.

Typically a server rack that hosts mainly servers and storage devices would be 600mm wide. However, a network rack or IT rack that houses both servers, storage and networking equipment, where there is a need for more space to manage the volume of network cables that  are terminated in the rack would usually be either 750mm or 800mm wide.

Server & Network Rack Depth

The final thing to consider when selecting the right size server or network rack is the rack depth. Again this can vary a great deal and the choice is as previously mentioned, dependant on what devices the rack is going to be hosting. For server racks and IT racks, hosting servers, storage or uninterruptible power supplies we would recommend a minimum depth of 1000mm to allow enough room for the devices to be mounted whilst leaving sufficient space behind the device to mount a Rack PDU and connect the power or network cables. Always check the depth of your devices to make sure they will fit in the rack you have chosen before ordering and if you need more depth there are some 1100mm and 1200mm deep rack enclosures available.

If you’re only planning to host switches, routers and other network devices in the rack or have some restrictions in the room, a shallower depth network rack may be more suitable. Network devices tend not to require as much rack depth as servers and storage devices, or UPS systems. Typically for network racks a depth of 600mm or 800mm provides ample space. For distributed networks, where you may only need to host 1 or 2 small network switches we can supply 400mm deep racks some of which can be wall mounted to same floor space.

Source UPS offer a wide range of racks including the APC Netshelter and Easy Rack range, we also have a range of low cost rack enclosures, rack PDU’s, Environmental Monitoring, Fire Suppression and UPS Systems for racks for any server room, data centre or network rack.

For more information about Server & Network Racks or to request a quotation, get in touch with Source UPS today!

Call: 01252 692559 or email: info@sourceups.co.uk