Guide for Organizing Server Rack

Guide for Organizing Server Rack  – IT equipment is organized in large systems designed to store datum, process information, and perform computing tasks.

Sometimes, systems total several hundred or up to a dozen components. Can you imagine how much space is needed to accommodate such systems?

Specialized server furniture is designed for this purpose. Multi-level cabinets and racks allow accommodating many devices in a relatively small place, which improves room ergonomics and provides secure storage of network hardware.

A server rack is one of the most popular furniture pieces for data centers. It allows for the reliable fastening of both passive and active equipment and its durable storage.

Types of Server Racks

System administrators classify server furniture according to several parameters. If we look at the number of posts, models fall into 2- and 4-upright products.

• 2-post products are perfect for small systems with few components. They are compact and can carry less weight. Such models can be desktop and wall-mount.
• 4-upright products are more spacious and allow carrying more devices. The model range varies greatly from mid-sized 12U products up to huge 38U racks that can support thousands of components.

According to the body design, they distinguish between enclosed and open-frame models.

• Enclosed pieces have side panels and perforated doors. Such models provide better shock resistance and protect hardware from dust accumulation, environmental factors, and unauthorized access. They are common for installation in public places.
• Open-frame models consist of vertical posts with tech holes for equipment mounting. Their key features include unhindered airflow, which contributes to natural cooling, ease of access and maintenance, and easy cable routing. Still, they are suitable for placing in closed premises since they do not protect devices from outside impacts.

How to Organize a Server Rack?

Now, let’s discover what is inside a server rack and outline the crucial points about each component.

Servers

This is the most essential component of every server system.

They can have different shapes and appearances and be either thin or quick thick. Servers can be stored on desks or in other frames.

However, a server rack stands as the best storage house for hardware since its body is specialized to store such equipment. Here are three reasons to store servers in specialized furniture:

• security. The cost of servers reaches several thousand dollars. So, this equipment is rather expensive and valuable. Putting it in a server rack allows securing the device from damage (both intentional and unintentional) and other impacts from the outside.
• cooling. Active hardware generates a lot of heat during its performance, which can lead to overheating. Server racks allow maintaining optimal environmental conditions and controlling the temperature inside the rack. If natural airflow is not sufficient to cool devices, fans and HVAC systems can be installed to force the air to circulate and cool down servers.
• easy troubleshooting. Racks provide free access from all sides. Thus, the maintenance staff can easily access hardware from both the rear and front sides. This simplifies and speeds up troubleshooting.

Storing servers in specialized furniture guarantees security, optimal operation, and convenience.

Switches & Routers

These are common accessories that allow different units of one system to work as a single unit and communicate with each other.

A great variety of models (sizes and shapes) is offered on the modern market.

• Switches allow transferring data from one source and directing it to a specific one inside the system. Dozens of devices can be plugged into switches simultaneously. Switches guarantee communication between all of them.
• Routers are devices designed to connect one system to another one or to the Web. Such tools are used to allow communication of different systems around one facility. They are responsible for the interruptible and effective flow of traffic.

Setting up these devices guarantees safe and sound storage and operation of IT equipment. Usually, these tools are placed somewhere in the center.

Patch Panels

Patch panels are sets of jacks, which help connect different sorts of devices and direct cables.

The modern market provides a wide diversity of options for server systems. Patch panels for fiber, cat-5, and other types of cables are offered. It is preferable to attach them to open-frame bodies to ensure easy maintenance.

Supporting Equipment

If you wonder what to put in a server rack when arranging a server system, technicians attach a lot of accessories that help make the rack more functional, convenient, and capacious. These include:

• blanking panels used to plug in unused slots and holes and normalize the airflow inside a cabinet.
• rails that make shelves slide and simplify access to the devices stored in the center.
• cords that stand as “blood vessels” for network systems connecting different units.

In addition to the above-mentioned equipment, systems administrators can also put a keyboard, computers, and laptops and install monitors for troubleshooting and fans for forced cooling.

Importance of Cable Management in Racks

Cables are designed to power devices and connect units with each other. Thus, the number of wires used within one system can reach several thousand.

Cable management is an essential stage of server system organization. Server rack cabling, like here, simplifies maintenance and access to devices, speeds up troubleshooting, and helps avoid wire tangling.

Cable Management Benefits

Proper cable routing helps solve the following tasks:

1. Avoid tangling since cords are bunched neatly.
2. Employees quickly identify torn wires and replace them.
3. The risk of accidental tearing during maintenance is minimized.
4. Cords do not contact functioning equipment, so they are not heated.
5. Wires are arranged in order, and technicians can access devices freely.

Here’s a deep look at what is in a server rack. Now, you understand what can be found in cabinets.

The size of models differs greatly, depending on the number of hardware to be housed.

However, make sure to leave enough free space for air circulation, convenient cable wiring, and avoid heat exchange.

Thus, when selecting a suitable rack model, calculate the required size and add half of it for extra space. Remember that a bigger cabinet won’t cause problems, while a little model will result in many nasty consequences.

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