5 Major Factors to Consider When Buying Server Racks & Cabinets

Like all things in building your IT infrastructure, there are factors you need to consider when you are looking for IT server racks and cabinets. The nature of the business you are running and the purpose of your equipment would, of course, affect the size and type of equipment protection and cable management that suit your needs.

Firstly, it is important to differentiate a rack from a cabinet. An IT cabinet comes in a boxlike structure with a door and sides while racks are freestanding open-framed structures. Some people prefer IP rated data cabinets for outdoor installations to protect the equipment from direct exposure to the elements. Cabinets are also popular choices for those who want to secure their equipment under lock and key. Not only cabinets protect your equipment from dust, but some IT server cabinet brands also offer unique features when it comes to ventilation and soundproofing. Check out some of the new and reliable soundproof server racks available in Sydney and other parts of Australia.

On the other hand, IP rated racks offer flexibility when placing and pulling out equipment. Some prefer it when the installation location is already in a secure environment. Racks cost less than its cabinet counterparts. Since there are no sides, cable management is easier with IP Rated racks.

Here are the five factors that you need to look into when choosing a server rack or cabinet:

• Equipment & Space

What equipment and how many are you planning to place in the racks or cabinets? If you are installing patch panels, a two-post rack with cable management is ideal. A four-post rack would suit the installation of a mix of networking equipment and servers. Two post racks have threaded holes for patch panels while four-post racks have square holes for varied cables.

If you are looking into IT cabinets, you need ample space to house them. You need to pay attention that the dimensions of the cabinets would fit your office’s doors. Do not overlook checking the measurement of the interiors of the cabinets to find out the actual storage space that you will get.

• Security

Both the server racks and cabinets play a vital role in the overall organisation’s cybersecurity. Needless to say, IT cabinets are much more secure than their rack counterparts. Some IT cabinets come with access controls to prevent hacking and data loss. If security is the topmost of the organisation, open-framed server racks must be placed in high-security rooms.

• Airflow Maximisation

Ventilation is very important in networking set up to avoid damage or overheating data centres. If you are planning to choose IT cabinets, please consider that some devices need more ventilation. You need to add proper cooling accessories. You can choose mesh doors for your cabinet or removable access panels. If you would like to see your equipment at a glance, there are also doors in glass. Maximising airflow is not an option however for racks.

• Flexibility

Some IT cabinets come with removable panels for easy cable management or equipment access when moving around. If you foresee an expansion in the future, you may allocate extra space for future devices.

Meanwhile, IT racks offer the optimal flexibility for cable management and modifications. To avoid messy cables, it would be important to invest in cable management accessories to keep the wirings protected and hidden.

• Layout

Proper installation of equipment and devices in the IT racks and cabinets would entail space for easy power distribution. The power distribution, the rack installation — whether floor-mounted or wall-mounted and how cables are routed would all contribute to how trouble-free cable management and equipment maintenance would be. Plan ahead with your networking team on the list of equipment and devices to be placed and how all of these would go in the layout.

Consult with professionals on what are the best IT server racks and cabinets that would suit your need. When it comes to data distribution, make CERTECH the top of your list. Talk to our friendly sales representatives and get a quote.