Are you going to arrange a data center or just need compact furniture for your server equipment? Every system administrator knows that it is impossible to deal with server rooms without special server furniture, such as enclosed cabinets and open-frame racks.
Server furniture (both floor-standing cabinet and side mount server rack) is a specialized product produced from high-quality materials that meet international standards. The main purpose of such items is to store high-precious computing devices. Thus, such furniture should be durable, stable, and quality.
Types of Server Furniture
If we consider product construction, manufacturers produce two types of models:
- Open-frame racks. They are characterized by the absence of sidewalls. The design includes two or four vertical posts with holes for fastening network hardware.
- Enclosed cabinets. Their construction is lockable; four sidewalls and two doors (mostly perforated) keep equipment locked and reliably protect from external impact.
Another classification exists. According to the type of installation, server furniture can be:
- Floor-standing (obviously, put on the floor);
- Wall-mounted (fastened to the wall with special dowels).
Note that most models are equipped with casters, which makes furniture portable and movable.
Where are Wall Mount Racks used?
Wall-mount server racks are perfect for small premises where space is limited. In such rooms, it won’t occupy floor space leaving more space for desktop things and will allow using the territory ergonomically. You will find compact wall-fastened models in stores, banks, pharmacies, small offices, etc.
Depending on your needs (the size of your enterprise, the number of hardware, etc.), you can choose the most suitable model based on its size. The model range includes options from 5U to 26U.
Keep in mind that when selecting a model the right depth and height should be chosen. Note that U means the height and is equal to 1.75 inches. Thus, 5U means that the height of the rack will be 8.75 inches. Remember that devices should be accommodated loosely, leaving enough space between functioning equipment.
Benefits of Wall-Mount Server Furniture
- Saving floor space
An opportunity to hang a bulky cabinet on the wall is a good solution for small premises. By mounting a wall-mount network rack, you’ll save space and achieve higher indicators of ergonomics. This feature makes models appropriate for installation in offices, stores, post offices, etc.
2. Easier installation and setting up
Cabinets are fastened to the wall with special dowels that are capable of carrying high loads. No special skills or knowledge are required to install the cabinet, while system setup must be entrusted to experienced specialists.
3. Mounting possibilities
The construction of the server furniture has all the necessary holes and tools to be reliably mounted on vertical surfaces. Since it can be fastened anywhere on the wall, the model is flexible. It is possible to adjust the level of installation.
4. Protection
A wall-mounted data cabinet is characterized by the highest level of protection from unauthorized access. The model is enclosed, which means that it is locked from all sides. Besides, an enclosed body secures the equipment housed inside from all the negative influences from outside, including dust, debris, accidental damage, etc. Only a few system administrators have access to the functioning body and can unlock latches.
5. Prevent overheating
Although a previous point serves as an indisputable pro, it implies some difficulties with system cooling. Telecommunication hardware tends to emit a lot of heat during its performance. Thus, the issue of proper cooling is essential. However, such models have sidewalls and are attached to the wall from the backside. Thus, cooling is problematic. To reduce the level of generated heat somehow and prevent overheating, a sufficient ventilation system should be attached. Perforated doors allow natural airflow to enter the body and keep air circulation. Forced fan systems are equipped. The application of temperature sensors to control environmental parameters is common and recommended.
To summarize the article, you should keep in mind the following ideas. Wall-mount options are perfect for small premises with limited space. They allow achieving better ergonomics. Also, if you have little equipment to be stored, there is no need to occupy floor space with a tiny cabinet. It is more reasonable to hand it to the wall. The most evident pros of selecting wall-mount models are perfect security, a large model assortment, ease of installation, an opportunity to use cabinets in public places. Note that before buying the product, decide on what hardware will be accommodated in it and calculate its size correctly.
