Are you trying to decide on a server rack? There are many hundreds of server rack brands and styles depending on your needs and there is no single server rack that is best for every company. To find the best server rack for your business, you’ll need to first figure out what you need and want in a server frame. Most companies use standardized 42U cabinets, which are large enough to contain a significant amount of equipment.
What Size Do You Need?
Server racks are measured in rack units. Each rack unit is about 1.75″ in height. 42U cabinets have become standard because they can hold a total of 42 rack units — they are tall enough to fill a room and large enough to fit most equipment. Of course, not all companies need a rack of this size, however, because a 42U cabinet takes up very little horizontal space, it’s usually not detrimental to purchase a 42U cabinet with an eye on expansion. You can slowly take advantage of the vertical space as you add technology. Remember that you won’t just need to house your servers; you will also need to house your cooling systems, your battery back ups and any accessibility equipment that you need.
Does Your Rack Need to Be Secured?
If security is a concern, you may want to consider a 42U cabinet with a lockable 4 post server rack frame. Locking 42U cabinets are secured with a lock and are extremely sturdy; they are the ideal solution for those who want to ensure that the server is not accessed by non-personnel. Some server racks can also be wall or floor mounted, while others cannot. Mounting the rack increases physical security and helps in organizing space. Wheeled 42U cabinets may be more appropriate to areas with flexible layouts.
How Are You Going to Handle Cooling?
You can get a fully ventilated 42U cabinet if you’re going to be placing your rack inside of a ventilated room. However, if you don’t have an actual server room you may want a 42U cabinet that can support interior cooling instead. Ventilation and cooling is a large component of what makes each rack unique. When in doubt, a locked and cooled 42U cabinet is usually your best bet. This server environment will be able to provide the best in cooling and efficiency for any system — and there are no downsides to additional security. Some of the most popular product lines for 42U rack enclosures are HP, Dell and APC. +Katrina is a product specialist for RackSolutions, the market leader for designing and manufacturing custom racking products for the IT industry! You can read more about our company here.