Standard Equipment Vs. Wide Equipment
The key difference between a standard and a wide equipment server rack is their measurement in width.
Standard Equipment
- Standard 19” Server Racks: “Standard” refers to server racks that are 19 inches wide. Since the majority of rack-mounted equipment has a mounting width of 19 inches, this became the standard for businesses. The 19 inch width measurement also refers to the distance between the vertical mounting rails. Standard 19 inch racks are designed to accommodate standard rack-mountable equipment such as servers, networking equipment, network devices, and IT accessories.
- Width: 19”
- Exterior Width: Most standard racks have an exterior width of 24 inches (609.6 mm) for data centers with raised floor tiles. A 24-inch exterior width is ideal for the data center industry due to the standard 48-inch floor panel. Data center floor panels are typically 24” x 24”, so a standard rack with a depth of 48 inches and a width of 24 inches makes it easier to match up the racks with your available floor space. Additionally, a rack with a 24-inch depth keeps things simple because it takes up exactly one panel.
- Height: The common height for standard racks is 42U. These common standard racks are typically cost-effective because they are mass-produced for data centers.
Wide Equipment
- Wide Server Racks: “Wide” refers to server racks that are 24 inches or more. With wider racks, it provides more capacity for larger equipment or high-density equipment deployments. Wide server racks are especially beneficial for large-scale IT environments. They are designed to offer a significant increase in space, cable management, and cooling for IT equipment.
- Width: 24” or greater
- Exterior Width: The exterior width of "wide" server racks can range from 29.5 inches (750mm) to 31.5 inches (800mm). This helps to provide extra space for cable management and larger IT equipment.
- Height: Similar to standard rack, the common height is 42U. For high-density deployments, organizations may opt for 48U or even larger sizes such as 58U or more.
Standard Vs. Wide: Key Considerations for Rack Selection
When selecting a server rack, you need to consider what the purpose of your rack will be. Server racks are primarily used for organizing and securing IT equipment across various industries. Depending on your business needs, server racks can be used for: data centers, enterprise offices, remote locations, home labs, and more. Plus, each server rack use case requires different rack sizes, cooling solutions, and security features. To select the right rack, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Cost: The common server rack sizes tend to be more cost-effective than wider racks. This is because they are mass-produced for data centers. Since wider racks cost more than standard racks, organizations need to consider their budget and potential needs for future expansion.
- Space Requirements: Depending on your needs, it’s important to factor in the space, accessibility, and maintenance needed for your equipment and the rack itself.
- Equipment Compatibility: The equipment needs to be compatible with the rack mounting dimensions. To ensure the rack size is appropriate for your equipment, consider rack size (measured in rack units or "U"), standard 19-inch mounting, and depth.
- Airflow and Cooling: The performance and longevity of a rack also comes from proper airflow and cooling. Depending on the airflow condition of your server rack, the cooling capacity may need to be increased. To ensure your rack has sufficient airflow and cooling, make sure that your rack can accommodate adequate airflow and cooling for your equipment.
- Weight Capacity: The rack needs to accommodate the total weight of your equipment that you plan on installing.
- Security: By knowing the level of security for your equipment, this will help you determine if you want an open rack or enclosed rack. With secure racks, this ensures that your equipment is protected from unwanted access.
Common Rack-Related Terms
Helpful terms when buying or managing a server rack are:
- Rack Unit - Standard measurement for server rack space. One rack unit is equivalent to 1.75 inches (1U = 1.75”).
- Server Rack - Framework that houses IT equipment like servers, switches, and storage devices. There are different types of racks, such as: open-frame, enclosed, and wall-mount racks.
- Open-Frame Rack - Provides easy access to equipment and better airflow since the rack is not enclosed.
- Enclosed Rack - Features door and side panels for security and equipment protection, along with noise reduction.
- Wall-Mount Rack - Compact solution for environments with limited space. Ideal for small business or home labs.
- Mounting Depth - Front-to-back measurement inside a rack. The mounting depth determines the compatibility of your IT equipment with the rack.
- Weight Capacity - Maximum load a server rack can support. This is critical when selecting a rack that can support heavy loads.
- Cable Management - Vertical or horizontal systems designed to organize cables, prevent clutter and improve airflow in a rack.
- Power Distribution Unit (PDU) - Provides power for servers and networking equipment. If devices are not receiving power or are constantly shutting off, make sure that your equipment is not exceeding the power capacity of the circuit.
- Cooling and Airflow Management - Equipment such as blanking panels, ventilated shelves, and fan units help regulate temperature and prevent equipment from overheating.
- Universal Rails - Fits multiple server brands, does not require original OEM kit.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) - Brand-specific rails such as Dell, HP, Lenovo/IBM, and more.
Server Rack Assembly Tips
Before installing rails or shelves, here are some tips for proper rack assembly and equipment installation:
- Use the Right Tools: A Phillips screwdriver, level, and torque wrench can help with proper assembly. Avoid over-tightening screws.
- Avoid Stripping Screws: Use the correct screw size and gently tighten in stages. If you over-tighten the screws, it can strip the threading. If a screw is stripped, use pliers or a screw extractor to remove it.
- Secure Equipment Properly: Install heaviest equipment at the bottom to prevent tipping. For extra support, rack rails or shelves can be used to mount equipment. Before fully tightening screws, make sure to check that the rails or equipment properly align with the mounting holes.
- Balance Weight Distribution: To prevent instability, the weight of the equipment must be evenly distributed across the rack. Heavy equipment should be placed at the bottom. If the rack shifts or does not feel sturdy, you need to ensure that the rack is assembled on surface level. For racks that utilize casters, it needs to be locked into place. If needed, anchor brackets can be used to secure the rack to the floor or wall.
- Label and Route Cables: Cable labels and color coding helps to simplify troubleshooting and prevent tangled wires. To effectively manage cables in a server rack, label both ends of each cable, use cable management tools, and route cables efficiently. This ensures proper airflow and easy access for your equipment.