No data center can be arranged without server racks. These are some of the most popular types of furniture for the ergonomic and functional allocation of IT equipment. A server rack comes as multi-level storage for network hardware with all the needed fasteners.
Server racks are beneficial due to their highly durable constructions that guarantee equipment security, sufficient cooling opportunities, and compact organization. In other words, such furniture provides users with all the needed tools for network system placement.
Note that it is essential to plan the network rack layout before you buy furniture. Planning comes as one of the initial stages of DC arrangement. The importance of rack layout determines many factors. It helps save money in the long perspective, foresee equipment damage and malfunction, achieve the best ergonomics, and use the available space effectively.
Server Rack Dimensions
Choosing the right size of the cabinet is a primary concern of technicians. If the rack is picked incorrectly, this will lead to:
- extra expenses;
- equipment premature breaking and downtime;
- unstable functioning;
- improper space allocation.
Thus, modern manufacturers offer a wide range of models, starting from small racks up to huge cabinets. They differ in size greatly. The smallest models (2U-6U) can accommodate just a few devices, while huge cabinets of 36U-48U can house hundreds of components.
If you’re looking for a compact 6U server case, then look through the Sysracks’ catalog and pick a suitable solution. Sysracks comes as a reputable supplier of high-quality furniture for data centers. Skilled managers help select appropriate options for a particular purpose, demand, and budget.
Points to Consider when Arranging the Server Rack
When planning network rack organization, the first thing to do is to determine the needed type of furniture. Here’s a short checklist for you to make sure to study all the obligatory criteria:
- Rack dimensions. How many devices will be placed in the cabinet? Note that three main dimensions are considered in this case. While the depth and width are not as complicated, since they are standardized to most common hardware, the height requires particular attention. It is measured in Us, where 1U is 1,75 inches. 1U is enough to house one server. Thus, when calculating the needed size, make sure that the rack can fit all types of hardware.
- Location. Where the furniture piece will be installed on a premise? Note that premises for data centers must meet particular requirements. Avoid nearby plumbing and rooms with high humidity. It is advisable to select premises without windows and with well-designed ventilation.
- Ventilation and cooling. What cooling strategies will be used to maintain the required temperature in the rack? The environmental issue concerns both the room and inner rack climates. Fans and forced ventilation tools are used to create and maintain the optimal inner environment for hardware functioning. Still, the room climate should be favorable for rack allocation. Consider optimal humidity and temperature.
- Rack layout. What type of hardware will be placed and where? When designing the server rack equipment layout, make a list of all the stored devices. It is recommended to make 3D visualization that helps design the most effective layout and foresee possible mistakes during equipment placement.
- Wiring. What is the most effective cabling strategy for your network system? Thousands of cables stretch through racks. Switches and patch panels are widely used to arrange them and direct them to where they should go. These tools have multiple jacks for connecting cords. Additional accessories are used for effective cable management. These are ties, arms, organizers, and hooks.
- Electrical power. Each device requires feeding. Make sure that an available PDU is capable of generating the required amount of power to feed all the units. PDUs of vertical and horizontal mounting are distinguished. PDUs are further connected to UPSs to avoid system disabling and data loss due to an emergency breakout, circuit outages, etc. Besides, it is advisable to have a robust electrical power protection plan for stable and safe running, regardless of circumstances.
- Fire suppression strategy. Here’s another important stage of server rack organization. When designing the DC, make sure that a reliable fire suppression system is installed. This point is vital for every network system. A set of high-sensitive sensors will prevent significant damage and secure equipment. Different techniques are used for this purpose, so contact a contractor to select the most appropriate option.
- Temperature monitoring. The creation of an optimal climate is vital for IT systems since the equipment is sensitive to environmental changes. Humidity or temperature surges can cause rusting, condensation, heat accumulation, etc. These cases inevitably lead to hardware damage and system downtime. Multiple sensors are used to control climatic indicators and send alarms to the control board if they are not normal.
- Security. Make sure to take the required security measures. The server room rack layout best practice includes providing the highest level of security to hardware. The industry offers multiple solutions, such as biometrical locks, restricted access with key passes, cards, auto-closing doors, etc. If racks are placed in open spaces, side panels are used to prevent unauthorized access.
Guidelines on Effective Rack Arrangement
Here are some helpful tips to cope with server rack arrangement effectively and quickly.
- Prepare for installation beforehand. Make a list of accommodated devices, create 3D visualization, and buy all the needed accessories and fasteners. This will help save time.
- Placing heavy components on the bottom and lightweight devices on top is the vital rule to make the construction more stable and avoid overturning.
- Have a toolkit of accessories and supplementary options to simplify the network cabinet layout. For instance, ties and organizers are used for neat cable bundling. Shelves are used to accommodate more hardware pieces.
- Check ventilation effectiveness. Make sure that enough space is left between devices so that the airflow passes freely and can exchange heat and cool down components. Thus, it is required to place devices loosely.
- Use an inventory list to simplify installation and maintenance. This list will help track equipment mounting and avoid the loss of devices.
Finally, note that when planning the data center rack layout, it is recommended to spend a little more money and buy a bigger model. This step comes as an effective measure for future expansion since in most cases systems go larger over time. Thus, buying a bigger rack will help save money in the long perspective and avoid the necessity to buy another cabinet in the future. Besides, better cooling will be guaranteed.
