Specialized furniture is used to accommodate telecommunication and networking equipment in data centers. There are two types of furniture to store hardware, namely server racks and cabinets. Below, let consider each type and find out the difference between them.
The Key Idea to Know about Racks
This is a furniture piece specially designed for placing IT devices and allocating space efficiently. Its construction includes two or four vertical posts with holes for mounting hardware. The classic server rack has a 19-inch size and comes in three standard widths: 19″, 23″, 24″. This type of server product has the following features:
- It is an open-frame construction without side walls. This contributes to better ventilation, but at the same time, allows using it in closed premises only;
- Can be both portable (with casters) and floor-mounted;
- Ease of maintenance;
- Cable routing is easier;
- Different dimensions are available;
- Such models are less expensive.
Due to the growing demand for computing power and space in data centers, server racks are often used to achieve high equipment density. Proper use of this furniture can help you organize, securely and efficiently consolidate various networking equipment.
The Main Points about Server Cabinets
This furniture type is characterized by a closed construction. Such models have side walls and doors from the front and rare sides of the cabinet. Due to closed constructions, this type of product for server rooms is characterized by worse ventilation. Thus, doors can be perforated to ensure sufficient air circulation. Other peculiarities include:
- It provides a higher level of security since equipment is stored inside a box;
- Cabinets are more expensive;
- Maintenance is more difficult to perform.
Cabinets can be used even in public places where it is impossible to isolate devices from unauthorized access.
Racks VS Cabinets: Key Differences
Installing the server and all related accessories in the server rack or cabinet allows users to solve several important problems at once. Firstly, to save space in the data center. Secondly, to ensure ease of administration. Thirdly, to exclude the occurrence of vibration during the operation of apparatus, and thus, reduce the risk of its breakage. Here is an important issue is to understand what type of furniture you need. Thus, let’s find out the main differences between both models:
- Open VS Closed constructions
The principal difference of both models is that racks do not have side panels and doors, while cabinets have all these. Cabinets remind of boxes.
- Arranging the cooling system
Due to its construction, the rack uses natural ventilation and passing air flows to cool heating devices, while for cabinets, forced ventilation systems are required. This issue is crucial since high-precious devices tend to heat, which may lead to overheating due to an inappropriate cooling system.
- Mounting types
Cabinets can be floor-standing and wall-mounted, while racks tend to be used only for floor-standing constructions. Note that wall-mounted models are characterized by lower carrying capacity. When comparing floor-standing racks and cabinets, a suitable model must be chosen based on the equipment installed, place of installation, and other criteria. Both furniture types can be portable if equipped with wheels or handles.
- Carrying capacity
Holes are found on rack posts designed to mount hardware. Servers, routers, cables, other accessories are stores there. The same set of devices can be accommodated in the cabinet. Here, a user should pick the required model judging by the required capacity. Furniture size is measured in units (=1.75 inches). Note that products should be spacious enough. Do not pick too tight designs.
- Security
The cabinet is more secure than the rack. Thus it can be mounted anywhere, even in public places, while racks are suitable for closed premises (such as server rooms), access to which is limited. An open rack with a frame structure provides only minimal physical protection for the server, so an air-conditioned server cabinet should be chosen for complex equipment of data centers. The installation of such a computer server rack system must be carried out in rooms with blank walls without windows and with free access to network equipment.
- Maintenance
Here, the rack takes the point. An open construction is characterized by easier access to all functioning parts, which leads to easier maintenance and device management.
If you’re looking for a suitable furniture type, keep in mind all the above-mentioned criteria. Or you can just visit https://sysracks.com and contact us. We will help you make the right choice. In addition to offering a server rack for sale, we consult clients on the issue of choosing the most appropriate model. We’ll listen to your needs and expectations and find the best product for your purpose.
