Network Racks

A network rack is a structure or enclosure that is designed for the sole purpose of storing and organising business networking equipment (think things like switches, routers, patch panels and other compatible accessories). Network racks use standardised 19inch mounting systems, so different equipment can be stacked vertically. This means it doesn’t cut into valuable floor space and means everything can be accessed when it needs maintaining or upgrading.

Network racks can accommodate a wide range of compatible networking and IT hardware, including switches, routers, patch panels, power distribution units and cable management equipment. Depending on the size and specification of the rack you have chosen, you may also be able to place servers and other rack-mounted devices within the same enclosure.

Network racks and server racks perform similar roles, and you will often see the terms used interchangeably. However, network racks are typically specified around switches, patch panels, routers and cabling and up to 600mm deep, while server racks must accommodate the greater depth (1000mm or more), weight and cooling requirements that can come with IT server and storage hardware. The equipment you intend to install will ultimately determine the rack specification you choose.

The best place to start is by working out the rack unit (U) space required by the equipment you plan to install. You should also make a note of the width and depth (600mm or less) of your hardware; think about how your cables are going to be managed and how much ventilation they will require; and leave extra room to expand as your organisation’s needs inevitably change. The projects team here at Server Room Environments can help you determine which network rack sizes (height and depth) are most suitable for your installation and explain how the setup will typically work.

A rack unit, which you will usually see abbreviated to U, is the standard measurement used to describe the vertical space available inside a rack. It is not the easiest figure to remember, but one rack unit is 44.45mm (1.75 inches) high. When you buy rack mounting equipment, it will usually be clear how many units it occupies, so you have the figure you need to work out the rack’s overall capacity.

In most cases, we would recommend doing so. Filling a network rack to its maximum capacity from day one can make future expansion more difficult. Allowing additional U space gives you greater flexibility to add switches, patch panels and other equipment as your network develops.

All networking hardware will generate heat, so leaving space to travel around the equipment is essential. The level of cooling you need will depend how much equipment you’ve got and the kind of technology you want. Higher-density installations or racks containing servers will often need more dedicated cooling equipment than smaller setups.

A network rack provides a structured location for networking hardware and associated cabling, and it makes it much easier to route and organise connections. Carefully considered cable management can reduce clutter, make individual connections easier to identify and dramatically streamline any maintenance or equipment changes. It can also help prevent poorly routed cables from restricting airflow; a common cause of overheating and avoidable damage.

This depends on where the rack will be installed and how much protection the equipment requires. Open racks make access much easier, and they also provide that all-important unrestricted airflow. On the other hand, enclosed network cabinets offer greater protection to particularly valuable hardware and can prevent them from being tampered with. If you need help or simply want to get a professional opinion, our team are more than happy to advise you.