Businesses have gradually come to rely on convenient and vast digital landscapes. The transition of uploading business content online has led many companies to utilize a data center space or construct their own.
Data centers are comprised of numerous server racks that are crucial to workplace efficiency. Proper data center design and server rack applications are necessary to promote center productivity. CableWholesale has a list of effective tips for optimal server rack installation so your data center can thrive.
What Is a Server Rack?
Server racks are designed to house technical hardware. Routers, hubs, switches, and servers are among the popular IT equipment that server racks support. Server racks maximize the number of pieces of equipment that can be stored within a room.
Server racks’ importance to business has increased as the use of data centers has gained popularity. The better quality of installation for a server rack, the more confident a company can be in its ability to function effectively. There are many benefits to a high-quality server rack, such as:
- Organization – Tall server racks can harbor a useful number of IT hardware items in one spot. Commonly, tall server racks are installed in long rows for easy navigation and optimal floor space.
- Wire management – Server racks make cable management easier. With an organized server rack, tons of powerful essential wires can efficiently perform at once. Well-managed wires also improve workplace safety.
- Efficient cooling – IT equipment often runs hot because of how many tasks they are running. Server racks are structured to maximize airflow that keeps this substantial hardware cool, reducing the risk of a data center outage.
- Security – Server racks offer an added layer of security because they are often supplied with locks. Their sturdy metal composure and locks curtail any unwarranted or unauthorized access. Doors on server racks prohibit accidental interactions that could cause data loss issues.
Choose the Right Type of Rack
Because server racks are so critical to data centers functioning properly, it is especially important to consider which type of rack best suits the data center. There are numerous server rack designs to choose from on the tech market, designed to suit various sized and shaped equipment. These designs fall into three primary categories of server racks.
The Three Primary Types of Racks
- Open frame racks – Open frame racks do no have walls or doors. They are merely a frame for containing servers and other IT equipment. This type of rack is beneficial for buildings that require easy and frequent access to the servers. They do not, however, provide physical protection against human error or unauthorized users, nor do they prioritize airflow.
- Rack enclosures – Also known as rack cabinets, enclosures have removable side panels, removable front and rear doors, and adjustable posts. Because of its ample airflow, a rack enclosure is ideal for hardware that gets especially hot and has higher wattage. High-density data centers often enlist the support of rack enclosures for their equipment.
- Wall-mount racks – As their name indicates, wall-mount racks get attached to a wall. They are convenient because they save floor space and can be placed where other server racks cannot. Since they are mounted, they typically cannot support as much weight as open frame racks or enclosures.
Server Rack Room Considerations
There is a lot of planning that goes into server rack room layouts. Certain equipment and room designs should be considered when prepping for a successful installment.
Equipment Found in a Server Rack Room
The following IT hardware and accessories can be found in a well-rounded server rack room:
- Server racks
- Computer servers
- Routers and switches
- Network cabling
- Cable management equipment
Room Design Specifications
A high-functioning server room usually has specific design aspects, including:
- Environmental control to manage temperature and humidity
- Fire suppression system
- Physical security
- Abundant power sources
Separate the Rack From Employees
If your data center allows, it is best to locate server racks away from employees. When workers and equipment are in proximity, the risk of hardware and cables getting bumped or employees tripping over them increases. Not only is this a hazard to employees, but it also poses a significant risk to the costly equipment. Plus, server rack heat and noise can be aggravating for nearby employees.
Human Error and Server Racks
Human error is a common cause of data center issues. Improper or accidental interaction with server racks can lead to a major loss of important information fostered by the equipment in the rack. Fortunately, there are some useful tips for optimal server rack installation that diminish the risk of human error in your data center:
- Shield emergency “Off” buttons
- Create a proper procedure guide for working with the server rack and its equipment
- Properly label the components
- Consistency in operations
- Routine training
- Strict “no food or beverage” policy for the server rack room
Incorporating a Power Distribution Unit
A PDU, or power distribution unit, assures a clean and steady stream of electricity to the server rack. It is essential to choose a PDU that is dependable per your racks’ electricity needs. Overlooking a quality PDU may result in an unfortunate power surge for your data center.
Labels, Labels, Labels
Any time new IT materials are added to the server racks, be sure they are labeled. This will prevent equipment from being hooked up improperly and enable quick identification of tech items. When in a pinch, labels can save you lots of time.
Cable Organization Is Key
Labeling is a huge help in cable organization, but there is still more you can do in your server rack room to ensure that your server rack wires remain tidy during and after installation. Zip ties and other bundling materials are popular options for cable management.
Attempt to run the cables along the edges of the server racks’ posts when able. Neat cables make your server racks look pleasant while also decreasing the risk of equipment damage.
Plan for Growth
When having your server racks installed, consider your company’s expectations. Does your server rack room allow for more equipment should your needs expand? Can the equipment process your expected business? It may be worth investing in tech materials that account for future company growth to avoid running into further issues down the line.
Here at CableWholesale, our team of professionals strives to satisfy our customers with highly esteemed digital accessories. Our abundant inventory covers everything from 150 ft Ethernet cables to fiber optic equipment and HDMI add-ons, making it the ideal spot for your server rack accessory needs. Peruse our website to learn just how much we offer or to get in touch with one of our tech professionals for assistance.
