Sorting Out the Best Server Rack for Your Office or Small Biz
If you’re like me, working as an IT bloke in Hamilton, you’d know that having a well-oiled, trustworthy and efficient network system is like the backbone for any modern office or small business. A big part of this is the server rack. So, what’s a server rack, why do you need it, and how do you suss out the right one? In this all-in-one guide, we’ll kōrero about these pātai and more.
What’s a Server Rack?
A server rack, or a rack-mounted server, is a computer used as a server that’s designed to slot into a framework — that’s your rack. This rack has multiple slots or ‘bays’ each designed to snugly hold a hardware unit, all locked in with screws.
We measure server racks in rack units (shortened to RU). Each RU is 1.75 inches, and we use this to figure out how much room a piece of gear will need in a server rack.
Server racks are mainly used for storing servers, switches, routers, patch panels, and other network equipment. They keep everything tidy and allow for better air flow, which is a plus for the lifespan of your hardware.
How to Pick the Right Server Rack
There’s a few things to think about when you’re looking to get a server rack.
Size: Server racks come in all shapes and sizes. The right size depends on what you need now, and what you reckon you might need in the future. Full-height racks have heaps of room, usually between 42 to 48 RU, and are choice for businesses that reckon they’ll grow their IT resources. Half-height racks, or mid-mount racks, are about half the height and offer 18 to 22 RU — these are perfect for smaller businesses with not so much server equipment.
Mounting: You can choose between floor-mounted and wall-mounted racks. Floor-mounted racks are usually bigger and are used when you’ve got lots of servers and network equipment. Wall-mounted racks are usually smaller and are great if you’re a bit short on space.
Environment: Think about where the rack is going to go. Do you have a dedicated server room with climate control? If not, you might need to look at a rack with built-in cooling systems or soundproofing features.
Security: Depending on how sensitive your data is, you might want a server rack that can be locked to keep any unwanted visitors out.
Scalability: Your server rack should be able to handle future growth. Even if you’ve only got a few servers now, think about how your business might grow and whether you’ll need more space down the track.
Accessibility: Make sure your server rack is easy to get to for maintenance. Also, think about whether there’s enough room for cabling and other accessories.
Load Capacity: Check out the weight of your servers and other network equipment to make sure the rack can handle it.
Different Types of Server Racks
Full-Height Racks: Also known as a 42U rack, these are the standard for data centres and bigger businesses. They’ve got heaps of storage capacity and cooling efficiency but need a fair bit of floor space.
Half-Height Racks: These are great for small to medium businesses with fewer servers and network gear. They’re compact and don’t take up much room but have less storage capacity compared to full-height racks.
Wall-Mounted Racks: These racks go on the wall and are great for businesses that don’t have a lot of floor space. They’re usually smaller and might not fit bigger equipment.
Floor-Mounted Racks: These are the big ones, great for businesses with a dedicated server room. They can hold heaps of servers and other network gear.
Getting the right server rack is a crucial decision, and it can make a big difference to the efficiency and running of your office or small business’s network infrastructure. Here’s some extra stuff to think about when you’re making your choice:
Cooling and Ventilation: Servers can pump out a fair bit of heat when they’re running. If they’re not cooled properly, this heat can lead to gear failing and data being lost. So, make sure the server rack you choose has got good ventilation, whether it’s passive (like vent holes or open architecture) or active (like built-in fans or air con units).
Cable Management: Keeping your cables sorted is important for functionality and for making everything look neat and tidy. Racks with built-in cable management can help keep your cables organized and easy to follow, which can help stop them from getting tangled or connected wrong.
Noise Reduction: Depending on where your server rack is, noise could be a problem. If your server rack is near workspaces, think about getting a server rack that’s designed to keep the noise down.
Assembly and Maintenance: Think about how easy the server rack is to put together and maintain. Does it come pre-assembled or do you have to put it together yourself? Does it have removable panels or doors that make it easy to get to your gear for maintenance and upgrades?
Standards and Compliance: Check that the server rack sticks to industry standards. For example, the EIA-310 is a specification for data racks and cabinets. Sticking to these standards means that your rack will be able to work with gear from different manufacturers.
When you’re picking your server rack, remember that the goal is to protect your investment in network gear, make the best use of space, and keep everything running smoothly. By understanding what you need now and what you might need in the future, you can pick a server rack that will serve your business well for years to come.
