The selection of an IT rack can go beyond just picking the right cabinet for your gear. The size refers to both the installation and its airflow, cable management, maintenance and future expansion. A too-small rack may lead to a rapid build-up of clutter, and a too-large rack may utilise unnecessary floor or wall space.
Knowing the size of the racks before ordering any networking equipment, servers, CCTV systems or telecom hardware to mount in a rack can save a lot of trouble in businesses that deploy these systems. MTS Infonet’s products are built around standard mounting needs, including 19” rack mounting compatibility and configurations for different infrastructures.
The size of the rack is typically measured in U (rack units). A rack unit is the vertical height of one rack. Each rack unit is defined as 1.75 inches of mounting space. So, a higher U value indicates that more equipment can be erected vertically.
But the height is not the whole story. Equal importance is given to width and depth. The standard 19-inch mounting width is used for most professional IT equipment, but the depth requirement for the equipment may be different for each network switch, server, UPS, storage device, or other device.
Choose a cabinet before installing anything, measure the devices and take into consideration power connections, cables, ventilation and accessibility.
Smaller racks are beneficial in an environment where there are only a few networking or IT devices.
For smaller implementations with limited vertical clearances, a 4u rack would be suitable. It can be applicable for smaller networks, edge devices or applications where just a few units are positioned in a rack.
A 6U Rack is a relatively compact piece of equipment that offers more vertical space. This is particularly convenient if you are growing equipment but don’t need a big cabinet. Renting a slightly larger enclosure can offer space for future additions and cable management measures, without filling it up.
When infrastructure grows, it’s important to select a rack that offers extra U capacity. The 15u size rack gives significantly more vertical racking space than the compact models and offers support for a greater range of network, power and IT equipment.
The important point to remember is not to base your needs on what you have available right now. Allow space, wiring and circulation. The dense packing of equipment in a case may complicate access and may not allow for proper ventilation.
MTS Infonet’s larger floor-standing cabinets can be configured in sizes of 24U, 27U, 32U, 36U and 42U, to show how rack size can increase according to infrastructure needs.
The difference in width and depth of the two racks with the same U height can produce two different uses.
Always consult equipment manufacturer’s specifications when ordering. Verify width for mounting, minimum depth and clearance at the front and back of cabinets. Cable entry should also be taken into consideration, as should power distribution.
MTS Infonet’s rack configurations have various widths and depth sizes with top and bottom cable entry. The manufacturing products also include features and holes to facilitate air circulation around installed equipment.
The conditions under which you are going to install should also play a role. In smaller enclosures, especially when floor space is limited, a compact enclosure might be more appropriate. Larger deployments, of course, typically demand your purchase of a floor standing rack that can house more gear and offer better access for installation and maintenance.
Floor standing cabinets may offer additional installation space for equipment, cable runs and accessories. For example, MTS Infonet’s Stream Series cabinets are constructed on four vertical pillars, feature heavy-duty load capacity and come in various mounting heights and widths.
The most frequent error when choosing a rack size is purchasing it just for the existing installation. IT infrastructures never stay the same. Over time, new switches, servers, storage devices, power gear and connecting parts could be added.
It is more advisable to determine the current rack-unit requirement for the equipment, leave space for required accessories, cable management, and, most importantly, space for future expansion.
The rack should also provide adequate structural strength. MTS Infonet reports that the Stream Series cabinets are flexible and can accommodate heavy pieces of equipment with or without castors. In addition, the company also references standards such as DIN 41494, EIA-310 and IEC 60297 for its rack designs.
Before choosing your rack, check:
The right rack must not just have room for equipment. It should be supported by a structured, easy-to-use, scalable space. With these factors in mind, businesses can now choose the right rack configuration for their IT needs without sacrificing space or efficiency.
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