How to Find the Right Server Rack Enclosure for Your Business
When people think about servers, they often think about what most people interact with when they are using a computer. However, there is actually a physical device associated with the server, and server racks are often used to store these devices. Many people might wonder what the real purposes of a server rack, and the truth is that a server rack can be very important. A server rack can be instrumental in keeping servers and other hardware organized and protected.
A server rack can be home to hardware that is responsible for a web hosting service, for example. If you want to learn more about server racks, there are certain terms that are worth knowing. There are also certain pieces of equipment that you should know about, such as a Dell half rack server, desktop computer rack, and enclosed server cabinet. You might also want to know about data center cabinet dimensions. If you know all of these terms and everything that they represent, you are more likely to be able to make a good decision when it comes to a server rack and any additional equipment that you might need that includes these terms. Once you find the right server rack, you can make sure to utilize your servers properly.
Server racks are measured in rack units abbreviated as RU or U. Each U equals 1.75 inches. Four post racks that can hold servers that are19 inches wide are the most common. Any one server rack that is between 19 and 23 inches wide can hold many different servers. The amount of servers that can be stored in these server rack enclosures can range from just over 40 to hundreds of servers.
When setting up a server room, you need to take the following into consideration when you select your server rack enclosures:
- How will you cool your equipment. Servers generate a lot of heat. This can damage it and cause other problems. The amount of heat output varies depending on what kind of equipment you use. You need to pick racks and enclosures with your strategy for keeping everything cool in mind. If you plan to put a cooling unit in the server rack enclosure, it can be fully sealed. If you need air flow, you will need a server enclosure that is perforated to allow the air in and out.
- What are your plans for power? You can go with standard power strips that can be mounted behind server rack enclosures. They can give important data on fuse status and power usage. The main drawback is they need to be managed manually. Newer intelligent strips give all of that information but can be managed remotely. Systems administrators can also manage a variety of functions such as rebooting the system from anywhere. Being able to take care of the server from any place where they can connect to the internet allows businesses to avoid downtime.
- Think about the size you need. When considering the sizes of various server rack enclosures, do not just look at the equipment you have today but try to think about what you are going to need. The chances are that your server needs will only grow. You need to consider the accessories that accompany any serve, too. Your best bet is to go with something bigger than what you think you need. If cost is an issue, you might want to consider buying a used server rack cabinet.
- Consider your security needs. One of the most important benefits of good server rack enclosures is the security they provide. It is much easier to tamper with a server that is out in the open and not locked in a server enclosure. The most secure server enclosures are those that lock in the front and the back. You can get racks with smart card access and there is other technology you can purchase that allows the system administrator to monitor different aspects of the environment in the enclosure.
- Design your rack for your needs. Do you have specific requirements for your shelving? What kind of panels do you want on the top and sides? You can specify what vents and other openings are in the panels so that your specific needs are met.
Protecting your server from tampering is one important feature of any rack enclosure but so is keeping everything neatly together. If you do some research, you should be able to get a decent rack enclosure that meets all of your company’s needs.