Furniture pieces for server rooms are special metal constructions, in which computing hardware is accommodated. Server racks are equipped with special rails, shelves, and holes to fasten and house IT devices. Portable server racks are a standard metal construction designed to house different types of equipment. Its main peculiarity is equipping enclosures with durable casters or handles to easily and freely move furniture.
Types of Portable Server Racks
According to the type of body, they distinguish between the following classes of furniture:
1. Open-frame racks
These constructions have 2 or 4 bearing vertical posts with special holes designed for mounting network equipment and accessories. A distinctive feature of such models is that their designs do not imply mounting side panels or doors. These rolling server cabinets, for more information visit this site, have the following benefits:
– Quick and easy assembly and disassembly. System administrators spend little time getting the rack prepared for operation;
– Perfect air circulation. Natural airflow freely passes through functioning devices and effectively cools them. The absence of sidewalls does not hinder the airflow;
– Easy maintenance and access to all parts of the system. The staff can access hardware from all sides, which simplifies maintenance work and saves time.
– Easy cable management. Routing cables is not hindered. System administrators can adjust wires more effectively.
As for drawbacks of such models, these include the lack of protection from environmental influences or external damage.
Thus, open-frame racks are perfect for closed data centers, access to which is limited and where all the required environmental conditions are maintained.
2. Enclosed cabinets
These models have closed designs and are equipped with side panels and doors. Their main advantages are:
– Reliable protection of the apparatus installed inside. Since the body is solid, all the accommodated devices are protected from any kind of external impact. Lockable doors and metal panels are made of high-quality, durable steel to protect equipment from unauthorized access.
– Ease of transportation. A portable rack cabinet can be moved without disassembly, while all the devices are stored inside.
Yet, an enclosure hinders the airflow. Although doors are perforated, it is not enough to cool functioning parts. The use of a forced ventilation system is required.
Such models are suitable for installation in both closed server rooms and public areas. Compact wall-mount cabinets are frequently found in offices or stores.
3. Shock isolating transportation racks
These are big solid boxes, made of thick shock-proof metal. Their enclosures are heavy and durable to withstand shocks when changing locations. Bodies are equipped with both massive handles and high-load wheels to move and transport devices securely. The main perks of such furniture pieces are:
- Transportation of devices for long distances without the need to disassemble systems;
- The highest level of protection against intentional damage, shocks, or weather changes;
- The ability to carry a great amount of equipment in one portable server rack.
Such models are used in huge data centers and support hardware when relocating.
Reasons to Select Portable Models of Server Furniture
- Portability is the first and main one. Such cabinets are designed for moving and relocating by their constructions. Their bodies have all the necessary accessories for moving furniture. These are handles and wheels. Durable metal is used to ensure safety on the road.
- Proper space allocation. Portable models imply distributing load so that equipment does not damage on the road. Rails and mounting holes are optimally allocated.
- Ease of maintenance. Side panels and doors are usually removable. Most racks have options for remote control.
- Heat exchange. Enclosed models imply further mounting of a forced ventilation system via designed technological holes. Open-frame racks provide sufficient cooling with natural air.
- Furniture capacity. Furniture pieces of different dimensions are offered on the modern market. The size of cabinets differs significantly; it starts from small 2U or 4U cabinets and reaches up to 44U and 48U boxes.
- Ease of part mounting and cable routing. Enclosed cabinets have special holes for wiring cables.
A Detailed Guide on how to Choose an Appropriate Model
The choice of server furniture is a responsible task that requires thorough consideration. Before you buy a server cabinet, many factors must be foreseen. So, here are our recommendations:
- Determine the amount and size of equipment being accommodated. Here, remember that hardware should be placed loosely leaving enough free space between devices. Never house them tightly.
- Measure the size of all devices and calculate the required height and depth of a future cabinet.
- Think about installation conditions. Where are you going to place it?
- How will the devices be cooled? Do you need a fan system?
It is advisable to make a layout to see how devices will be placed inside the rack and check whether all calculations are correct.
IT equipment is designed to process large volumes of data and store important information. Hardware requires a high level of protection and maintenance. From the technical side, portable models are perfect since they have all the necessary tools to transport equipment safely and avoid damage on the road.
Also read: Recover Data from Damaged Exchange Server Storage