An open-frame server rack is a large group of furniture for data centers and server rooms, which allows accommodating a lot of equipment. Its type of construction consists of 2 or 4 vertical posts with special holes for hardware mounting. The standard server rack has a 19″ front panel and three standard widths: 19″, 23″, and 24″.
This kind of server furniture is ideal for closed premises, the access to which is limitedsince racks have an open-frame design and can’t protect hardware from unauthorized use and being damaged from the outside.
Server Rack Benefits
Despite the above-mentioned flaws, the design features of the rack determine the following advantages:
- Perfect air circulation and natural ventilation. Sidewalls do not prevent the air from entering the rack. The air passes through functioning devices cooling them and maintaining optimal temperature conditions. Network hardware is responsible for datumstorage and processing. Any change in the environment can cause its operation and lead to failure.
- Ease of access and ease of maintenance due to the absence of side panels. The maintenance staff can easily get the required device from each side.
- Compact design. They take less space in data centers than bulky enclosed cabinets.
- Lightweightin comparison with enclosed cabinets; all server furniture is produced from high-quality metal sheets to ensure construction rigidity. However, since no side panels are provided, server racks are less heavy.
- Easier cable routing. An open-frame design provides more opportunities for laying and managing wires and cords.
- Lower cost if compared to closed cabinets. Due to the amount of used materials and features of the technological process, racks are cheaper.
- Mobility. Racks can be quickly disassembled and transported.
If you need aserver rack, you’ll find a wide catalog of models on https://sysracks.com/catalog/2-post-open-frame-network-server-rack/. Experienced managers will help pick a suitable product.
However, note that no additional accessories are provided in the rack. Users should buy all the shelves, fasteners, and kits separately.
TOP-6 Accessories for Open-Frame Server Furniture
The below-mentioned tools will help improve rack operation and provide additional opportunities for better use and mounting.
- Side panel kits
Although racks have open-frame designs, it is possible to attach side panels to them. Such network rack accessoriesallow controlling and directing airflow and preventing equipment from pollution with debris and dust. Also, such accessories can secure equipment from damage. You can find panels for models of 16U up to 58U. Note that these panels are non-locking.
- Air dams
This accessory is a part of a ventilation system that prevents air from flowing back through the air dust after the system is turned off. This detail is not the main one in the system, but it also plays an important role.
The essence of the operation of the air damper is to close the valves attached to the axis on which they rotate after the system is turned off. This allows users to maintain the optimal level of airflow and manage natural ventilation.
- Rack top kits
Similar to the side panels, you can also install protective panels on top of the rack. These data cabinet accessoriesare metal constructions that are designed to protect functioning devices from dust and other pollutants flying in the air. Top panels have special holes for cable routing. Panels are produced in three dimensions to fit standard widths of server furniture.
- Vertical cable management bars
The issue of cable routing inside the cabinet is a crucial one since dozens or even hundreds of cords can enter the rack. Cable bars allow managing them and avoiding tangling. These are long bars with special fasteners (zip ties, hook-and-loop straps) for laying and fixing wires. They are installed along with posts. Network cabinet accessories of two depths (5” and 11”) are available.
- Caster kits
Racks are usually installed in large data centers. They house heavy equipment, and their carrying capacity can reach 200-400 kg. It is problematic to move such constructions. Thus, system administrators can buy caster kits to make racks movable. Wheels are durable and produced from quality materials to withstand high loads.
- Button mount adapter
Such server cabinet accessories allow simplifying and speeding up the installation process. It is easy to use the tool upon device fastening. The accessory helps to support devices when they mount equipment.
Server racks are a popular solution for data centers. To make the operating process even more comfortable and easy, a number of accessories can be used. All the mentioned tools are designed to make server racks even more functional and efficient. Accessories will help cope with installation, disassemble, and maintenance easily and quickly.
