Know Your Racks and Relays

A server rack is a tool used to arrange all the servers. It is unimaginable to go without them. Server racks and relay racks can be understood as the storage cabinet. They are an an integral piece of hardware equipments in a data center. A server rack is considered to house, protect and organize a variety of computer equipment. Server racks are capable holding more than just the servers. They also house network tools, patch panels, switches, rack-mount PDUs and monitors too. Server racks have a huge rack space and also provide protection to such equipments.

What do server racks look like? Typically a 19-inch rack is a standardized frame or field for mounting numerous equipment modules by American standards. There are also 23-inch server racks.  Rack dimension standards are outlined in the EIA-310 specification.  Server racks can be of any height but are usually roughly 6.5 feet tall, with space at the bottom and top for cross-bracing the rack. ‘Units’ is the measurement of the racks and the servers mounted in them. One server rack unit is 1.719 inches tall and the height of the servers is calculated in rack units.

Each module has a front panel that is 19 inches broad. The width includes edges or ears that stick out on each side. These protrudes permit the module to be fixed firmly to the rack frame along with screws. Containing square-holed mounting rails in the rack allow for screw less mounting. Most server racks have four posts that allow for mounting. Rails that mount allow the equipment at the front and back to mount easily. This sort of rack will make it easier to facilitate the network by permitting inhibited access and cable management.

Mounting is an important aspect of placing the racks. Racks are mounted in rows inside a server room, data center, point of occurrence or telecom operations center. This gives superior density storeroom of computing hardware per square foot of floor space. Preserving floor space is essential, as most commercial data centers which provide space charge by space. Space is usually in terms of square foot.

Racks come with accessories which are need based. Accessories include cable trays, power strips, surge suppressors, and even fans. These are provided based on the needs for power, cooling, cabling and processing density. Server racks can be classified into 4 major types:

• Cabinets–   these are the most commonly used racks. They have an inclination or rather, a ability to merge into office décor. They come in an assortment of sizes and colours. The exterior frame of the cabinet racks is the same as other rack. It is strong and built to serve its idea. They appear like cabinets. Cooling is a major concern that needs extraordinary attention in this rack.

• Stands– rack stands are descending systems that appear like shelves. The equipment is placed equipment is positioned upon. These typically have informal designs and frequently look more like desks than server racks. Most of them usually have wheels that permit the equipment to be transported easily.

• 4-post racks– they have four vertical metal columns with holes for fastening rails that support servers. These have no doors or screens on the racks and are open to the data center. This offers improved access for cabling, upgrades, maintenance and clearance, and potentially better airflow than is accessible in a closed cabinet. Nevertheless, most find it aesthetically unappealing as the cabling and the server front plates are noticeable.

• 2-post racks (relay racks) – two post racks have a post on both side. They are designed to support telecom equipment that is usually lighter, and smaller from front to back than servers are and do not need the additional rear mounting posts for firmness.

You can find server racks and purchase them online at Server Racks Online or Rackmount Solutions.

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