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About 19-inch network cabinets
Network cabinets are also known as "rack" in the electronics and electrical engineering sector. The terms "server rack" and "server cabinet" refer to similar equipment, but indicate a slightly different use. Network cabinets are the ideal hub for medium to large networks. They facilitate proper cabling...
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What was network cabinets and what are they suitable for?
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Buying Criteria for Network Cabinets
What was network cabinets and what are they suitable for?
Network cabinets are also known as "rack" in the electronics and electrical engineering sector. The terms "server rack" and "server cabinet" refer to similar equipment, but indicate a slightly different use. Network cabinets are the ideal hub for medium to large networks. They facilitate proper cabling, provide visibility, and enable rapid fault diagnosis and problem-free replacement of failed components in the event of a problem. In addition, racks protect the components from dust and vibration.
Racks are available in various sizes and height units (HE), with and without lockable door and glass panel. The HE data determine the height within the cabinet. The more HE, the more space the cabinet offers for components and cable management. Accessories such as power strips, equipment shelves, blanking panels, cable guides, and front panels can be used to fully exploit the potential of a rack.
The difference between server and server cabinet
Server cabinets have been designed to provide optimum air circulation in the interior. This efficiently dissipates the waste heat generated. The door with holes is central to this function. Network cabinets, on the other hand, have tight and lockable doors, which optionally have a glass window.
The design of server cabinets is designed for high loads. This is especially useful when many active devices are installed in a high packing density. In order to have space for all standardized server variants, a minimum depth of 1000 mm should not be undercut for server cabinets. Network cabinets have an average depth of 800 mm. Both variants are usually made of steel.
Network stands and distribution frame
Network stands have a modular, open structure. It enables flexible mounting options for almost any profile. In order to guarantee large carrying loads, network stands are made of steel. Usually, network stands are delivered unassembled, was a significant cost saving. The open network and server applications are used in environments that require frequent and fast access to the built-in components. In addition, the open nature of the network stands limits the application area to as dust-free zones as possible. These include laboratories and data centers.
PC cabinet
Robust PC cases are particularly suitable for areas with high dust contamination and humidity (for example in workshop environments) and for places with access controls. The framed security doors with lock prevent unauthorized access. In addition, the PC cabinet housing has better withstand mechanical loads than conventional PC housings. Important selection criteria for PC cabinets are the IP-certified protection class, air circulation and space inside.
Buying Criteria for Network Cabinets
In the Conrad online shop you will find a wide range of high-quality network and server cabinets. The following characteristic values can be used to limit the selection.
1. What types of devices are used?
The devices to be installed are an important purchase criterion. A server needs more space than other devices. A total depth of at least 1000 mm is recommended for integrating a server into a 19" server cabinet.
2. How is the cabinet mounted and used?
In view of the many application areas, one has to choose between a standing cabinet and a wall housing. Standing cabinets as network cabinets usually have a depth of 800 mm, whereas server cabinets have a depth of 1000 mm. A base provides optimum support for hohem cable volumes. For conventional projects, the standard size of 42 U has prevailed, was about 2 meters. Wall housings are well suited for smaller installations and for distributed distribution of network cables or can be used as a supplement.
3. What is the space requirement?
The space requirement can be calculated using the determination of all components. Are WLAN access points installed? How many devices are connected? Is a central data storage used for media and linked to the network? These and other questions will help you to select the required height units.
Network installations require many cables, so a patch panel is recommended for correct and proper installation. The components should be sufficiently spaced to provide sufficient air and access.
4. Where is the server cabinet located?
The installation site is extremely important for a correct and optimal functioning of the cabinet. Network and server cabinets must be easily accessible from all sides. This allows central cable routing. The ambient temperatures also play a role in the correct location selection: If there are several cabinets in a room, it should be air-conditioned to avoid overheating.
5. What security measures are important?
Special cabinet monitoring systems control, for example, the development of moisture, provide information on fire hazards and deny access to third parties. Such systems usually have an option for remote control via smartphones, the Internet or the company network.
An EMC cabinet has a very high electromagnetic compatibility. It seals the components against interference signals and at the same time prevents the emitted interference signals from reaching the outside. This variant is particularly important in highly sensitive areas of information technology. To prevent condensation, a server cabinet should be rated at least IP54.
6. Glass door or perforated door?
For equipment that dissipates a lot of heat, network cabinets with perforated doors are ideal. The perforated door unit ensures heat dissipation and sufficient air circulation in the cabinet itself Glass doors, on the other hand, are suitable for better sound insulation.
7. Cabinet cooling
In-rack fans and roof fans are suitable for regulating the temperatures. At very high temperatures, a cabinet air conditioner can be used to help. Cooling with air and water heat exchangers is most effective. The advantage: The heat is dissipated where it is produced. This results in an evenly distributed air flow in the rack.