How to Choose Server Racks for Home Office or Small Business?

Data centers are the most common place for server furniture installation. However, sometimes system administrators do not have separate premises for IT hardware accommodation. When we talk about small systems and compact rooms, it is necessary to know how to select furniture correctly to provide the best ergonomics and ensure reliable equipment storage.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide variety of models of various sizes and constructions. Furniture pieces are produced for different purposes, numbers of components, and installation places. Yet, in order to find a suitable model, specialists should consider diverse criteria.

Checklist for Choosing Network Racks for Home Office

If you plan to arrange a network system and need a small business network rack, make sure to check the following parameters:

Construction Type

According to the type of enclosure, manufacturers produce open-frame racks and enclosed boxes. Open-frame models have 4 or 2 vertical uprights made of thick metal. Hardware is fastened to these posts using specialized dowels and fasteners. Such constructions are beneficial due to the next features:

• unhindered air circulation. The absence of side panels allows the air to freely go through performing devices and cool down apparatus.
• easy access and maintenance. The staff easily reaches all components since no side panels are provided by the construction.

Enclosed models have solid bodies with doors and walls. They look like metal boxes with perforated sides. Such constructions have the following benefits:

• increased security. Solid enclosures reliably protect equipment from damages (both accidental and intentional) and environmental factors (dust, temperature changes, and humidity).
• easy movability without system disassembly.

According to another classification, server furniture falls into wall mount and freestanding. The first group of furniture is perfect exactly for home offices and small businesses, while huge freestanding cabinets are suitable for spacious data centers.

Wall models save floor space and ensure better ergonomics, while freestanding furniture accommodates bigger systems.

Size of Rack: Dimensions                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Server furniture differs and greatly varies in size. There is a great diversity of models, starting from compact enclosures for wall fastening up to huge floor boxes.

When picking a suitable small server rack for home office and assessing the needed size, make sure to consider the next dimensions:

• width (devices must match the rack’s width to be placed inside);
• depth (the parameter is adjustable since the rear side is usually movable and customizable);
• height (here, it is necessary to calculate the heights of all devices and add them).

At this stage, it is advisable to make a layout. In this case, it will be easier to calculate server furniture of the required dimensions.

Here, also note that equipment is placed loosely in cabinets. Too tight accommodation will lead to heat exchange and, subsequently, overheating. Make sure to leave enough space between components. Also, space is left for cable management and further extension.

Conclusion

If you have a small business or planning to arrange a home office, you need a compact cabinet. When picking a home office network rack, security and an installation type are key points. Wall mount or desktop models are the best choices for you. It is possible to fasten furniture to the wall to prevent unauthorized access of children or animals and avoid damage. The modern market offers a greave variety of models. Thus, it is possible to select a suitable rack for any room size, the amount of components, and purposes.