How to Rack Mount a Server Without Rails

When arranging a server infrastructure and allocating equipment in a cabinet, a proper layout and correct fastening are of vital significance. Reliable fastening ensures the safe installation and durable support of expensive and vulnerable hardware. Thus, correct and appropriate equipment fastening plays a key role in network system operational durability.

Servers come as the main component of a network system; they serve the function of the “heart” and “brain” of the entire system at the same time. They are commonly installed in cabinets using mounting rails. This solution is beneficial due to two reasons, namely, enhanced server security and relative cost efficiency.

Rails are produced specifically for this very type of IT hardware and are equipped with all the needed holes and fasteners. For instance, chassis have holes for nuts and screws, inner rails have J-slots or keyhole slots that lock shoulder screws, and so on. Well-equipped rails serve to support heavy servers and guarantee their reliable and durable fastening. Thus, enhanced security without the risk of tipping over or slippage exists.

Cost-effectiveness comes as another reason for choosing rails. They are relatively cheap and do not require extra investments. However, alternative solutions are offered on the modern market. It’s possible to mount servers on desktops or use shelves and brackets. So, in the article, we’re going to consider how to rack mount a server without rails and in what cases this strategy is applied.

Preparing for Rack Mounting Without Rails

Setting a network infrastructure starts long before equipment housing in racks and cabinets. The arrangement of an IT system is a multi-step process that requires thorough preparation. Thus, do not hurry up to proceed to accommodate devices into furniture. Preceding steps are no less important. When getting prepared for network system setup and server mounting, make sure to go through the following steps:

1. Select the right rack. An IT infrastructure arrangement starts with searching for and choosing a suitable furniture model. The modern industry produces open-frame racks and enclosed cabinets. Furniture differs in configuration, size, and attachments. Thus, it’s possible to pick a model to any taste and need.
2. Ensure it has enough space and weight capacity. When picking an appropriate model, make sure that it’s spacious enough for your system. At this stage, it’s necessary to calculate the size correctly, design a layout, and foresee future expansion, leaving free space for the future addition of new components. The weight capacity is also important to ensure durable and reliable equipment support. So, check tech specs to make sure that cabinets and their components are capable of carrying your hardware. Never exceed permitted limits to avoid equipment breaks.
3. Gather necessary tools and materials such as brackets, screws, and support shelves. Once you’re done with the selection of a suitable furniture piece, you should pay attention to accessories and extra components for hardware fastening. Make a list of the needed components (bolts, screws, rails, shelves, etc.) and buy them in advance.

When all the needed components are ready, system technicians can proceed to set up the system and hardware installation. Note that most cabinet models include just vertical posts with or without side walls. So, users need to attach extra accessories to support hardware and improve the ergonomic use of cabinet space.

Choosing the Right Support Equipment

Although rails come as the most popular type of supporting structure, there are also alternative solutions for accommodating servers in racks and cabinets. Modern manufacturers of server furniture offer the following accessories:

1. Shelves. Shelving comes as a comfortable and cost-effective solution for server housing. These are flat surfaces for horizontal installation. They can carry different types of equipment and improve space ergonomics. You can find a wide list of shelves here. The main advantage of this accessory is the ability to improve the available space for equipment installation, which makes layouts more ergonomic. Besides, shelves can be made with tech slots for air circulation to ensure cooling.
2. Brackets. These are high-load metal constructions used to support IT hardware. They are attached to rack posts and do not have a flat surface that connects them. These accessories are excellent for carrying lightweight components that require cooling. Since they support hardware only from its sides, they have improved ventilation features, allowing the air to pass from all sides. However, the carrying capacity is limited.
3. Custom-made supports. You can also order custom-designed structures to fit your cabinets perfectly and ensure the demanded weight capacity. Custom objects are designed, taking into account the specific needs and construction peculiarities. Thus, it’s possible to design any accessory with the set characteristics, including ventilation vents, weight capacity, material, etc.

Each option has its pros and cons. To find the best solution for your case, you need to primarily consider the server’s size and weight. Make sure that it will fit the rack in height and width. Depending on the server size, horizontal and vertical mounting is possible. However, it’s also important to ensure that the weight capacity is matching to prevent falling and breaking. A detailed guide on how to pick appropriate accessories based on cabinet dimensions is provided in the article. Study all features of server furniture dimensions to choose an optimal shelf or other supports.

Step-by-Step Mounting Process

Finally, when all the preparatory procedures are done and technicians are equipped with all the tools, it’s possible to proceed to the installation process. Keep in mind that every step requires thorough consideration and precise attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Positioning the rack and ensuring stability. First of all, find a secure place for the cabinet. Observe a room and pick a suitable location. Make sure that the surface to which the cabinet is attached (wall or floor) is even and weight-resistant. Study its heating characteristics. Remember that it’s recommended to avoid placing server cabinets close to windows, heaters, and plumbing systems. It’s also recommended to study the hot and cold aisle map of the room to ensure proper cooling.
2. Mounting the rack enclosure. Use a manual to assemble the rack or cabinet correctly and ensure body durability. Start with a mounting base and move upward.
3. Installing support shelves or brackets inside the rack. Once the enclosure is assembled, attach shelves or brackets, considering the needed height and width. Use screws, bolts, and nuts to attach accessories to the rack’s uprights.
4. Securing the server on the support equipment. Note that once the server is mounted, it’s not enough to leave it as it is. It’s necessary to secure hardware by using extra accessories. For instance, anti-slippage mats are used to prevent servers from sliding and falling from shelves. Plastic threshold can also be installed to avoid tipping over.
5. Ensuring proper alignment and stability of the server. Then, make sure to check whether the server is installed evenly, paying attention to its alignment. Consider stability to prevent accidental falling and breaking.
6. Connecting power and network cables after the server is securely mounted. Finally, when it’s guaranteed that the server is installed correctly and stably, it’s time to connect it to a power unit. So, wire cables and make the required configurations to put the equipment into operation.

Ensuring Server Stability and Safety

For IT hardware, it’s critical to ensure security and stability throughout the whole period of serviceability. Any breaches of supporters or construction defects can lead to insecurity and result in breaks, which entails unexpected expenses. Moreover, the issue of server security is vital for the IT system since it comes as its heart, and the system won’t function without servers. Thus, the issue of server security is paramount for technicians. Make sure to use the following tips to ensure server security:

1. Use additional support brackets. Even if you use shelves, attach brackets to them. This strategy allows for preventing slipping, sliding, and tipping over.
2. Check weight distribution. Make sure that weight is distributed evenly on the entire surface. Weight misdistribution will lead to increased pressure on some parts, which speeds up material wear and reduces its durability and serviceability. As a result, it increases the risk of hardware falling and damage.
3. Inspect the mounted server for any signs of instability or wear regularly. Keep monitoring and examining the stability and security of servers. Maintenance works and examinations are regularly performed and recorded to define trouble points timely and eliminate them promptly.

The durability and proper functioning of network systems highly depend not only on the correct equipment allocation but also on timely maintenance and repair. Thus, the post-installation phase is no less important. Make sure to create a schedule where all checks will be allocated, and strict timing will be appointed.

Network systems are firmly rooted in our lives. We entrust a lot of procedures to AI. Business workflows with data storage, processing, and computing are not possible without digital technologies. Thus, IT systems penetrated all spheres of life, offering upgraded functionalities.

Arranging the network system is a complicated process, where it’s necessary to calculate the capacity, make a list of equipment to be used, design a layout, find furniture, etc. Servers are some of the main components of each system. However, while being valuable and expensive, they are sensitive to damage. This is why they require reliable mounting. Although mounting rails are commonly used, nowadays, alternative solutions, such as brackets and shelves, are offered for server installation. They ensure high security and better ergonomics at a reasonable cost. If you plan to use them, make sure to study the installation procedure and follow the above-mentioned guide.