A telecommunication system is a set of multipurpose apparatus and accessories designed to work as a single unit to perform a certain range of functions. When creating server rooms or data centers, each system administrator faces the necessity to accommodate hundreds of network devices somehow. For this purpose, special furniture is manufactured.
Types of Server Furniture
The modern market offers a wide assortment of server furniture that can house equipment of any size and purpose. They distinguish two main classes of server goods. These are open-frame racks and enclosed cabinets. Products of both classes are of different sizes, designs, and fields of application. According to the type of installation, wall-mounted and floor-standing models are distinguished. A wide catalog of models is offered on Sysracks.com.
Functions
Any server furniture is used to store high-precious network hardware providing optimal conditions for equipment operation. Open racks are perfect in terms of system ventilation since they provide boundless air circulation. Enclosed models are characterized by a high level of security since they have sidewalls and lockable doors.
Benefits
Server furniture has the following advantages:
- Allows achieving the best ergonomics in the premises since models can accommodate hundreds of devices and accessories;
- Simplify maintenance and provide free access to functioning parts due to an open construction (racks) or removable sidewalls (cabinets);
- Open-frame goods guarantee sufficient hardware cooling due to lack of side panels and free airflow;
- Enclosed models protect expensive computing devices from accidental damage or unauthorized access;
- Products are easy to assemble and disassemble.
Key Server Rack Components
All products are manufactured from quality durable metal to ensure body rigidity and long service life. Any product has two main server rack components:
- a frame;
- mounting rails.
The frame can have 2 or 4 posts. Enclosed models have 4 vertical posts, while open racks of two types are produced. On the posts of open-frame racks, special holes are made. They are designed for fastening hardware.
Mounting rails allow putting shelves inside products and putting additional equipment on them. Thus, easy and convenient access to all sides is achieved.
Types of Apparatus Stored in Server Furniture
Now, let’s see what to put in the server rack. The following apparatus is found inside models:
- Servers
The device is the core of any system. It is the brain and the heart of any computing system. Several devices (or even dozens of them) are stored in one cabinet. The server performs a wide range of tasks, including datum storage, generating results of computing algorithms, transmitting information, etc. It runs the whole system.
- Switches
A network switch is an electronic device that connects multiple computers and/or other digital devices in a local network and allows them to exchange data.
When building local networks, it is necessary to provide the ability to quickly switch active network equipment with computer ports. Patch panels serve as an indispensable component of a structured cabling system.
- Routers
The component plays an important role in networking by connecting various entities within a corporate network, providing redundant routes, and allowing ISPs to communicate on the Internet. Routers can also act as converters between different protocols and media.
- Storage devices
Reliable data storage is a task that every business has to solve. As the volume of information increases, so do the requirements for the reliability of data storage. A data storage system is a device for storing and managing data, as well as its backup. The main components of a typical storage system are an array of hard drives (HDD or SSD), cache memory, a disk array controller, an external enclosure, and several power supplies.
These are four main and indispensable components. They are present in any functioning system. Additionally, system administrators can connect supporting parts.
Server Cabinet Accessories
Additionally, a set of server rack accessories can be housed in the cabinet:
- blanking panels;
This is an all-metal plate that is fixed on cabinet panels. The main advantage of this tool is the ability to remove the plug anytime and free up space for equipment on vertical rails. When the hole is not needed, it is closed with a blanking panel and prevents the inside of the cabinet with stored devices from entering dust.
- cable management system;
A large computing system can total hundreds of interconnected devices. They are connected with each other with wires. Thus, one system has bunches of hundreds of cables. Thus, they should be managed somehow. Ties, markers, and rings are used to attach bunches of routing cables and avoid tangles.
- shelves;
Hardware should be installed inside cabinets somehow. Shelves are used to mount devices and allocate equipment on different levels. Three types of shelves are widely used in server cabinets: sliding, fixed, depth-adjustable.
- ventilation fans;
These are indispensable accessories that are responsible for maintaining an optimal environment inside cabinets. Devices heat well during performance. Thus, it is essential to cool them to avoid overheating.
Common Mistakes upon Filling Server Furniture
- Build from the ground
Each model is designed for a certain weight capacity. Thus, before accommodating devices, it is recommended to create a layout and check how devices will be placed to achieve better weight allocation. Otherwise, the rack can tip over.
- Strip a rack hole
Nowadays, they distinguish between square and threaded holes. Most racks use square ones. It is more difficult to find suitable cage nuts for such holes. However, if you strip them, you won’t be able to undo holes, and racks will be spoiled forever.
- Do not use cable management accessories
The difference between an experienced and unskilled system administrator is that the first one realizes the importance of applying cable management solutions when designing server racks. Wire labeling, coloring, or bundling will help keep cables organized.
- Do not have enough cage nuts
As was mentioned above, cage nuts are a problem for a server administrator since modern products are supplied without them. Customers should search for, pick, and buy nuts themselves. Thus, if you manage to find suitable nuts, buy a bit more to ensure replacing parts.
Server systems are separate worlds. Different types of hardware are stored inside server cabinets. Depending on the set tasks, the size of the system and the required equipment differ. Yet, each of them needs servers, switches, and routers. A set of accessories allows keeping devices in order and ensuring their smooth functioning. Before arranging hardware inside racks, study some tips to avoid common mistakes.