Interested in getting a Server Rack?
In Singapore, Server racks are designed and built to house servers (like HP, Dell, Lenovo and IBM) , computers, monitors, network equipment (like network switches, router, firewall , UPS, NAS, KVM switches, patch panels)
In Singapore, the most common server rack is the 42U 19 inch Server Rack Cabinet.
It is important to know the server rack’s specification or dimension as a server like IBM can only mount in a server rack with a depth of 1000mm. Besides that, you also need to know how many shelves to buy to house the unmountable network equipment.
Most Server racks do not come with any installation guide. But, as a good practice, it is good to remove all front and back door and the 2 side panels before you start mounting servers in the server rack. Some rack mount equipment may not come standard with railing kit. You may have to purchase it separately.
Why we should consider to buy new Server Rack ?
Some people like to buy new and some people are happy to settle with a used or 2nd hand server rack.
-
Fans are no longer working and need to be replaced (estimated cost – $200-$300)
-
Cost of Relocation of the Bulky Server Rack (estimated cost – $100-$150)
-
Potential slight damage to the server rack that could produce loud vibrations due to the high speed rotational fan.
Why do we need to know before buying a Server rack?
Criteria to consider when choosing a suitable server rack
-
Height of Server Rack (For better scalability, it is better to buy at least 42U)
-
Depth of Server Rack (All Lenovo/IBM Rack Mount Servers need 1000mm)
-
Security Front Door – Glass, Perforated
-
Type of Security Lock
-
Temperature – Air Flow
-
Server Rack Design
-
Easy Access to replace fans (need to replace 2-5 years depends on environment)
-
Easy Access to rack mount equipment for troubleshooting
Server racks are an extremely important component of any network. Quite often server racks are overlooked as categorized under office furniture or just ‘another piece of hardware’ or shelving. Server racks are used in a variety of industries such as computers/technology, manufacturing, finance/banking, medical and almost any corporate setting that could benefit from vertical storage of equipment and also save valuable floor space and add a professional appearance to your facility. Finding the right server racks can increase the security, protection, and ease of management of any network.
Server racks can typically be adapted with adjustable shelves and other components to hold and protect your specific equipment and also be custom ordered and built to your exact specifications. Server racks come in a wide variety of preconfigured design, shapes, and sizes. Some options might include features such as power / surge strips, casters, glass doors, and fans.
Once you have a good understanding of your requirements, you can shop and compare server racks according to the following features:
Features and Functionality
The first place to start when finding the right server racks for your company is to determine what your needs are first, and then find the server rack or racks that will fulfill those needs.
Consider how many pieces of equipment will be housed in the server rack(s) , consider the equipment that you need to install, consider the power requirements for those components, consider the manner that the equipment will be connected to each other and the network, consider the aesthetics requirements, consider your security needs and concerns, consider your budget and last but not least consider any additional needs or requirements that you might have in the future.
42U 19″ Server Rack Cabinet (800 x 1100) – Closed Doors
42U 19″ Server Rack Cabinet (800 x 1100) – Open Doors
Server Rack Size/Capacity
One of the most important considerations, not only to make sure that the server rack has the right dimensions (depth, width, and height) but also how the server racks will fit into the operating environment. This means checking the overall (outside) dimensions and the usable (inside) dimensions .
You’ll want to determine if desktop, freestanding or wall-mounted server racks will work best for your equipment and environment, although most server racks that house more than one server are generally freestanding.
Check the weight capacity of the server rack to make sure it will work for your anticipated network equipment load.
22U 19″ Server Rack Cabinet (600 x 1000) – Closed Doors
22U 19″ Server Rack Cabinet (600 x 1000) – Side View
Server Rack Security
Server rack security comes in many forms and options. In their least secure form, server racks are just frames and offer no additional barriers to the equipment.
In their most secure form, server racks are fully protected with four-sided doors/panels and multiple locks. Many fully secure server racks are equipped with a tempered,front smoked-glass locking door, providing you with both security and easy viewing access. Server racks with locked side panels that are easily removable,add security and an additional means of equipment access.
You can also get server racks within a medium level of security range (e.g., server racks with four screened panels).
The choice for what level of security you need depends on what potential threats to your network equipment you perceive and predict. You may find that completely secure server racks are a better value than some of the less secure alternatives.
Server Rack Configuration
Planning your server rack purchase requires you to consider how the equipment needs to be connected, which in turn impacts how the server racks will need to be configured.
Server racks come with varying levels of adaptability and accessories (i.e.fans, vertical rails, shelves, power strips etc.) so you’ll want to make sure that the server rack is customizable for your needs.
Server Rack Accessories
After deciding the right server rack, the next part is to decide which the additional accessories to buy. The common accessories are
- Fixed Tray
- Keyboard Tray
- Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
- Simple KVM Switch
- IP KVM Switch
- Uninterrupted Power System (UPS)
Server Rack – Universal Power Distribution Unit (PDU) 15-Port UK Socket Output 13A
Server Rack Keyboard Tray
Server Rack – Fixed Tray
Server Rack – 19in 6 port UK Socket Output C14 Connector