Server Rack Materials

Today, any business requires computing power. Arranging data centers is inevitably connected with housing large missives of high-precious networking equipment. When dealing with accommodating telecommunication hardware, each system administrator pays particular attention to the choice of server racks and cabinets. This issue is of great importance since the safety and flawless hardware functioning directly depends on the type of chosen server furniture.

Types of Server Furniture

A server rack is a set of shelves and posts, which is designed for storing multiple computing devices. They distinguish between open-rack and enclosed furniture. Each of them has its peculiarities and benefits.

Open-frame models provide sufficient air circulation to cool equipment, easy access to all operating parts and their maintenance. Such products are chosen for location in closed premises (serve rooms) since they do not protect hardware from outside effects.

The enclosed models provide enough security from unauthorized access and can be used in public places. However, due to side walls, airflow can’t pass through, which leads to improper natural ventilation, and users should resort to forced ventilation.

Most models are movable since they are equipped with casters to ensure perfect portability.

Here, shock-isolating huge cabinets are also distinguished. Such products allow transporting the entire system organized, guarantee equipment safety on the road, and prevent devices from being damaged.

Server Rack Materials

Now, let’s find out from what material racks are produced. It is obvious that server furniture must be manufactured from metal. If you still ask yourself: “why are server racks metal?”, here’re the main advantages of the material:

1. Network equipment is huge and heavy. To be able to carry and accommodate it, the construction of a server cabinet must be sturdy and reliable.

2. Enclosed models placed in public places must protect storing hardware from outside influence, i.e. be thick and reliable enough to withstand shocks and other types of impact.

3. Server furniture is usually transported or removed. Metal constructions also prevent apparatus from falling and unsteadiness.

4. Metal is quickly cooled. If a ventilation system operates properly, the body doesn’t overheat and allows the data center to function uninterruptedly under optimal conditions.

5. From the technical point of view, metal is fire-resistant and moisture-resistant material, which means that in the case of a fire or flooding, equipment will be safe and won’t break.

How Heavy are Server Racks?

To answer this question, you should note that the weight of an empty cabinet depends on its dimensions. Server racks differ in size; there are models of 4U-6U and up to 22U–42U, where U means 1.75 inches. Thus, the weight differs drastically. For example, a 19-inch 22U server cabinet with a perforated glass door weighs 50 kg. The biggest model weighs 100-110 kg.

Now, you find the answer to the question: “How heavy are server racks?”. To conclude, note that server cabinets serve as reliable storage for all sorts of computing devices. Furniture helps keep devices safe and sound and reliably protects them from all sorts of negative influences from the outside. That is why a quality metal is chosen as the material for this type of product.