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What Network Cabinet Accessories to Choose?

If you manage a network, chances are you need network cabinet accessories. But with all the choices out there, it can be hard to decide which ones are right for you. This blog post will help you sort through the options and choose the best network cabinet accessories for your needs. It will cover things like cable management, security, and environmental controls. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for when shopping for network cabinet accessories.

Server racks serve as a supporting structure for network equipment. Its basic parts include mounting rails and the main frame. However, additional accessories are used to elevate server racks from basic structural units to highly functional data center infrastructure.

Supplementary server rack accessories perform several important tasks:

  • support active and passive hardware and tools;
  • improve system functionality;
  • provide improved space use;
  • keep the system in order;
  • simplify maintenance.

The application of additional tools for server system organization will also help achieve better ergonomics and speed up maintenance. Although an open-frame server rack stands as a secure and convenient furniture piece for IT equipment accommodation and storage, supplementary accessories help make the system more functional.

When it comes to choosing the right accessories for your network cabinet, one of the most important decisions is what size rack to get. The most common rack size is 27U, which is ideal for most small to medium businesses. 27U racks provide plenty of space for all of your networking equipment, while still being small enough to fit in a closet or other small space. If you have a larger business, you may need a bigger rack, but for most businesses, 27U is the perfect size.

Server Rack Accessories List

The following server cabinet accessories will come in handy and help system administrators to arrange a network system properly.

1. Ethernet cables

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The IT industry distinguishes between different types of cable. Although all wires seem the same for unskilled people, IT specialists know the difference between different categories of cords, like CAT5, CAT6a, CAT5e, etc. Cables are labeled for particular reasons since such marking is standardized and means that wires meet particular requirements and are suitable for a specific application. If cords are selected improperly, it can lead to malfunction. That is why system administrators should choose suitable wires to ensure the smooth and durable operation of all components.

2. Patch panel

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Structurally, a patch panel is a set of RJ45 ports combined together on one chassis or bar. These network rack accessories act as a kind of switchboard allowing users to interconnect devices with different types of connectors (LAN/WAN) and get easy and quick access to active hardware.

3. Cable management

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Nowadays, server systems are characterized by high density. The number of components and units in some of them can reach several thousand. Wires are used to interconnect different units and organize the system as a single functioning structure, as well as power hardware. Thus, the number of cables is just huge. Proper cable management allows keeping cords in order and preventing tangling and rapture. Special vertical and horizontal boxes and cases, hoops, and ties are used to make bundles of wires and fix them to server cabinet uprights.

Even if cords are damaged or need maintenance, the staff will quickly identify the needed cable and quickly replace it, reducing downtime.

4. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

This useful device prevents datum loss in the case of power surges and main power source disabling. Due to this device, computers and other active components keep running for a certain period when the main source does not feed the system. This is essential for all businesses since it reduces downtime and protects companies from data loss.

5. Power distribution unit (PDU)

This is a set of outputs on one chassis, which allocates electric power between all connected devices and ensures sufficient feeding of all components. The tool stands as a useful one in server cabinets since it provides effective use of electricity and distributes the needed amount of power to each unit, which prevents breaks due to power surges.

6. Data cabinet shelves

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The main frame of server cabinets includes vertical upright and mounting chassis. However, not all equipment can be fastened to them. Thus, shelves are used to accommodate non-fastened devices. They can be fixed and sliding ones to ensure improved maintenance.

7. Fan trays and blanking panels

Server rack cooling is an essential issue for every system due to increased heat emission during operation of the hardware. Fan trays are usually installed on top of cabinets or inside them to guarantee the extraction of excess heat.

The ideal temperature for a server room is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If the room is too hot or too cold, it can negatively affect the server equipment and lead to decreased performance or even damage.

What is the difference between a rack server and a blade server?

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Rack servers are the most common type of server. They’re easy to set up and use, and they’re very versatile. You can use them for a wide variety of applications, including web hosting, file sharing, email, and more. Rack servers are also relatively affordable, which makes them a good option for small businesses.

Blade servers are less common than rack servers, but they offer some advantages over their counterparts. Blade servers are much more compact, which makes them ideal for data centers with limited space. They’re also more energy-efficient than rack servers, which can save you money in the long run. However, blade servers can be more expensive upfront, so they may not be the best option for small businesses on a budget.

Blanking panels are plastic pieces that are used to plug unused holes. Enclosures have specialized slots for cable routing, fan installation, etc. However, not all of them are used at once. If you have unused slots, plug them in with blanking panels. This step will help arrange and maintain the optimal environment inside a cabinet. Otherwise, outside air will penetrate the enclosure through these unused holes and disorganize the created ventilation strategy.

A wide range of data cabinet accessories offered on the market are used to simplify and improve the process of server system arrangement. Specialists have all the needed tools to make their network systems functional, comfortable for maintenance and durable. The use of the above-mentioned tools will help ensure the smooth and uninterruptable running of IT hardware.