Network systems are the “brains” of every modern business. Sets of computing equipment are responsible for storing client data, processing complicated tasks, and dealing with other strategic information. Thus, they stand as the most valuable business issues. The case of sudden malfunction or downtime may result in the loss of reputation and money for a business.
What can cause hardware malfunction? While being highly productive, devices are also vulnerable to all sorts of climatic and human impacts. Thus, even a slight temperature change can lead to hardware breaking. A proper network cabinet layout helps prevent the following potential threats:
- insufficient space allocation;
- equipment overheating;
- spaghetti from cables;
- wrong airflow direction;
- dust settlement.
It is possible to cope with all these threats in advance and guarantee a smooth and secure operation. Thus, the process is very important and requires due attention.
Issues to Consider When Developing Server Cabinet Layout
A server rack equipment layout is an excellent visualization tool that helps technicians design the best hardware accommodation in cabinets and foresee many problems. A 3D layout is the best technique to visualize a future IT system and identify weak points. If you’re going to create a template for a future system setup, make sure to keep in mind the following parameters.
Rack Dimensions
First of all, you should define the required size of a server cabinet to accommodate your network system. To pick the best option, technicians calculate the sizes of equipment and create an approximate draft of their allocation.
Make sure that the bulkiest equipment fits its depth and height. When calculating the height, remember that it is measured in U (1U = 1,75 inches).
Location
Decide on where you want to mount the cabinet. Do you have a floor-standing construction? Is it possible to attach the cabinet to the wall and save floor space?
- floor-standing models are bulky and are ideal for large data centers;
- wall-mount frameworks are perfect for small premises and can carry small systems.
Depending on your system size, find a suitable location.
Cooling and ventilation
Consider the environment both inside the premises and cabinets. IT hardware is vulnerable to climatic changes. Any rise or fall of humidity or temperature causes equipment malfunction:
- too high humidity results in rusting and condensation;
- too low humidity leads to static charge accumulation;
- too high a temperature causes overheating.
When creating the optimal environment in data centers, technicians must create and consider a map of hot and cold aisles. The map helps achieve the best server room rack layout. Forced air circulation tools (fans) are used to create optimal climatic conditions inside cabinets.
Health & Safety
A smooth system performance is achieved due to uninterruptible and secure communication between units. Thus, make sure that all cords and accessories are in good condition and do not have damage.
Rack Layout
When placing devices in cabinets, take into account two important remarks:
- leave extra space for wire routing;
- find a place for fan mounting;
- leave a free place for future expansion.
Loose placement is an obligatory requirement for IT systems to ensure efficient cooling and free air circulation between devices. About a quarter or one-third part of the rack is usually left free. Judging by these factors, determine the rack size.
Cable Layout
Hardware communication is achieved due to connection with wires. The number of cords within one system can reach several hundred. Thus, server rack wire management is an essential point. Proper cable organization helps avoid tangling and accidental raptures, as well as simplifies maintenance. Moreover, tangled cords harden air circulation and slow down the airflow. A number of accessories are used to manage cords and keep them in order.
Electrical Power
Consider this issue at the stage of data rack layout planning. Find a PDU and make a map of power supply wires. Develop effective routes for optimal space use.
Fire Suppression
Examine a room and make sure that it is equipped with devices for fire suppression. Guarantee system security by installing sensors. So, you should find a place for them when allocating devices.
Temperature Monitoring
The maintenance of optimal temperature is a vital requirement for server systems. Changes lead to malfunction. Thus, think about appropriate cooling strategies and find a place for fan fastening. Also, examine the premise’s ventilation system and make sure that it’s clean and functions properly.
Security
Hardware is vulnerable and expensive. Yet, sometimes people can damage it intentionally or accidentally. Thus, provide the system with a high level of security against intruders and unintentional damages. Use locks, surveillance systems, and other security tools to monitor access to a server room.
Helpful Equipment to Organize Server Rack
A wide number of specialized accessories are provided in the industry. They will be quite helpful when arranging a server cabinet layout.
Patch Panel
These are cost-effective and space-saving solutions for server furniture. The use of such panels allows for simplifying servicing, eliminating configuration errors, and reducing costs for maintenance. Depending on the type of cords, fiber and copper patch panels are offered.
Horizontal Cable Manager
These are specialized boxes for secure and organized cable stretching. They are widely used for providing pathways between system units as well as several cabinets.
Vertical Cable Manager
These accessories are installed alongside vertical posts and provide secure cable routing to equipment. It can be used for thicker cords to connect hardware to power supplies.
Fiber Enclosure
These are additional enclosures installed inside cabinets to ensure construction rigidity and provide additional protection to devices. Such modular systems allow for quick moving, replacing, and adding components. Accessories are widely applied in systems where fiber jumper cords are used.
Cable Tie & Cable Label
These accessories are designed to simplify maintenance work. When one cable is out of service, it is difficult to identify it and find its path. Color labeling helps identify cords quickly and easily. Ties are used to organize wires and prevent them from tangling.
The process of data cabinet layout development is important and effort-consuming. Technicians should foresee many factors and design the most effective solutions. The success of this task influences equipment smoothness and system service life. Treating temperature, space allocation, cable management, and other criteria is vital. A properly developed layout secure devices from overheating, cords from tangling, and rooms from environmental violations. Maintenance specialists and system administrators use a number of accessories that help organize space inside cabinets, provide easy access to devices and reliably secure hardware.
