The rise of digital technologies allowed humans to simplify many tasks and entrust duties to artificial intelligence. Nowadays, network systems can perfectly process large amounts of information, store datum, and make calculations. Thus, the popularity of IT systems and data centers is evident.
A mid or large-sized data center with hundreds of hardware pieces stands behind each modern business. Small businesses even arrange telecommunications systems for home offices. Here’s a reasonable question: where to store equipment since the size of some systems may total several hundred or thousand active devices?
Specialized server furniture (racks or cabinets) is designed to house all sorts of IT hardware with accompanying accessories. These are durable metal constructions with all the required tech holes.
Server Furniture for Home Application
Do you need a server rack for home mounting? Are they offered on the market? Is it possible to find a compact model for small home labs? Modern manufacturers produce a wide range of models of different sizes for any purpose. If you need a small network cabinet, visit the SysRacks. A rich catalog of goods is offered. Managers consult clients and assist in picking suitable furniture.
Tips on how to Select the Right Size of Server Models
If you need a residential server rack, you should clearly realize how to determine its size. The first thing to know is that the “U” measure is used for height. 1U is 1,75 inches, so you should keep it in mind when taking measurements. Width and depth are not as complicated as height.
Standard Rack Dimensions
As for width, here two standard options are available, namely, 19- and 24-inch models. The first type is the most classic one since 19-inch cabinets allow for fastening and placing most server devices.
When treating the depth, note that most models have adjustable dimensions due to movable rear panels. The depth can vary from 0 to 50 inches.
Best Server Furniture for Home Office
A great selection of products is available on the market. When trying to find the best server rack for home lab use, keep in mind that furniture is divided into the following categories:
- Wall-mount racks. Such bodies are more compact since their carrying capacity is limited. Models are fastened to the wall with special dowels. The most popular heights vary from 6U to 10U. The main benefits of such products are space saving and perfect ergonomics due to freeing the floor surface.
- Desktop racks. These models can have 2- or 4-post frames. Depending on the construction type, more or less equipment can be accommodated, but yet, desktop furniture is the most compact to fit tables perfectly.
- 2-post racks. These are open-frame bodies with vertical uprights. Equipment is fastened directly to them. Mounting rails and brackets can be also installed. These products are advantageous in terms of cooling due to unhindered air circulation. Yet, they provide a low level of protection against unauthorized access, which is why they are ideal for closed rooms.
- 4-post cabinets. These models are the most spacious and have solid enclosures. Walls and doors have perforation for better airflow, but forced cooling tools are also used. Its benefits include high security against damage, the possibility to install furniture in open areas, and protection from pollution.
- Portable cabinets. These are enclosed constructions equipped with casters or handles, which allows for relocating furniture easily and quickly without the need to disassemble a system.
- Traditional racks. Here, both 2- and 4-post models are found. These are metal enclosures for data centers. Their sizes range greatly.
Things to Keep in Mind to Select Appropriate Constructions
When selecting the best home network rack, it is important to keep in mind the following criteria:
- Dimensions. When determining the required size, remember that devices are placed loosely. It is advisable to make a 3D layout to visualize how telecommunications equipment will be placed and make sure that enough space is left between components. When calculating the needed dimensions, remember to leave space for accessories, wires, and other accompanying tools.
- Configuration & Security. Think about the way you protect equipment from external impacts (pollution, unauthorized access). If a room does not close and other people or animals can freely access your home office, give preference to enclosed bodies.
- Power Source technologies. Make sure that the power capabilities of your house are enough to feed a server system and ensure smooth functioning. Calculate the required power supply and find out the required PUI.
- Weight & Set Up. Depending on the size of the network system and the number of components, choose a suitable model. Heavy systems are installed on the floor, while small lightweight ones are perfect for mounting to walls or desktop installation.
- Cooling Strategy. When designing a rackmount server for home use, make sure to foresee cooling issues. Think about the way heat will be removed from the body. If a cooling strategy is chosen improperly, this results in heat exchange and overheating. Thus, it is a vital issue for each system. Moreover, sensors for environmental control are installed inside cabinets to monitor climatic conditions and eliminate hazards timely when indicators break the norm.
- Expansion. It is a common practice when over time, system administrators add more devices to make the system more powerful and allow it to process more information and cope with more tasks. Thus, skilled technicians buy bigger models and leave more extra space to foresee future expansion. In this case, you won’t have to rebuy another residential network rack in the future.
Home offices are common today. More and more businesses switch to management from home. Thus, the demand for home constructions arises. The modern market offers a wide variety of products for home installation. If users stick to the above-mentioned guide, they will cope with picking the most appropriate model for their needs. But note that the process is very important and requires particular attention since the smoothness of operation and service life of an entire system depends on it.
Hi there! I’m Sethu, your go-to guy for all things tech, travel, internet, movies, and business tips. I love sharing insights and stories that make life more interesting. Let’s explore the world together, one article at a time!
