It might be difficult to choose a server rack that is appropriate for a business’s needs if you don’t understand why one option was chosen over another given the multiplicity of information technology (IT) hardware manufacturers and the different industrial firms that produce IT server racks.
IT rack designs change along with the requirements for IT. IT racks are expected to respond to changes in data center layouts in addition to providing security and safe access to vital IT resources. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the right IT rack server for your application.
1: IT Rack Cooling
Organizations require customized solutions for humidity control and heat management that are suited to their size, location, and business objectives. Businesses are increasingly implementing energy-saving, environmentally friendly solutions in their data centers as a result of economic and environmental concerns.
Thermal management technologies enable them to increase the security of their data centers and other crucial IT areas while lowering operational expenses and increasing revenue possibilities.
Choose thermal products that can self-optimize, deploy quickly, and satisfy IT demands and challenges. For the rack density required by data center requirements, find scalable, space-saving solutions.
2: Physical Environment
A crucial aspect to think about is the actual setting where the server rack will be positioned. It is crucial to pick a rack made to resist these conditions if the rack will be placed in an area that is hot or humid. To keep the equipment from overheating, the rack should be able to deliver enough airflow.
Selecting a rack that can survive earthquakes is crucial if the rack will be placed in a seismically active area. The equipment should be shielded from dust and other contaminants by the rack as well.
3: Accessories
It’s crucial to increase efficiency and optimize hardware installation. The two main kinds of in-rack accessories are cable management and airflow management. Airflow management separates and keeps the chilled air at the front of the rack from mingling with the hot air emitted by IT equipment.
Directing chilled air just to the IT equipment preserves the equipment and reduces energy expenses because cooling costs typically account for 40% of overall IT energy costs.
4: IT Rack Security
Datacenter administrators’ primary concern is also security. Data security precautions are being made to protect it from both physical and online threats. Lockable side panels and doors for IT racks are a good way to stop theft and unauthorized access.
For safety reasons, all racks ought to be either bayed (connected), fastened to the floor, or equipped with an anti-tip mechanism. A 19-inch piece of equipment may topple and become unstable in a rack if it were to be partially removed for servicing, posing a safety risk. Baying is the cheapest approach to achieving stability.
Since IT racks need to be sturdy to withstand probable earthquakes, physical security may also be necessary in a seismically active area.
5: Server Compatibility
Tower, blade, and rack-mounted servers can all be accommodated by special server racks. It’s critical to make sure your server selection and rack selection are compatible. It’s crucial to match the height and depth of the rack to the specifications of your equipment to avoid compatibility issues.
Inadequate support or installation issues could result from misaligned dimensions. By making sure that everything is compatible, you can ensure a seamless integration that maximizes space, makes maintenance easier, and protects the overall effectiveness and durability of your IT infrastructure.
6: Logistics
IT personnel can work on the rack remotely without having to drive to the location where it will be put, which can speed up deployments. By doing so, you can ensure that the rack is put properly and the equipment is operating as intended while also saving time and money.
It’s crucial to take shipping of the integrated rack under great consideration, though. It’s crucial to utilize appropriate packaging to safeguard the rack and the equipment inside of it because they can be sensitive to shock and vibration.
Utilizing shock pallets or other types of protection gear that have been specially manufactured may be one option.
7: Cable Management
In hyperscale facilities, deployments at 15 kW are common, and some are even ramping up to 25 kW, even if densities under 10 kW per rack continue to be the standard. Improved performance and capacity are possible with high-density arrangements, but the density of the cables also rises.
An increase in the number of circuits receiving power within a rack results in more cables being needed, which can restrict airflow and make it harder to remove heat. The proper positioning and routing of the cabling as well as easy access to the equipment are requirements for data center management.
To Sum Up
The ideal atmosphere for the IT equipment can be guaranteed by IT racks. To accommodate data centers, they should offer alternatives for scalability, flexibility, and adaptation.
IT equipment will function dependably and effectively if the appropriate IT racks are selected and configured to meet your business demands.
