Tag Archives: server rack

Guidelines for Data Center Rack Cable Management

Data center rack, as an effective solution to the increasingly higher demand for computing power and high-density network cabling in data center, has been widely used in the telecommunication field. As a consequence, a good cable management of the server rack has been a challenging task for IT technicians and network installers. In this post, how to organize the data center rack will be suggested.

An Overview of Data Center Rack

At the beginning, the data center rack wiki will be introduced. This will be the first step for your better data center rack cable management.

What is Data Center Rack

The data center rack is a kind of framework used to hold data center equipment, including servers, network switches, cables, etc. Using wisely, the server rack can keep the whole network system work in an ordered and efficient way.

Figure 1: Data Center Racks

Figure 1: Data Center Racks

Types of Data Center Rack

There are many types of server racks in the market. Generally, open server rack, data center server cabinet, and wall mount rack are the most popular types.

Choosing the Right Cable Management for Your Data Center Rack

For a good cable management of data center rack, it cannot do without suitable cable managing devices. Basically, there are three major types of cable organizing devices: patch panel, horizontal cable manager, and vertical cable manager.

Patch Panel

In previous posts, many types of patch panels have been shared. As an indispensable component of cable management, the patch panel is designed to connect and manage all sort of input and output cables of devices, like switches and servers. Usually, based on the connected cable type, the patch panel can be divided into fiber optic patch panel and Ethernet patch panel. As for these two types, there still are many subbranches for choosing. Take the fiber patch panel as an example, you can find regular fiber patch panels and enclosures, MTP/MPO cassettes and enclosures, fiber adapter panels and enclosures, MTP-LC breakout patch panels, etc. For different needs, you can choose the corresponding patch panel.

Figure 2: Ethernet Patch Panel (Left) and Fiber Optic Patch Panel (Right)

Figure 2: Ethernet Patch Panel (Left) and Fiber Optic Patch Panel (Right)

Horizontal Cable Manager

The horizontal cable manager is mostly applied in the 1U cable management, the height of data center racks of the standard unit (1.75 inches). Conventionally, it is installed in front of the server rack, ensuring cables being well-organized and protected. Altogether, there are four common types of 1U horizontal cable manager in the market: horizontal cable managers with finger duct, D-ring, brush strip, and the L-shaped horizontal cable manager.

Vertical Cable Manager

Apart from patch panel and horizontal cable manager, the vertical cable manager is another important branch of cable organizers. Similar to the horizontal type, the vertical type is also used to secure, bundle and route the cables at both sides of the server racks. However, unlike the horizontal cable manager, the vertical cable manager provides a vertical pathway for cables from switches to patch panels in the rack system. Among various vertical cable managers, 5U plastic vertical cable manager with bend radius finger, single D-ring vertical cable manager, and 45U 4.9″ wide plastic vertical cable manager are the popular applications.

Horizontal Cable Manager (Left) and Vertical Cable Manager (Right)

Figure 3: Horizontal Cable Manager (Left) and Vertical Cable Manager (Right)

Data Center Rack Cable Management Tips

Realizing an efficient server rack cable management, you are suggested to follow three main steps:

First, make a plan in advance. You need to have a basic idea of the quantity of the connections for cabling. Especially, a plan should be made before the installations of other network devices, such as cabinets and servers.

Second, understand industry standards. Before the cabling, another important step is to catch the industrial standards and regulations in your country or even the local area. A standard-based cabling system is a prerequisite for your effective cable management.

Third, choose the proper cable managing devices. This is the key step to ensure all connections perform well. As mentioned in the last part, there are many types of cable managing devices. You need to choose the right one conforming with your previous planning and network environment.

Server Rack Cable Management

Figure 4: Server Rack Cable Management

Summary

Data center rack cable management has been a headache that has bothered many IT technicians. In fact, an effective cable management for server rack lies in a wisely use of proper cable organizing tools. In this post, the main types of managing devices have been introduced. Also, the tips for data center cable management have also been suggested.

How to Prepare for Server Rack Installation

High-density cabling in data centers is increasingly tied to the server rack. Because server racks make it easy to manage cabling systems and protect fibers from external mechanical damage. However, this is only possible if server racks are properly installed and used. In this post, some tips and accessories for server rack installations are listed.

Choose the Right Server Rack

Before installing the server rack, make sure that the rack will be installed is best for the needs. There are many types of server racks on the market, so make sure to choose the rack based on the equipment will be housed.

  • Consider the Type of Server Rack

Choose the rack based on the type and size of the equipment will be housed, which means the rack must have enough space to house the equipment. The types of server racks mainly include the open server rack, enclosed rack and wall mount server rack. The width and depth of the rack are usually measured in standard units. The server rack 42U is the most popular data center rack, which is 19 inches wide and 73.5 inches high. However, wall-mounted racks are much smaller and are generally suitable for home and small office use.

  • Consider Server Rack Cost

Maybe some people always pay ultra-high cost when buying racks. In fact, most people can save money by choosing a good-quality rack that meets all their needs, without having to choose an expensive rack.

Choosing the Location for Server Rack Installation

  • Find the Right Room

It is important to choose the right room in the building. The room should be as safe as possible because server racks often contain valuable hardware with essential company data on it. Others can’t be allowed to access and operate the devices installed in the rack. Otherwise it will affect data transmission.

  • Keep the Rack away from People

Keep the server rack away from people if possible. The server generates a lot of heat and noise, which is very annoying in the surrounding area. In addition, even if a good rack can provide a lot of protection for the equipment within it, when there are people moving around the rack frequently, the equipment in the rack will be at risk of being collided.

  • Consider Cooling

Cooling becomes an important factor as the density of equipment in the rack increases. Heat concentration leads to increased power consumption and increased equipment failure rates. The server rack itself will help promote proper cooling, but this is only part of it. It is also important to ensure that the rack does not rest against walls that may restrict airflow.

Other Things to Consider

  • Choose PDU

Power distribution units (PDU) are often essential when all servers and other computer equipment are placed in a rack. They ensure stable power to the rack. Finding reliable PDU for server rack installation to meet specific power needs is critical.

  • Paste Cable Label

When users house devices in a server rack, they need to connect cables from different devices to routers, switches, servers, or other devices. Labeling these cables at each end will help quickly determine where they are running, which is critical for troubleshooting.

  • Manage Cable

In addition to labeling cables, managing them so that they are neat in the rack is essential. This means trimming long cables, and using the cable organizer to bundle them together. Besides, please run cables along the edge of the server rack as much as possible. Organized cables not only meet aesthetic requirements but also more durable.

  • Future Expansion

When plan a server rack installation, make sure it meets all of the current needs and future expansion. Spending more money today to get a server rack that will meet the needs for years to come is saving time and money in the long run.

Rack Accessories for Server Rack

Here are some specific rack accessories for reference to promote rack installation.

  • Patch panel

Patch panel can lower the maintenance cost and reduce installation errors. It can provide space-saving and high-density cable connections.

Server Rack Accessories: Patch Panel

Figure 1:Patch Panel: used to connect and manage incoming and outgoing cables

  • Horizontal and Vertical Cable Manager

Horizontal cable managers allow neat and proper routing of the patch cables from equipment in racks. Vertical cable manager utilizes the additional space to manage the patch cords.

Server Rack Accessories: Horizontal Cable Manager

Figure 2: Horizontal Cable Manager: used to manage cables on front racks

  • Fiber Enclosure

Fiber enclosure allows users to make more efficient use of rack space, which offers the superior density, port access, and cable management.

Server Rack Accessories: Fiber Enclosure

Figure 3: Fiber Enclosure for Ultra High Density Structured Cabling

Conclusion

Server rack installation is not difficult. Keep the above points in mind, a successful server rack installation can be reached. If you have any questions or needs related to this, please visit www.fs.com.