Each system administrator knows that it is impossible to organize and furnish a data center without special furniture. Open-frame and enclosed models are designed to accommodate network devices and high-precious apparatus.
However, they distinguish several types of server furniture. According to the type of construction, open-frame racks and enclosed cabinets are offered on the modern market. According to the mounting type, floor-standing and wall-mounted models exist. Here, let’s compare open-frame floor-standing racks and enclosed wall-mounted cabinets.
Open-Frame Server Racks
This type of product has either two or four posts with special holes for fastening shelves, hardware, and cable routing. No side walls are provided.
Common Sizes
Since models are floor standing, they can hold heavier equipment, withstand a load of up to 150 kg. and accommodate more devices. Thus, such models must be spacious and big. That is why the following sizes of open racks are found on the market: 24U, 32U, 36U, 42U, 45U, where 1U is 1.75 inches.
Pros and Cons
The positive features of this type of server furniture include:
- Size. Due to the height of the rack and its large constructions, one rack allows housing diverse types of hardware saving space. Thus, a lot of equipment is stored in a relatively small area.
- Unobstructed airflow. Due to the absence of side walls, air circulation is unobstructed. Air passes through operating computers, routers, and other devices cooling them and maintaining optimal temperature conditions.
- Universal placement. Racks can be placed anywhere on the premises. Most models are equipped with casters to make racks movable.
- Quick installation. It is easy to install the rack; the process takes a minimum time. Even unskilled system administrators will manage to do this task and assemble server furniture.
- Better cable management. Since there are no walls, cable routing is not limited to several holes in the body. It is easier to connect functioning elements and further maintain them.
However, nothing is left without flaws. Even the best-looking server rack has the following drawbacks:
- A low level of security. Open-frame designs leave accommodated equipment fully unprotected from outside impact and unauthorized access. Thus, such models are suitable for placing in closed premises only, the access to which is given to a limited circle of specialists.
- Bolted to the floor. Racks occupy space on the floor. Thus, if you arrange a server room, several racks will occupy a lot of territories.
Wall-Mount Racks
Wall-mount are enclosed products designed for the installation on walls. Furniture is equipped with special fasteners and dowels for proper and reliable mounting to vertical surfaces.
Common Sizes
Due to its handling nature, such models can’t be as big as the above-mentioned floor-standing racks. The weight of such furniture is limited; thus, the size of wall-mount cabinets is smaller. The following types of wall-fastened racks are popular: 18U, 22U, 27U.
Pros and Cons
The best wall-mount server rack has the following benefits:
- Security. Due to enclosed constructions, wall cabinets allow keeping stored hardware secure and protect it from all sorts of damages and negative influences.
- Floor space. Hanging server cabinets on walls allows leaving floor space free. It significantly saves space and provides more possibilities for using space.
- Overheat prevention. Although an enclosed body prevents air from unobstructed entering the body and passing through it, forced ventilation systems, keeping one side close to the wall, and perforated doors allow preventing overheating and maintaining optimal operating conditions.
- Flexible mounting possibilities. It is possible to fasten server furniture anywhere on the wall. There are minimum limits for installation on walls.
Shortcomings of this model are:
- Small size. Wall models are limited by weight and the number of housed apparatus.
- Specific location. It is designed for mounting on vertical surfaces. Thus, open areas are not suitable for such products.
Open Frame VS Wall Mount.
Now, let’s compare both options and make a comparative table.
| Criteria | Open-frame floor-standing rack | Enclosed wall-mount cabinet |
| Material | Metal | Metal |
| Size | Large (24U, 32U, 36U, 42U, 45U) | Medium (18U, 22U, 27U) |
| Installation location | Floor | Wall |
| Security | Poor | High-level |
| Natural ventilation | Well-ventilated | Poorly-ventilated; forced ventilation is required |
| Cable management | Easy routing | Complicated routing |
| Maintenance and setup | Easy and quick | Problematic |
Note that all server furniture is produced from high-quality metal. The material is chosen because it is sturdy, fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, durable, and reliable. It allows keeping high-precious telecommunication hardware reliably mounted and safe.
As for other criteria, each option has its positive and negative sides. Thus, when one picks a rack or cabinet for the data center, it is important to understand what type of furniture you need. To choose the best-suited model, you should take into account the following points:
- What equipment will be stored inside;
- How many devices are to be accommodated;
- Where the model will be placed (a closed facility or open areas/public space);
- What capacity your server room requires;
- Leaving extra space for future expansion and better cooling.
In any case, the range of products offered on the modern market is huge. So, you will definitely find an appropriate option for your server room.