Rack Systems
- install networking equipment in secure areas
- dedicated to appliance and server installation, no storage
- equipment is installed in racks
- rack is a specially configured steel shelving system designed for standard-size equipment
- allows equipment to be stored securely and compactly
- density is installing more computing appliances in a smaller space
- EIA standard rack width:
- EIA standard rack height is measured in “U” units of 1.75” / 4.45 cm
- racks sold in heights of 8U to 48U
- server racks should have a 3 ft / 1 m clearance aisle
- for server access and airflow
- multiple rows should be placed back to back
- not back to front
- maximize cooling
- referred to as hot aisle/cold aisle layout
- rack-mounted appliances are usually designed with intake fans on the front and exhaust fans on the back
- some switch models can be configured with port-side exhaust and port-side intake
- hot air expelled through same side as port interfaces
- ports facing the front of the rack
- use side panels and blanking plates to cover unused rack slots
- can use lockable doors
