Server Rack Enclosures 101

Server rack shelves

Server racks, used to store computer server equipment, allow for dense hardware configurations without occupying excessive floorspace. For years, buying server racks and server enclosures has been a tricky process shrouded in myth by manufacturers hoping to keep their prices high. Here, we’ll attempt to provide some simple advice that can help you determine which server racks and server rack enclosures are right for you.

Determining the Size of Your Server Cabinet

Server rack sizes and data cabinet heights are measured in ‘u’ sizes. This is the standard measurement for all rackmount equipment. One rack ‘u’ is 44.45 mm high. A 24 port patch panel or switch is usually 1u in size. Work out the equipment you want to use on your server rack shelves and give yourself at least 10% additional