Designing IT Infrastructure With Precision Rack Construction
Posted on: 6 June 2016
Although the technical industry is becoming more advanced and easier to access, standards may shift in different directions as new companies strive to make their product and specifications more dominant. You may have servers, routing devices, network systems and power systems that won't fit in the same equipment rack, but there are downsides to buying new racks and mounts for every different size. Before construction and fine-tuning of IT department rooms, take a look at how multiple standard racks could clutter the design and how a steel fabrication team can help.
Nearly Empty Racks And Wasted Space
In many cases, you can fit multiple devices into a single rack. The rack should allow a few inches between each device to allow for proper airflow and to prevent heat from building up with multiple stacked devices. Unfortunately, vendors with devices outside of the standard rack or equipment cabinet measurements may need their own proprietary racks.
This is normally not a problem if the Information Technology (IT) department plans on sticking with the same vendor, but this isn't always a viable option. One vendor may be amazing at a specific type of device, but another vendor may be necessary for a different device. An example would be using a company that excels at servers, but has no routing equipment. If you have to purchase new racks for three or four devices per vendor, you could end up with multiple racks that aren't filled to capacity.
An equipment room or server room can quickly become filled up, riddled with racks awkward places and forcing technicians to maneuver through different racks. Thankfully, a steel fabrication professional like one from Jackson-Cook Cranes can deliver a solution that can accommodate all if not most devices.
Customized Rack Mounting And Storage
There are multiple ways to approach custom equipment storage. A large rack can be designed that fits the largest piece of equipment, followed by smaller storage chambers that technicians can simply slide a device into for a secure fit. Although these larger racks will take up more space, it will still be a better use of available equipment room area.
Another option is to secure each device within adjustable server trays. These trays can be clamped around each device for a snug fit, allowing technicians to simply loosen and remove the device if maintenance or replacement is needed.
Security cages are useful if you want absolute protection. The devices can either be completely enclosed in steel cages with a glass or plastic viewing window that can be unlocked when needed, or in a mesh style that allows technicians to press interface buttons as needed. Cables can be plugged into a small gate that locks and won't allow cable connection or removal unless unlocked.
Contact a steel fabrication professional to discuss other ways to keep your devices well-organized with custom framework design.
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