Producers of data center furniture offer several categories of products. Mainly, all racks fall into two groups – open-framework and closed ones. The main difference between them is their bodies. While open models have only vertical posts and the base, the latter has side panels, doors, and tops.
Below, let’s take a deeper look at both classes of data center furniture and outline their advantages and shortcomings. You’ll find out the difference between open frames and closed models and consider how to select a suitable model for your server room.
Open Racks: Features & Pros
A server rack with an open frame consists of 2 or 4 posts and a base, to which uprights are fasteners. Tech holes are made on posts; they are designed for fastening equipment and rails. Such furniture pieces have the next benefits:
- Free airflow and perfect cooling. No walls hinder air penetration, meaning that the airflow can pass freely, removing extra heat and cooling down devices. Moreover, since the natural airflow is quite intensive and big, there is no need to install fans additionally. The natural cooling is enough to maintain the optimal temperature for the smooth functioning of network hardware.
- Easy access. Such constructions do not have side panels, meaning that technicians can approach the rack and the housed hardware from any side, which simplifies maintenance. Technicians can easily replace any component without disassembling an entire system.
- Easy assembly and transportation. Racks are packed compactly and can be assembled in several minutes. One or two employees can easily cope with installation.
- Low price. Since fewer materials are required for rack manufacturing, the cost for such models is lower.
Yet, such products have some drawbacks, namely, a low level of security and dust settlement. Since the body does not have side walls and doors, it is impossible to secure hardware from external influences, such as unintentional or intentional damage, pollution with debris, etc.
Note that most models allow for installing removable side panels and doors. Due to the specifics of the construction, such models are popular for installation in closed DCs, access to which is limited.
Sysrack is a reputable supplier of different types of racks, including 2-post and 4-post racks. Clients can pick a suitable solution for any system size, demand, and budget. Managers help choose a suitable option and consult clients.
Enclosed Cabinets: Peculiarities & Benefits
One more category of furniture comprises products with solid enclosures. The main feature of server cabinets is their solid bodies with tops, doors, and walls. Enclosed cabinets are advantageous due to the next points:
- Improved security. A solid enclosure with lockable doors and durable walls comes as excellent protection from all sorts of external impacts. Solid constructions protect equipment from unauthorized access and unintentional damage, as well as environmental contamination with debris and dust.
- Airflow control. Enclosures allow for creating a stable environment by adding fans. In this case, the airflow from the room won’t penetrate the enclosure and, subsequently, won’t disturb the inner climate. This allows for setting and monitoring the temperature easier.
- Hiding cables. Enclosures allow for keeping the appearance neat and organized. Bodies have tech holes for wiring cables. They are laid compactly without tangling and hindering the airflow.
As for shortcomings, enclosed cabinets have restricted access, which hardens maintenance. They are more heavy, which hardens transportation. More time and specialists are needed to set up the furniture. Since more material is required for production, the cost of such products is higher.
The peculiarity of such bodies makes them ideal for installation in open spaces and public places. Thus, enclosed cabinets are frequently found in stores, banks, hospitals, and other public institutions.
Open Rack VS Closed Cabinet
Now, let’s analyze both types of server furniture and make a comparative description of open rack vs closed rack. Both categories of furniture have pros and cons.
Considering security, closed cabinets are preferable since they protect physical hardware better. As for maintenance and accessibility, open-frame models have an advantage here. Maintenance employees can approach devices easier and quicker. Cord management is easier in open models since technicians choose the wiring routes themselves. Yet, closed instructions perfectly hide cords.
As for the place of installation, open racks are suitable for closed premises, while enclosed products are ideal for open areas. Thus, each type of furniture is suitable for particular purposes and places.
Within each class of product, models fall into wall-mount and floor-standing. Both open and closed racks can be installed on the floor or on vertical surfaces. Depending on the system size, appropriate solutions are picked. Wall-mount models are better for compact IT sets since their loading capacity is limited. Floor-standing cabinets and racks are more spacious, and their sizes range greatly from 12U to 48U.
To sum up the above-mentioned information, note that each class of furniture deserves attention and manufacturing. While one type of rack is suitable for one purpose, the other one is ideal for another case. Current producers of data center furniture offer a wide range of products of different sizes, means of mounting, and constructions. To select the right type of furniture for your facility, consider the system size, the number of components, required cooling, place of mounting, power capabilities, and the available area.