Server Colocation UK: One Size Does Not Fit All
Usually, the first thing that confuses when searching for an appropriate colocation provider is rack size. How could you choose their configurations and pick the racks to deploy for your server colocation UK project when you lack the basic knowledge.
IT equipment like servers and network switches could be messy to handle. Racks ensure the best utilization of space and other resources by organizing them. Racks use standardized assemblies to arrange the equipment.
Making smart decisions is critical since it has long-term consequences on cooling, cable management, device management, and physical security. Choosing the proper racks that match what you need to keep everything operating smoothly and reliably is also necessary. In addition, it makes installation easy, protects from weather and cuts down on costs.
Server Colocation UK: How Do We Define Rack?
Two primary ingredients meetup to make the rack. Number one is a pair of two or four vertical mounting rails. Then there is a framework which supports them. The weight of total equipment can go up thousands of pounds. That is why typically, the building material of framework and rails is aluminum or steel.
Then there are two kinds of holes. You can use both of them to mount rack equipment on the rails. Number one are the square holes and the number two are the round holes.
Are There Any Rack Standards?
Yes, standards have to be there for such huge industries. There are specific standards for the following measurements.
- Horizontal and vertical spaces for mounting holes
- The Size of Equipment Cabinets
- Width of rails
These standards ensure the compatibility between rack racks and the equipment we put in them.
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Server Colocation UK: What Are The Rack Units?
Every unit is 1.75 inches high. There is a standard way to write the height of a unit. First we write the number of units and then the letter U. If you read 36U, it means you will get 36 rack units.
For instance, you find 42U written on some provider’s profile. If you think that the height of the rack is exactly 42 x 1.75 inches, you have understood it wrong.
But yes, that specific rack has enough space to use any combination of standard rack equipment up to 42U. It will adjust both 42 1U switches and 14 3U servers. It can also be perfect for 14 x 3U servers or 21 x 1U switches with 7 x 3U servers.
Are There Any Rack Types?
In total, there are three rack types. Let’s take a look at each one individually.
Open Frame Racks
There are no sides or doors in these open frame racks. Organizations prefer them when providing physical security, and controlling airflow are not in racks’ job description.
There is a lot of space for managing cables in the open-frame racks. That is why companies prefer them for network wiring.
The open frame racks are the best choice if you have to handle the applications that need high-cabling to work properly. The number of mounting rolls usually is two or four. We refer to them as posts.
Depth requirements are generally lower in two-post racks.
Rack Enclosures
Following things are included in the rack enclosures:
- Front Doors
- Rear Doors
- RemovableSide Panel
- Four Adjustable Vertical Mounting Rails (Post)
We also refer to the posts as rack cabinets. To ensure good airflow from front to back, we have to provide excellent rear and front doors ventilation.
Also, there are broader and more deep cabinets to accommodate more cabling. However, the standard enclosures are not better than open frame racks for cabling.
There also is a possibility to construct the enclosures that do not have side panels and doors. It is best for the open frame applications that need higher weight capacities.
Enclosures do not also come with additional rails and not just vertical equipment with mounting roles. There are power distribution units (PDUs) and vertical cable managers.
Wall Mount Racks
Their design is specially built to make them attach to the walls. The benefit is saving floor space. Moreover, wall mount racks fit into the areas where other racks cannot. However, they cannot support too much weight.
Wall mount racks are relatively smaller than floor-standing counterparts. You can add roller casters to adapt to the floor-standing applications.
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Server Colocation UK : Equipment Types You Can Install
IT Production Equipment
But which things are the examples of IT production equipment? Let us name a few of them for explanation.
- The Servers
- Storage
- Network Switches
- Routers
- Telecommunications Hardware
- Any device that performs the core purpose of an IT installation.
However, there can be applications that employ non-IT equipment as well.
Engineers keep in mind what the rack has to hold while designing it. It has to place all standard 19-inch rack-mountable equipment inside and keep it stable. However, that may not work if the equipment is too deep for the cabinet. Therefore, removable mounting brackets or “ears” are frequently included in the kit. It is the responsibility of experts to screw them with the vertical rack rails.
IT Infrastructure and Rack Accessories
In addition, you can place infrastructure in the racks. That covers everything that has the potential to support the operation of production equipment. For example, cable managers, patch panels, and UPS systems. Moreover, PDUs, KVM switches, and shelves are also the relevant examples.
The Final Verdict
In short, rack size is a critical parameter for server colocation UK . Be selective and wise. At Grid Hosting, we provide highly secure and robust colocation services. Feel free to drop a message and discuss your upcoming project.
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