If you want your business to stay competitive, high-density data centers are a necessity. But the proper equipment can be the difference between an effective data center and inefficient data storage. With so many server racks, finding the best one can be overwhelming.
Check out this guide on the pros and cons of the types of racks in data centers and which are right for you and your company.
Open Data Racks
As the name suggests, an open server rack lacks sides or doors. The open nature of these racks promotes cooling and can accommodate all standard 19-inch mountable equipment. It can house all your servers, hubs, routers, and switches.
Pros
- Open racks allow complete airflow in the front and back of the rack.
- It’s easy to access your gear to make adjustments or perform maintenance.
- Open server racks are a very affordable option.
- Mounting channels can be recessed for network gear.
Cons
- Anyone can easily tamper with your equipment. Open server racks should be in a locked area with restricted access.
- Without side panels in between the racks it is more likely to have air mixing from rack to rack.
Enclosed Server Racks
An enclosed cabinet has side panels and doors. The doors and side panels can all lock, which makes enclosed racks an excellent option for security. They also accommodate 19-inch mountable equipment. If your server racks are in an unsecured area, enclosed racks are a must.
Pros
- Excellent security due to the enclosure and locks to prevent tampering.
- Offers enhanced durability and stability.
- A variety of door locking options are available.
- Mounting channels can be recessed for network gear.
Cons
- More expensive to purchase.
- It can be more difficult to access your equipment for maintenance.
Two Post Racks
Finally, we have data center racks which have two posts for mounting your equipment. A two post rack is an excellent option for a communications room or technology closet. They also work well for network applications.
Pros
- Affordable price and easy to install.
- Compact.
- Suitable for retail stores and telecom rooms.
- Robust cable management options should be available.
Cons
- Might not be ideal for server applications.
- Mounting channels are in a fixed location since they are built into the main channels.
- Lower weight capacity.
- Limited security options.
Explore the types of racks in data centers and which are right for you with AMCO Enclosures. Contact us with any questions about our data center products.