A server rack cabinet is an essential component for housing and organizing critical network and server equipment. These cabinets come in various forms, including open-frame and enclosed options, each designed to meet specific needs. Whether you’re setting up a data center or optimizing a small office network, a server rack cabinet offers the durability, security, and flexibility required for seamless operation.
Below we explore four types of server rack cabinets and provide insights to help you choose the ideal solution for your setup. All products hold standard 19-inch-wide components except the half racks, and all are carried by L-com.
The 4 Post Server Rack Cabinet
- IDF enclosures are for rack-mounting switches, routers, and other equipment overhead in warehouses, retail outlets, or large open locations. They mount to a building truss or uni-strut. Our models have 21 inches of usable depth and 12U or 16U of capacity.
- 42U server rack cabinets have plenty of room for high-density installations. L-com’s models, in black or white finish, hold 3000 pounds and have exterior depths of 31.5, 39, or 47 inches. Choosing a vented or glass door is one of several options with an L-com enclosed server cabinet.
- Gangable rack enclosures can be connected to other enclosures side by side to form a continuous row, allowing flexible expansion and efficient use of space. Our gangable racks hold 2500 pounds in 24U, 37U, 40U, or 44U, and with outside depths of 27 or 32 inches.
- Rack enclosures with side panels are contractor-friendly cabinets with pro features like adjustable rear rack rails and numbered rack spaces. L-com’s offerings can hold 2500 pounds in 24U, 37U, 40U, or 44U, and outside depths of 27 or 32 inches.
- 27U network cabinets are shorter and a bit shallower than full-size server racks. Our models sport a sleek glass front door and locking but removable side and back panels. They hold 1764 pounds of data center, telecom, or AV equipment and come in depths of 23 or 31.5 inches.
The Open-Frame 4 Post Server Rack
- Racks with a rear door are open frame but with a rear door and extra supports on the sides that help make them strong enough to hold 2500 pounds. They are gangable and have extra width to accommodate cables. Our models are all 44U, with depths of 31.5, 36, or 42 inches.
- Open-frame 4 post server racks are stronger and more stable than 2 post racks and able to hold deeper equipment. Our offerings can hold 1000 pounds of gear in 38U, 45U, or 51U, and with depth options of 24, 30, or 36 inches. An open top accepts cable ladders.
- Seismic-certified server rack enclosures are made for earthquake-prone areas, especially for the top floor or rooftop installations. Our WMRK Series holds 2500 pounds and fits servers from leading manufacturers. Choose 24U or 42U and outside depths of 36 or 42 inches.
- Half racks have a 10-inch width that fits gear from many vendors. They are great for confined spaces such as inside lecterns and credenzas. L-com’s half racks hold 8U or 12U and are 14 inches deep. We also have optional narrower shelves and panels to fit them.
The Open-Frame 2 Post Server Rack
- Relay rack kits have a unique gusseted base that needs no shimming on uneven floors. An optional cantilever support base adds stability for deep equipment. Our relay racks come in 38U or 45U and hold 400 pounds.
- Desktop rail racks are inexpensive, don’t take up floor or wall space, and are the easiest open-frame server racks to move if you decide to reconfigure. Our desktop racks, in 8U or 12U, hold 75 pounds.
- Cable management racks are made for high-density patching applications. Our model, 45U, has swiveling front-mounted cable rings on both sides that create 6-inch-deep channels for handling massive cable bundles. A top-mounted cable tray supports cables transitioning over the rack.
- Wall-mount rack frames are useful for spaces where cabinet-style racks cannot fit. Their self-squaring, fixed-mount design is easy to install. L-com offers them in depths of 12 or 18 inches, and capacities of 8U, 15U, or 30U.
The Swing-Frame Rack
- Open swing-frame wall racks pivot open 90 degrees for instant rear equipment access. Our SFR Series comes in 12U, 20U, or 25U and in depths of 12, 18, or 24 inches.
- Top-opening wall-mount cabinets, instead of swinging open like a gate, open at the top and pivot down 90 degrees for access to punching down cables. Ours are 6 or 12 inches deep so they’re great for holding patch panels. They come in 2U, 4U, 6U, or 8U.
- Side-opening wall-mount cabinets have a back panel that mounts to the wall and side hinges for swinging open to allow rear access to cable ports. Ours hold 300 pounds of network equipment and patch panels with 17-inch depth and in capacity options of 10U, 16U, 21U, or 24U.
- 40U pivoting wall enclosures mount to a wall but the entire weight, up to 500 pounds, rests on their floor base and swings open for quick access to rear cables. With depth options of 20 or 26 inches and many cable management features, our offerings can handle huge quantities of cables.
Summary
Selecting the right type of server rack cabinet is crucial for ensuring an efficient and secure IT infrastructure. Whether you need a floor-standing 4 post server rack for large-scale installations, a wall-mount server rack, or a compact swing-frame rack for a small space, understanding the options available can simplify your decision-making. With the information provided in this guide, you can confidently choose the best server rack cabinet for your needs and ensure your network infrastructure operates at peak performance.