Server rack layout is an issue that is often overlooked when designing and setting up a network. When all network equipment such as routers, switches, and servers are placed in a server rack, attention should be paid to how they are wired, because if there is no proper plan for arranging the cables inside the server rack, the network cables will be intertwined in a chaotic manner. In this case, it will be very difficult for network technicians and experts to manage the cables. To prevent such a situation, necessary planning should be done before implementing the server rack regarding how to arrange it. In the following, you will become well acquainted with the server rack layout.
Why is it necessary to manage the cabling in the server rack?
The reason for this is quite obvious, because if there is no proper planning for the arrangement of the server rack, many problems will arise for technicians and network experts. The irregular arrangement of the cables in the server rack makes it very difficult to troubleshoot the network if there is a problem. Also, proper cable arrangement inside the server rack increases the security of the hardware in the network.
Since all the equipment in the server rack generates heat, utmost care must be taken in the arrangement of the server rack and proper space must be considered for ventilation. One of the factors that makes troubleshooting network cables in less time is their labeling.
What factors should be considered in order to organize the arrangement of cables in the server rack?
In the arrangement of the server room rack and the arrangement of cables, you should pay attention to the points that we will briefly discuss below.
Rack specifications
To arrange the server room rack, you need to know its specifications. Usually, 19 inches wide is considered for placing racks in the network. Since the depth of the rack is divided into sections called rack units, it will be adjustable to some extent. Therefore, in the first step, a suitable server shelf should be considered for the rack.
Server Rack Arrangement Rules
Before installing all the devices in the server rack, you should make the necessary plans regarding their arrangement. For example, it should be determined which equipment needs to be placed in a server rack. Also, you should plan regarding the order and arrangement of the equipment inside the server rack, because in this case, if you want to remove one of the equipment from it, you will not face any problems.
How to place network equipment for server room rack arrangement
How to place network equipment inside the server rack is very important, because if each of them is placed in the right place, network servicing will also be easy. Usually, heavier equipment is placed in the lower parts of the server rack.
How to Cabling the Rack
In line with the principles of rack arrangement, cabling has certain rules. A patch panel can be used to distribute cables inside the server rack, because in this case, it is possible to use larger switches and more ports. Using a patch panel, cables can be placed next to each other. The most common type of patch panel is the 24-port patch panel. In systems where cabling is done densely, tools such as cable labels, cable belts, and vertical and horizontal cable managers are also used.
Server rack cooling
Server rack cooling becomes more important with the increase in equipment inside it. The heat inside the server rack will reduce the lifespan of the devices and disrupt their performance. It will also increase the amount of power consumption. The reason for using vertical and horizontal cable managers in the server rack is that if the cables are arranged improperly, more space will be occupied and there will be no possibility of air flow passing through the server rack.
Accessories required for server rack arrangement
To learn the principles of rack arrangement, you should also familiarize yourself with its equipment:
Patch panel
Using a patch panel, cables can be arranged in an organized way next to each other and prevent the occupation of additional space. It also reduces configuration and maintenance costs and reduces installation errors.
Using Horizontal Cable Manager
Horizontal cable managers can be used to manage the cables of equipment in the rack.
Benefits of horizontal network cable management:
Ease of adding cables
With horizontal network cable management, you can easily add new cables if needed.
Ease of cable routing
Another advantage of horizontal network cable management is the ease of cable routing.
Cabling in the front and back
Using horizontal network cable management, you can easily manage all the cables related to the back and front of the server racks so that the cables are always arranged in an orderly manner.
Vertical cable managers
Vertical cable managers can be used to facilitate the passage of thick cables and their management. To prevent restrictions on access to members in the space between the racks, another vertical cable manager can also be used at the back of the rack.
Fiber Optic Boxes
Using fiber optic boxes allows for cable management in a single enclosure and convenient access to ports.
One of the most important fiber optic equipment is fiber optic boxes. These boxes are used to convert outdoor to indoor cables, DCS power substations, and also in cable termination.
In fact, an optical box is a box that, after being installed at the user’s location, terminates the passive optical network.
According to existing standards, if fiber optic work is done in a location, it must be installed at the entrance of the
