10 Popular Types Of Server Racks & Cabinets

Server rack cabinets have become a staple in the technology world. Whether it be in data centers, classrooms or offices, they're not hard to find. And as anyone who has worked with them knows, not all server racks are created equal. There is great variation in both the servers themselves as well as the racks that hold them. Here are just 10 different types of server racks and cabinets commonly used.

4-Post Server Racks

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The most basic server rack is an open frame 4-post rack. These are easily assembled, and their simple 19” width frame is perfect for rackmounting equipment when you don't have to worry about anyone poking around where they're not supposed to. The 4-post rack provides easy access to your cabling and equipment, as well as unrestricted airflow for ventilation.

2-Post Relay Racks

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The term relay rack has been around for over a hundred years, first used in the early 20th century for telecommunication and railroad signaling. With their small footprint, 2-post Relay (or Telco) racks are excellent for those tight spaces in your data center. This rack allows center or flush mount configuration for your equipment, and like the 4-post rack, offers easy access to equipment and maximum ventilation. Specialized kits are available to turn these simple 2-post racks into 4 point mounting.

Portable Server Racks & Cabinets

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For small applications, portable server racks and cabinets are a great way to go. Need to travel? No problem! Take it along for the ride! Strong and lightweight, these mini server racks and cabinets are made to fit under desks, or on top of your counters or work station when you don't have the space for - or just don't need - a full size rack.

Colocation Server Cabinets

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In a growing trend, some data centers, known as colocation centers, offer equipment, space and bandwidth that can be rented. When you're sharing a server cabinet with a neighbor, you want to know that your data is completely safe. The colocation - or "colo" - server cabinet is extremely helpful in that area. Colo server cabinets provide secure, self-contained compartments for multiple tenants to share a single cabinet, so you don't have to worry about tampering - accidental or intentional.

Air Conditioned Server Cabinets

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More companies are turning off air conditioning on nights and weekends, leaving your electronic equipment vulnerable to over-heating. If you are watching the temperature gauge in your server cabinet climb to unhealthy levels, an air conditioned server cabinet may be for you. These cabinets keep sensitive electronics cool and safe in any environment using internal or external air conditioners.

Quiet & Soundproof Server Cabinets

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Servers aren't just hot, they're loud as well. And working in a room full of noisy equipment isn't only irritating, it can be dangerous. Quiet racks use acoustic foam or noise reducing designed systems to bring that roar down to a whisper, and dissipate excessive heat produced by servers, disk drives and controllers by up to 7.2KW.

Seismic Server Racks

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Seismic server racks are designed to withstand shock from earthquakes. Whether Zone 1, or Zone 4, seismic racks are built to ensure your equipment stays operational during a seismic event. NEBS (Network Equipment-Building Systems) cabinets go through months of rigorous testing to obtain seismic certification in order to meet EC&M building code requirements. Typical racks are engineered with extra cross bracing. These racks are bolted to the floor to prevent tipping.

Cable Network Racks

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If you have a network, you probably have a lot of cable bundles. Most server cabinets don't leave much room for those large bundles, forcing you to rearrange your equipment to accommodate them. Cable network racks have adjustable vertical rails, allowing them to slide left or right - forward and backwards. These cabinets are generally wider than most server cabinets and have widths from 19” to 28”, allowing cables to drop down one or both sides of the cabinet.

NEMA Certified Enclosures

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The National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA) uses a standard testing system to define the type of environment where an electrical enclosure can be used. Whether for indoor or outdoor use, hazardous environments and even submerged under water – NEMA certified enclosures are built to keep equipment safe no matter what Mother Nature throws at them.

Network Switch Cabinets

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The network switch rack is a wide-bodied server rack designed to support large, modular network switches while allowing for proper airflow. With a wider cabinet footprint, these monstrosities provide extra space on either side of your rackmounted equipment for cable management and side-to-side airflow solutions.