Server racks are a crucial part of any data center or IT infrastructure, but did you know certain rack features can help you save valuable space and money?
With real estate at a premium and tight budgets, finding ways to squeeze more computing power into less physical space has never been more important. Whether you need to consolidate servers during an office relocation or simply want to future-proof your infrastructure, these rack server features should be top of mind.
In this post, we’ll explore nine rack innovations that optimize server room capacity.
Let’s get started!
1. Adjustable Rack Shelves Expand When You Need Them
Adjustable shelves are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to configure server space as needed. Rather than filling empty U spaces that can never be used, adjustable shelves let you start compact and expand vertically as your hardware grows. You purchase the shelf rails upfront but only add panels as demand increases. This saves money by eliminating excess open space that collects dust. As another bonus, adjustable shelves make equipment swaps and upgrades easier since components aren’t crammed side by side.
2. Cable Management Arms Streamline Cable Chaos
Cable management arms are an essential part of rack servers setup. They help corral the inevitable cable chaos in a neat and organized manner. There are several benefits to using cable management arms in your racks:
- Arms keep cables tidy and out of the way. This prevents cables from blocking airflow to equipment or making rack access difficult.
- Adjustable joints allow you to customize the cable routing. Arms with swivel joints let you position cables exactly where they are needed.
- Removable covers on some arms simplify cable installation. Covers slide off to rapidly add or replace cables as needed.
- Choosing arms designed for your specific rack server width ensures a perfect fit. Standard widths include 23″ and 19″ rack arms.
- Cable bundles can be neatly wrapped around the vertical supports. This keeps excess cable up and off the rack floor or equipment tops.
- Open rack space is maximized with cables pulled up. Valuable front and rear real estate remains clear for equipment or airflow.
- Arms are usually adjustable to different rack rail spacings. Square, round or threaded mounting holes provide installation flexibility.
- Cable ties or velcro straps help wrangle cables in place on the arms. This prevents cable bundles from sagging or blocking access.
- Cable labeling clips keep important cables readily identifiable. Attach cable labels directly to arms for easy viewing.
- Heavy-duty steel construction supports cable weight over time. All-metal arms withstand years of cable additions and changes.
- Arms mount quickly with screws, bolts, or clamps included. No additional mounting hardware is typically needed.
By selecting the right cable management arms, you can streamline even the messiest cable situations and gain maximum usable rack space. Neat, tidy cabling is also easier to manage, trace and maintain over the long run.
3. Sliding Rails Give Heavy Equipment a Breeze
Whether installing new servers or swapping out old ones, sliding rails are an ergonomic necessity. By supporting up to 100 pounds, sliding rails let you roll equipment almost entirely out of the rack server for easy access. No more straining or needing a partner’s help; you’ll save time and energy on every component changeout. Look for rails rated for your server’s weight and compatible with your rack’s spacing. Adjustable stops let you control how far units extend, keeping them secure while fully accessible.
4. Vertical Cable Managers Clean Up Excess Cords
It’s not enough to get cables off the rack floor; you need vertical routing solutions too. As patch panels, networking switches and other cable-intensive gear mount above your servers, vertical cable managers neatly wrap excess cord out of the way. Choose adjustable models that mount on the side rails. Some feature locking hinges or rotating brackets to point cords where needed. With vertical managers taming hard-to-reach cables, your rack server remains clear, and cords won’t interfere with equipment operation.
5. Rack Cooling Fans Prevent Server Overheating
In densely packed server rooms, excessive heat is the enemy. Integrated rack cooling fans help circulate air and prevent costly overheating issues. Look for fans featuring variable speed control and removable filters for easy cleaning. Mounting options range from entire rack fan units to individual fan trays. Thermostats monitor temperature to ensure optimized cooling. With controlled airflow, your valuable equipment stays cooler and lasts longer, and you avoid unplanned downtime from heat-related failures.
6. Locking Cabinets Secures Valuable Components
Physical security is no less important than environmental controls, especially for sensitive equipment. Cabinet locks protect costly hardware from theft or tampering. Choose locks compatible with your rack server and door type; look for options like key locks, combination locks, or card access controls. Locking cabinets also keep curious hands away from dangerous internal components. Some units even include intrusion alarms for added protection. By safeguarding valuable gear, locking cabinets provide peace of mind.
7. Glide Rails Facilitate Service Access
While sliding rails are ideal for installation and removal, you still need easy access inside the rack. Glide rails mount flush and slide components partially out like drawers, keeping them secure yet accessible. Choose rails rated for your equipment’s weight and depth. As an added bonus, glide rails maintain proper rack alignment that fixed rails can disrupt. With at-a-glance visibility and simple slide-out access, glide rails streamline service needs while preserving valuable front space.
8. Rack Power Distribution Units Consolidate Wiring
Few things clutter a rack like independent power supplies—until you install a rack PDU. As the power control center, a PDU consolidates all electrical wiring into one neat bundle. Choose a PDU with more outlets than is currently needed to accommodate growth. Look for features like integrated breakers, switched outlets and remote monitoring. By reducing cable chaos, a PDU makes space utilization far more flexible. It also simplifies moves, adds, and changes by providing plentiful power access.
9. Two-Post Open Frame Racks Maximize Real Estate
For large server rooms with row-based layouts, two-post open-frame racks maximize every square inch. Unlike enclosed cabinets, open frames have front and rear open access for maximum airflow without doors or side panels blocking equipment. They take up less floor space than traditional rack servers, too. The tradeoff is less security, so use two-post racks safely behind access-controlled areas. To optimize open design benefits, consider top- and bottom-mounted cooling units and extra cable management provisions.
In Conclusion
Prioritizing these nine space-saving rack features pays off in optimized capacity and lower costs. Whether retrofitting existing racks or designing new infrastructure, maximize efficiency from the ground up. By streamlining cooling, access, power and cable management, you’ll support more equipment in a smaller physical area. Most importantly, you’ll future-proof your operations to scale smoothly as needs evolve. Start evaluating racks today to supercharge your server room for tomorrow.