How to setup a server rack ? Server Rack Installation Tips

IT server racks are designed to provide a secure and convenient way to store IT servers and the devices associated with them. Many organizations today will have at least one server rack, and the problem is how to expand their current installation to take advantage of new server technologies.

Most of the problems we see in server rooms are caused by either poorly planned initial installations or ones that have rapidly grown. When installing a server rack in your home or business, you should plan it out beforehand to avoid mistakes.

Server racks can be extremely difficult to move once they are installed. The first step in setting up a new server room is to learn what are the server rack installation checklist. Following are some tips for a successful rack installation. Read this blog to know the most efficient way to build, deploy and maintain a server rack.

Here is the general checklist for planning a server room and rack cabinet installation:

Server Rack Installation Checklist

Rack Dimensions: Which size rack do you need?
Rack Location: Where should I put the rack in my server room?
Cooling and ventilation: How can I cool equipment in the rack?
Health & Safety: Do any safety implications exist?
Rack Layout: How do I arrange my servers and IT equipment in the rack?
Cable layout: How should network cabling be managed?
Power Protection: What do I need to do to install a PDU and a UPS backup system?
Fire Suppression: Do I need a fire suppression system?
Temperature Monitoring System: Do I need a room-level or a rack-level monitoring system?
Server Security: How can I protect my servers and IT network from unauthorized access?

1. Find the Right Room

It is crucial to choose the right room within your building. In the first place, the room should be as secure as possible since server racks often contain valuable hardware that contains important company data. Rooms in the center of a building are usually ideal since they have no windows. You might also want to consider having a room with a lock system to keep out employees and visitors.

2.Keep the rack away from the public

Avoid placing your server racks near people as much as possible. It is quite common for servers to generate quite a bit of heat and noise, which can be annoying to those who work nearby. When people work near server racks expose the equipment to the risk of being bumped or even getting water splashed on them. Even though a good server rack will provide some protection to the servers inside, the more you can do to keep them safe, the better.

3. Next comes Cooling

Cooling computer equipment is one of the most important things to do. Server racks themselves will contribute to proper cooling, but this is just one step. It’s a big mistake to position the rack near a heat vent, for example. Ensure that there are no windows in the room. Also, make sure the rack is not against a wall that can restrict airflow.

4. Consider the size and type of rack

It is very important to choose the right rack. Make sure there is sufficient room for the equipment that will be inside and ensure that it can be properly secured in place. For some companies, a wall-mounted rack is an ideal solution. Other companies prefer enclosed racks, while still others prefer open frame models.

5. Ensure the Rack and Rails are compatible

When purchasing the other server equipment, you will need to ensure you are able to properly secure the equipment within the rack. The wrong server rack for your computer equipment will cause you a lot of frustration. If you are unsure of what type of rack you need for your business, our server rack specialists are available to help.

6. Keep an eye on costs

A lot of companies make the mistake of buying ultra-high-end computer equipment and racks. Most people can save money by choosing a rack that fits all their needs without choosing those with the highest price tags, even when this might be necessary at times.

7. PDU Selection

To ensure a steady, clean supply of electricity to all of your computer equipment in the rack, you will often need a power distribution unit. For server rack installations, it is critical to choose a PDU that is reliable and can handle your specific power requirements. The right server room PDU supplier can make customized recommendations based on your needs so that you get exactly what you need.

8. Label your cables

A server rack requires cables to connect the devices to routers, switches, servers, and other equipment. This helps you identify cables quickly, which is critical for troubleshooting. Label each end of these cables so you can see exactly where they’re going. It may take a little longer upfront, but it will save you far more trouble down the road.

9. Organize your network cables

Besides labeling your cables, you will want to organize them so they look neat in the rack. Cables that are well organized not only look nicer but are less likely to get damaged.

10. Prepare for the future

If you plan to install a server rack, you will be sure that it can satisfy all your current needs. In addition to this, looking at the company’s expected growth and future equipment needs is also a wonderful strategy. In the long run, you will save time and money by investing a little bit today in a server rack that will be able to meet your needs for years to come.