Server racks have evolved over time to become the backbone of your data center. Today’s racks support new data center layouts, higher density equipment, and have even morphed into small data centers themselves. They also vary in size, enclosure type, mounting, and scalability.
For you to truly optimize your data center – maximize output and operate at highest efficiencies – your data center designs must include a thoughtful server rack strategy. Here’s a few things to think about…
Consider Your Containment Strategy
Thanks to the advent of hot aisle/cold aisle data center formats, server racks shed their old, tinted glass doors in favor of perforated metal panels a long time ago. The basic idea behind this popular layout is to arrange the server racks in uniform rows so that they create separate aisles for the hot and cold air.
Whether you do it with raised floors and perimeter cooling units, or on a concrete slab with in-row coolers, the idea is the same: the cold air gets pumped into the cold aisle, ingested through the front of the IT device, heated up, then ejected out the rear into the hot aisle.
From there, the hot air directs to the return inlets of the cooling unit, and the process starts again. When selecting racks, it’s important to standardize overall dimensions and choose racks that optimize to accommodate the highest amount of airflow.
Eventually, the hot aisle/cold aisle idea evolved into new designs that utilize the containment of both aisles. Sometimes referred to as close-coupled designs, this type of configuration is extremely efficient because it allows for precise control and placement of the hot and cold air.
CEG is the industry’s go-to for custom close-coupled designs, as well as singular hot aisle/cold aisle containment strategies. Our solutions start at single rack designs, all the way up to full-blown modular data centers.
Cable Management and Accessories
In addition to housing and protecting your IT assets, a good server rack should also be able to accommodate multiple accessories and cables.
Making sure your racks fit with the correct number of blanking panels and side dams will help maintain the separation between these two aisles, increasing efficiency. The other x-factor inside the racks is cable management. The ability to provide flexible cable management options as well as contain provisions for robust rPDU applications is a must-have.
The Right Racks make the Difference in Design
Gone are the days when server racks were afterthoughts – accessories to the technology they housed. Today’s racks are optimized for easy installation, cable management, integrated power distribution, and maximized airflow. Selecting the right racks and rack layouts for your containment set-up will allow the entire IT space to operate at its highest efficiency.
CEG can help you achieve your design and efficiency goals by taking a holistic approach to the data center space. Our expertise and solution sets allow us to provide a smart and scalable rack and containment setup, no matter the size or scope of your IT environment. CONTACT US today to discuss your data center’s server rack strategy.
0 Comments