19 inch racks are a standard equipment mounting system used widely in data centers and server rooms. The racks provide a modular frame for mounting various information technology (IT) and networking equipment like servers, switches, routers, PDUs, and more.
The key feature of 19 inch racks is the width – they are designed with vertical mounting rails that are precisely 19 inches apart. This allows equipment like servers and switches that are designed to this 19 inch standard to easily mount into the rack securely. The vertical mounting rails have holes that line up with the screws on the equipment so they can be fastened firmly.
Racks come in varying heights but commonly seen ones are 42U (about 6 feet tall) or 48U (about 7 feet tall). The “U” designation refers to rack units – a standard unit of vertical space in the rack. 1U is equal to 1.75 inches of height. So a 42U rack has 42 x 1.75 inches = 73.5 inches of usable vertical mounting space. This standardization of space makes capacity planning for data center racks simple.
The 19 inch rack standard is widely used industry-wide today for data center and networking equipment. It ensures components from different manufacturers are interoperable and can be space efficient when mounted. With the rise of high density computing and network bandwidth, the humble 19 inch rack continues to be a foundational element of modern data centers.
19 Inch Data Racks
Manufacturers call IT equipment that fits in a rack “rack-mount” because of its size. People commonly use the terms rack-mounted system, rack-mount chassis, server rack, and sub-rack.
Rack-mounted systems have become increasingly popular in various industries due to their efficiency and space-saving design. These systems allow for easy installation and organization of equipment, making them a preferred choice for data centers, telecommunications companies, and even home offices.
One of the key advantages of rack-mounted systems is their modular nature. Equipment units, such as servers, switches, and power supplies, can be easily inserted and secured into the rack, providing a neat and organized setup. This modular approach also allows for easy maintenance and upgrades, as individual components can be replaced or added without disrupting the entire system.
Moreover, the standardized 19-inch width of rack modules ensures compatibility across different manufacturers. This means that equipment from various brands can be seamlessly integrated into a single rack, promoting flexibility and scalability. Additionally, the vertical spacing between rack units, commonly referred to as “U” or “rack unit,” allows for efficient use of vertical space, maximizing the number of units that can be mounted in a single rack.
The benefits of rack-mounted systems extend beyond their physical design. These systems often feature advanced cooling mechanisms, such as fans and ventilation panels, to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance. Additionally, cable management solutions, such as cable trays and routing options, help keep the wiring organized and minimize the risk of accidental disconnections.
As technology continues to evolve, rack-mounted systems have adapted to accommodate the changing needs of businesses. Specialized racks, such as those designed for high-density computing or audiovisual equipment, have emerged to cater to specific industries. These racks often incorporate additional features like enhanced airflow, noise reduction, and security measures to meet the unique requirements of their intended applications.
In conclusion, rack-mounted systems have revolutionized the way we organize and manage our equipment. Their standardized design, modular nature, and efficient use of space make them an indispensable tool in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world. Whether in a data center or a home office, rack-mounted systems provide a reliable and scalable solution for housing and maintaining our valuable IT infrastructure.
Standard 19″ Racks in the Data Centre
Data centres and server rooms have computing equipment located in standard 19″ racks. These racks can be in two or four post formats. The height standardizes in multiples of 44.50 mm or 1.752 inches. One rack unit or a “U” also refers to this height measurement.
The IT industry considers a standard IT rack structure as 42U tall. Standard racks save space by allowing efficient configuration of networking hardware or AV equipment without floor or shelf installations.
Racks serve a range of placement demands, securing everything from basic equipment to dense computing applications. Racks can also assist with data centre power management.
Rack Unit Dimensions
The measurement of each rack unit is 1.75 inches wide. Administrators use standardised rank units to assist in buying, mounting, and uninstalling servers, computers, or other devices.
You can choose data server racks and cabinets based on functionality, including cooling and cabling management options.
Cabinets and racks vary by U height, width, depth, front door style, security, and other features.
Patching cabinets
Range from 4u to 8u in height and have a shallow depth of approximately 275mm. Small office/classroom applications use these cabinets to house 1 or 2 patch panels and maybe a small switch if required. These small and compact cabinets require limited space.
Wall Mount Cabinets
Range from 6u to 21u in height and are generally available in depths of 390mm, 450mm, and 600mm. Small offices, classrooms, and retail stores use these cabinets.
Small offices, classrooms, and retail stores use these cabinets. Small offices use them to store communication equipment as well. This is especially useful in cases where there is no floor space or where security is a concern.
Floor Standing Data Cabinets
Range from 12u to 47u in height and are generally available in depths of 600mm, and 800mm. These cabinets find use in applications that require a large number of passive devices.
RJ45 patch panels and voice panels are the most common products installed in these cabinets. These cabinets are designed specifically for cables and have extra points and features for managing cables. However, they don’t have good airflow, so they can’t be used to store active equipment like switches and servers.
Specifically designed for housing all your business communication & networking equipment needs in a single cabinet, our range of datacel Floor Standing Server Cabinets provide sufficient ventilation, security, cable management and come in 27u, 42u and 47u height variations.
Floor Standing Server Cabinets
Range from 12u to 47u in height and are generally available in depths of 1000mm, and 1200mm. These cabinets house active equipment such as switches, servers, UPS’s, and telephone systems.
In big applications, the passive equipment like patch panels goes in a data cabinet. The active equipment goes in a server cabinet, which is deeper, has better airflow, and can handle more weight. Smaller companies and applications would house both passive and active equipment in a floor-standing server cabinet.