There are so many types of rack-mount enclosures available for computer networking equipment. For starters, you can choose vertical capacities from 6U or less all the way up to 58U or more, floor-standing or wall-mount models, and enclosed cabinets or open-frame racks. And yet you might wonder why so many organizations choose what has become a standard: the 42U, floor-standing, enclosed cabinet. They seem to be everywhere, and there are good reasons why.

Below we explain some of the components you might put in a 42U cabinet with standard, 19-inch-wide rack spaces, as well as 10 benefits of these enclosures. We conclude with some unique features of NavePoint’s line of 42U cabs.

Common Uses for 42U Network Cabinets

This is the easiest part, because so many components can fit in a cabinet with 42 rack spaces. This is especially true of NavePoint’s line, which come with three depth options: 31.5, 39, or 47 inches. You will have no problem fitting the following in these single enclosures:

• Servers, network switches, and routers
• Patch panels
• Power distribution units (PDUs)
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units
• Keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) switches
• Environmental monitors, remote power management units, and console servers
• Backup storage devices
• Shelves to hold non-rack-mountable equipment
• Cooling fans or units
• Cable management accessories

10 Benefits of Using 42U Cabinets

Securing your computer network equipment in a large, floor-standing, 42U network server rack cabinet that is enclosed and lockable offers several big benefits, especially in a professional IT or data center environment:

• Physical Security: One of the primary benefits is physical security. The locked enclosure protects your valuable equipment from unauthorized access and tampering, reducing the risk of theft and damage. (Our 42U cabinets have locks on the front, back, and sides.)
• Capacity: Floor-standing 42U cabinets can hold more weight than wall-mount enclosures (each model in NavePoint’s line holds up to 3,000 pounds!).
• Cooling Features: 42U rack cabinets often come in fan-compatible models and/or with built-in cable management options. These help regulate the temperature inside the cabinet, preventing equipment from overheating, and ensure cables are organized for better airflow and maintenance.
• Organization: Rack cabinets allow you to neatly organize and mount your equipment. This makes it easier to manage and troubleshoot your network infrastructure. Patch panels, switches, and other components can be neatly installed in the cabinet, reducing clutter.
• Space Efficiency: 42U rack cabinets are designed to optimize space. By vertically stacking your equipment, you can make the most of limited floor space in data centers or server rooms. This can be especially important in data centers where real estate is costly.
• Cable Management: The enclosed cabinets make it easier to manage and hide cables, reducing cable clutter and the potential for cable damage. Cable management improves both the aesthetics and maintainability of your network.
• Equipment Protection: Rack cabinets protect your equipment from dust, debris, and accidental spills. This can extend the lifespan of your hardware and reduce maintenance costs.
• Scalability: 42U cabinets are designed to accommodate various equipment sizes and configurations. As your network grows, you can easily add or replace equipment within the cabinet without major disruptions.
• Easy Maintenance: With all your equipment neatly organized and accessible in one 42U location, routine maintenance tasks such as firmware updates, component replacements, and troubleshooting become more efficient.
• Reduced Downtime: In case of equipment failure, having everything in a centralized location makes it quicker to identify and address the issue, reducing downtime and its associated costs.

In summary, using a 42U, floor-standing, lockable rack cabinet for your network equipment gives you enhanced security, more capacity, better organization, improved maintenance, and optimized use of space. It is especially valuable in professional IT environments where reliability and efficiency are paramount.

NavePoint’s 42U Cabinets

There are professional networking enclosures and then there are these − NavePoint’s rock-solid, Commercial Series 42U cabinets. They are burly enough to secure however many 19-inch rack devices you can fit inside, but they have smart features that give you flexibility with cooling and cable management.

Key Features:

• Solid –Welded steel frame holds 3,000 pounds of gear
• 3 Depths − From a space-saving 31.5” to a hold-anything 47”
• Movable – Raise leveling feet to use pre-installed locking caster wheels
• Accessible – Includes rear French doors, four quick-release side panels
• Cable-Friendly − Optional cable management built into top
• Secure – Locking steel front and rear doors and side panels
• Air Flow − Options for fan-compatible top and perforated doors
• No Assembly − Comes fully assembled

NavePoint’s 42U Cabinets

Our 42U cabinets are in stock now and available with FREE standard same-day shipping. If you have product questions or need recommendations, contact our U.S.-based team of experts at +1 (866) 312-5401 or email us at sales@navepoint.com.