Are your rack-mount electronics taking up too much room? It might be time to put your networking or telecom cabinet on a diet. From data centers to home office setups, many consumers are finding that they don’t always need a standard-size, 19-inch-wide cabinet to hold their components. In certain situations, a 10-inch-wide cabinet will work just as well, and it will take up less room and cost less.

We touched on this topic in a previous blog post, detailing what types of components are commonly found in 10-inch cabinets. Below we discuss three trends that are driving the popularity of 10-inch-width network cabinets:

• The high cost of office space
• An increase in sophisticated computer networking and audiovisual setups in the home
• High-tech components being manufactured in smaller sizes

We conclude with some reasons to love NavePoint’s new line of 10-inch-width series cabinets that include two shelves.

The High Cost of Office Space

You have probably heard that many companies in the post-COVID-19 era are requiring their employees to spend more days in the office. But at the same time, organizations are also reducing their office space, according to a 2023 article in Fortune magazine. Equipment cabinets that require less space can ease the challenge of this paradox, in two respects:

• Efficient Space Utilization: In scenarios where office space is at a premium and every square inch matters, the compact design of 10-inch-wide network cabinets becomes crucial. These narrower cabinets allow businesses to optimize their available space, potentially reducing the need for larger dedicated server rooms or expansive networking closets.
• Cost Savings: The high cost associated with leasing or purchasing office space can be a driving factor. By adopting 10-inch-wide cabinets, businesses can make more economical use of their existing space, potentially avoiding the need to invest in larger facilities solely for networking equipment.

An Increase in Computer Networking and A/V Setups in the Home

It’s no secret that one of the biggest trends in U.S. workplaces in recent years is more people working from home. A Pew Research Center study reported in 2023 that 35% of workers with jobs that can be done remotely are working from home, compared to 7% before the pandemic. More compact, home-friendly network cabinets can help with this move toward working at home, in two respects:

• Home Office Trends: With the rise of remote work and the increasing sophistication of home office setups, individuals may opt for 10-inch-wide network cabinets. These cabinets provide a more compact and aesthetically pleasing solution for managing networking equipment, audiovisual components, and smart home devices in a home environment.
• Integration with Home Automation: As homes become more connected and feature-rich, the need for a centralized and organized space for networking equipment grows. Narrower, 10-inch-wide cabinets offer a streamlined solution that fits well with modern home automation systems, providing a clean and efficient way to manage diverse electronic components.

High-Tech Components Being Manufactured in Smaller Sizes

While 19-inch-wide rack-mount components are still considered the standard size, more and more are being made with a 10-inch width. Two factors are pushing this trend:

• Miniaturization of Electronics: Advances in technology have led to the miniaturization of electronic components. Networking equipment such as switches, routers, patch panels, and power distribution units (PDUs), as well as telecommunications and audiovisual gear, are now being manufactured in smaller form factors without sacrificing performance. The reduced size of these components aligns well with the dimensions of 10-inch-wide cabinets, making them a practical choice for housing the latest generation of high-tech, space-efficient hardware.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The trend toward smaller and more powerful electronic components allows for greater flexibility in designing network infrastructure. 10-inch-wide cabinets can adapt to these changes more easily, accommodating compact and efficient hardware configurations.

NavePoint’s 10-Inch-Wide Network Cabinets with Shelves

A quest for space efficiency might be what’s driving you to consider narrower cabinets, but NavePoint’s new line of 10-inch-width series cabinets offers much more than that. For starters, seven of the 24 wall-mount steel cabinets each come with two metal shelves to give you more flexibility with your installation, as well as a 1U blank panel spacer.

With all 24 models, you have three main options to best meet your needs:

• Vertical capacity: 6U or 9U
• Depth: 11.8 or 15.75 inches exterior, which is 7 or 10.62 inches interior
• Locking door: tempered glass or perforated metal

Key Benefits:

• Space-Saving – Narrower 10-inch width, wall-mount to save floor space
• Extra Storage – 7 models include 2 shelves for non-rack-mount devices
• Secure – Locking door, cold-rolled steel construction
• Well Ventilated – Top vent, perforated door option
• Accessible – Removable side panels

Our 10-inch-width series 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.

NavePoint’s 10-Inch-Wide Network Cabinets