Affordable Network Rack Accessories to Enhance Functionality and Organization

Our 5 Favorite Affordable Network Rack Accessories 

Can network rack accessories make that much of a difference in unlocking the potential of your open-frame rack? Thousands of NavePoint’s customers think soꟷwhich is why network rack accessories are some of our fastest moving products. Of course, it helps that these devices are so affordable, able to more than carry their weight in adding value. 

Of the dozens of affordable rack accessories we offer, below we reveal our five favorites. Besides their cost-effectiveness, we’re high on these items because of their ability to make a network rack more functional. 

Key Takeaways 

• Small, affordable accessories can dramatically improve rack performance and longevity. 

• Shelves, cable managers and power distribution are three of the most impactful upgrades. 

• Always keep extra mounting hardware to avoid installation delays. 

Our five favorite rack accessories work especially well at enhancing open-frame racks, which encompass wall-mount racks and wall-mount patch panel brackets, as well as floor-standing units. The latter consists of 19-inch-wide 2-post racks and 4-post racks, 23-inch-wide 2-post racks, and 23-inch-wide 4-post racks. 

1. Rack Shelves: The Versatile Platforms 

Rack shelves are essential for accommodating non-rack-mountable equipment. These simple yet invaluable accessories come in various sizes and weight capacities, allowing you to securely place items like small network switches, A/V components, power strips or even desktop computers within your rack. 

Fixed shelves are ideal for stationary equipment, while sliding shelves offer easy access to devices that require frequent maintenance. For heavier items, consider cantilever shelves or 4-post shelves, which provide additional support. NavePoint even has 23-inch-wide shelves for wider racks, available in three depths and up to 3U. When choosing a shelf, ensure it matches your rack’s mounting hole pattern and can support the weight of your equipment. 

Remember: When buying a shelf, confirm that it fits your rack’s size. 

1. Ethernet Patch Panels: The Connection Hubs 

Ethernet patch panels are the unsung heroes of organized network cabling. Commonly available with 12, 24 or 48 ports, they serve as a central point for connecting network cables, simplifying cable management and troubleshooting. 

For small offices or home networks, a 12- or 24-port panel might suffice. Larger setups may require 48-port panels or multiple units. When selecting a patch panel, consider your potential need for future expansion. Cat 5e patch panels are suitable for most applications, but if you're running high-speed networks, invest in a Cat 6 patch panel or a Cat 6a patch panel for better performance. 

1. Cable Managers: The Traffic Controllers 

Cable managers are horizontal or vertical attachments that maintain order in your rack setup. They come in many designs, but the type we’re talking about here are the ones with an array of D-rings that guide cables away from the front or back of the rack, preventing tangled messes and ensuring proper airflow. 

Horizontal cable managers work well for organizing patch cables between switches and patch panels. Typically they take up only 1U of rack space, but there are different ring sizes depending on the number of cables you expect to have. Look for 23-inch-width cable managers for your wider rack. 

Vertical cable managers neatly direct cables up and down the sides of the rack, providing a clean appearance and easy access for maintenance. 

1. Cable Ties: The Bundling Essentials 

Cable ties are crucial in maintaining order both inside and outside your rack. These nicely affordable accessories come in two main types: plastic zip ties and hook-and-loop ties. Either way, they come in many colors to help simplify troubleshooting later. 

Plastic zip ties are ideal for permanent cable installations. They’re strong and durable and come in various lengths and colors. Use different colors to categorize cable types or network zones for easy identification. 

Hook-and-loop ties, often known by the brand name Velcro, are good for temporary or frequently changed setups. They’re reusable and allow for easy adjustments without the need for cutting and replacing. For added value and custom tie lengths, get them in long hook-and-loop rolls. 

When using cable ties, avoid over-tightening, as this can damage cable insulation or affect signal quality, especially in fiber optic cables. Always leave a little slack for natural cable movement and heat expansion. 

1. Rack Extenders: The Size Converters 

Rack extenders are the unsung heroes when you need to mount 19-inch-wide components into a 23-inch-wide rack. Also known as rack adapter brackets or rack conversion brackets, these adapters widen the mounting points of your 19-inch equipment to fit the broader 23-inch rack spacing. They’re particularly useful in environments where both rack sizes are common, such as in telecommunications or broadcast facilities. 

Of course, NavePoint has other open-frame rack accessories as well, including: 

• Power distribution unit (PDU) ꟷ a 16-port USB charging hub station that’s only 10 inches deep to fit most racks. Its basic surge protection can save you thousands in damaged equipment. 

• Rack hardware ꟷ rack-mounting screws, caster wheels, leveling feet, a tool for inserting and removing cage nuts, and anchor bolts for mounting a rack to a concrete/masonry floor. Always keep extra mounting hardware to avoid installation delays. 

• Cabinet accessories ꟷ vertical rail kits, M6 screws for mounting racks and cabinets to wood studs and a kit for enabling a wall-mount rack to swing out from the wall for rear access. Many suppliers sell kits with cable managers, screws and shelves at discounted prices. 

Are you ready to improve your installation with affordable network rack accessories? NavePoint’s accessories are in stock and available now.