Installing computer networking enclosed wall cabinets or open-frame racks each have their own pros and cons. Below we break down each option’s advantages and disadvantages and lists the types of equipment that benefit the most from each. We conclude with a summary of NavePoint’s related product offerings. 

Key Takeaways 

• Choose enclosed wall cabinets if you need security, dust protection and space-saving designs. 

• Choose open-frame racks if you want accessibility, better airflow and flexibility at a lower cost. 

• Think about where the rack will be installed. For instance, a secured server room may not need an enclosed cabinet, while an open office or retail environment usually does. 

Enclosed Cabinets 

Pros: 

• Protection: Enclosed cabinets shield your networking equipment from dust, debris and accidental damage. 

• Security: Cabinets with lockable doors offer an additional layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to your networking equipment. 

• Noise reduction: Enclosed cabinets can help dampen the noise generated by networking equipment, for a quieter working environment. 

Cons: 

• Airflow and heat dissipation: Enclosed cabinets can restrict airflow, potentially leading to increased temperatures inside the cabinet. This can affect the performance and lifespan of your networking equipment if not properly managed with cooling fan kits or ventilation. 

• Accessibility: Working on and accessing networking equipment within an enclosed cabinet can be more cumbersome and time-consuming. 

• Cost: Enclosed cabinets tend to be more expensive than open-frame racks. 

Best Uses for Enclosed Cabinets 

• Servers: Placing servers in an enclosed cabinet with lockable doors adds an extra layer of physical security and prevents unauthorized access. Also, the noise generated by server fans and cooling systems can be greatly muted within an enclosed cabinet. 

• Network switches: An enclosed cabinet can provide physical protection against accidental damage and reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Also, noise reduction can be beneficial since larger network switches can produce considerable fan noise. 

• Storage arrays: Storage arrays or network-attached storage (NAS) devices often contain sensitive and valuable data, making physical protection and security crucial. The noise reduction provided by the cabinet can be particularly valuable for large storage arrays with multiple hard drives. 

• Backup devices: Backup devices, such as tape drives or disk-based backup systems, are used for data backup and disaster recovery purposes. They store important copies of data, so physical protection and security are paramount. 

• Security appliances: Network security appliances, like firewalls or intrusion detection systems, are critical for protecting networks from cyber threats. These devices often contain sensitive configurations and logs that need to be secured. 

Open-Frame Racks 

Pros: 

• Airflow and cooling: Open-frame racks allow for better airflow and heat dissipation compared to enclosed cabinets. 

• Accessibility: With open-frame racks, networking equipment is easily accessible, simplifying maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting. 

• Cost: Open-frame racks are generally more affordable compared to enclosed cabinets. 

Cons: 

• Reduced physical protection: Open-frame racks do not offer the same level of physical protection as enclosed cabinets. Equipment is more exposed to dust, debris and potential damage. 

• Security: Without lockable doors, there is a higher risk of unauthorized access to your networking equipment in an open-frame rack. 

• Noise: The operational noise generated by the networking equipment is more noticeable. 

Best Uses for Open-Frame Racks 

• Network switches: Network switches can generate significant heat, especially in larger deployments. Placing them in an open-frame rack reduces the risk of overheating and facilitates easy access to the switches for maintenance, upgrades and cable management. 

• Patch panels: Patch panels serve as the central termination point for network cables, allowing for easy organization and connectivity. Mounting patch panels in an open-frame rack provides accessibility for cable management, simplifies troubleshooting and allows for better airflow around the cables. 

• Power distribution units: PDUs distribute power to networking equipment within a rack. Mounting PDUs in an open-frame rack allows for easy access to power connections, cable management and improved airflow for the networking equipment’s power needs. 

• Audio/video equipment: In certain scenarios, such as AV production or multimedia installations, AV equipment like audio mixers, video switchers or media servers may be deployed alongside networking equipment. These devices can benefit from the open-frame rack’s improved airflow and accessibility, ensuring optimal performance and ease of use. 

• Test equipment: Network testing and diagnostic tools, such as network analyzers or cable testers, are crucial for network maintenance and troubleshooting. Placing these devices in an open-frame rack provides accessibility, allowing technicians to easily connect and test network cables and components. 

Final Recommendations 

1. Consider the environment: Dusty warehouses benefit from enclosed cabinets, while climate-controlled data rooms can rely on open racks. 

1. Plan for growth: Open-frame racks are better if you expect frequent equipment changes. 

1. Don’t forget cooling: Enclosed cabinets often need fan kits or vent panels. 

1. Check weight capacity: Wall cabinets have limits—ensure they support your equipment load. 

1. Budget smartly: Open racks are cheaper, but if security is a concern, an enclosure is worth the investment. 

NavePoint offers enclosed wall cabinets in the categories of vertical wall enclosures, 10-inch width series, professional series, performance series, swing gate series, consumer series and basic series. Our open-frame racks are divided into swing-gate racks, wall-mount racks, vertical wall racks and vertical rack rails. All these racks, as well as a wide array of cable management accessories, are in stock and available with FREE standard same-day shipping.  

Questions? Contact our U.S.-based team of experts at 1-866-312-5401 or email us at sales@navepoint.com.