Whether you’re expanding a small business network or organizing a data center, understanding key rack features will help ensure a smart, space-efficient setup. Selecting a model with the best combination of features can help future-proof your infrastructure and help keep your IT systems safer, cooler and easier to manage. 

Here are key considerations for making a server rack purchase. 

Save Space with Flexible Designs 

Wall enclosures offer ample space, but standard models stick out two to three feet from the wall, making them impractical in narrow hallways, retail environments or compact IT closets. That’s where vertical wall enclosures come in. By rotating your components 90 degrees to face upward, vertical racks reduce wall protrusion dramatically. A 2U vertical unit extends only about 5 inches from the wall, while even an 8U unit stays under 12 inches. 

A swing-gate wall-mount rack is an elegant solution. Hinged at the rear, it swings forward like a door, allowing full access to cables and ports without the hassle of moving the whole enclosure. The steel hinges on NavePoint’s swing gates support up to 200 pounds and are designed for repeated use without wearing out. 

Another choice that gives you flexibility when holding smaller gear is 10-inch-wide cabinets. They are becoming an increasingly useful option for home offices and tight spaces. 

Stay Cool with Adequate Ventilation 

Inside server cabinets, rising temperatures can throttle CPUs and slow down network operations. Over time, heat can even shorten the lifespan of your hardware. If you haven’t yet purchased a rack, look for cabinets with built-in fans to keep air moving efficiently. These work in tandem with multi-sided ventilation to maintain a steady airflow. 

If your cabinet lacks fans,  add-on fans, whether top-mounted or rack-mounted, can be installed to help with airflow. For those prioritizing airflow above all else, open-frame racks offer maximum ventilation and cost-efficiency and are ideal if the rack is located in a secure area. 

Go Mobile 

Having mobility built in to a server rack is a convenience that sometimes ends up being a necessity. Caster wheels let you reposition racks for service, reorganize layouts or relocate equipment across rooms. For added stability, choose models with both locking casters and leveling feet. Once an enclosure is positioned, the wheels can be locked and the feet can be lowered for a secure footprint. This combines the best of both mobility and stability. 

Stay Secure 

IT hardware often contains sensitive data and handles mission-critical operations. If your server racks are in unsecured areas such as open office spaces, hallways or retail environments, security is essential. Front-door locks are standard, but don’t stop there. Racks with locking side and rear panels add additional layers of protection, keeping your servers, switches, storage drives and security appliances like firewalls safe from tampering or theft. 

Summary 

When choosing a server rack, consider your environment, hardware needs, and growth plans. Compact vertical enclosures, swing-gate access, ventilation options, mobility features and locking mechanisms all contribute to a functional and secure IT setup. The right combination of these features can reduce downtime, improve maintenance access and safeguard your data infrastructure, delivering long-term value for your business. The vast majority of NavePoint’s server rack cabinets are in stock now, available with same-day shipping..