Some computer networking cabinets are big enough to hold any equipment you might have − deep enough for the biggest servers and perhaps even tall enough to hold all your components. Of course, they take up a lot more floor space, but that’s the tradeoff. Other networking cabinets are not big enough to hold your deepest components but neither do they dominate an IT closet with their size.

And then there is the mid-depth server cabinet, which is big enough to accommodate most of your networking gear but much easier to fit into a room and to move around if you need to. It might not solve all your cabinet needs but for many users it proves to be the best of both worlds.

This blog post discusses the best uses for mid-depth cabinets and concludes with details about NavePoint’s mid-depth line. Our advice reflects our 15+ years offering IT and networking racks and cabinets of many sizes. Of course, “mid-depth” is a subjective term but in this case we mean cabinets that will hold equipment that is up to 30 inches deep. That falls between our 42U line that holds depths up to 47 inches, and our mountable wall cabinets, which come in space-saving depths down to 12 inches.

What industries use mid-size cabinets?

Mid-depth cabinets are useful for any industry that requires small, centralized network enclosures or distributed LAN/WAN (local area network, wide area network) topologies that require cabinets in remote or secondary locations with network equipment closer to the end user. These industries include:

• Retail
• Financial services
• Healthcare
• Education
• Government
• Professional services (such as legal and architectural).

For what application or usage would a mid-size be a better choice?

Mid-size enclosures are ideal for at least two key applications:

• Smaller centralized server installations such as those used for SOHO (small office, home office) networks. These smaller networks provide a combination of wired and wireless connectivity for routers, desktop computers, laptops, printers, scanners, smartphones, tablets and network-attached storage devices.
• Distributed LAN/WAN (local area network/wide area network) topologies that require cabinets in remote or secondary locations with network equipment closer to the end user. This type of network architecture spans multiple locations or sites, where each location has its own LAN and connects to a WAN. This topology is commonly used in organizations with multiple branches or offices that need to connect and communicate with one another.

Are there certain devices mid-depth cabinets are made to hold?

These enclosures are ideal for rack-mount computer server installations. If their mounting rails are adjustable to support components with different depths, they can also accommodate other types of network equipment. This includes:

• Computer servers
• Networking equipment such as switches, routers, and modems
• Storage components such as network-attached storage (NAS) devices, storage area network (SAN) equipment, or direct-attached storage (DAS) devices
• Power distribution units (PDUs) for distributing power and managing power consumption
• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) for backup power
• Patch panels for organizing and managing network cables
• Cooling systems such as fans

Are there other benefits or limitations a buyer should consider before purchasing a mid-depth enclosure?

• Benefits – There are so many features to look for, but we list just four of the most important here. First, look for features that will help keep the inside of a cabinet cool, to extend the life of your network equipment. For instance, perforated ventilation provides security while allowing for airflow, and pre-cut fan slots can hold fans for further thermal management. Second, cable management slots will give you customized cable routing. Third, locks on the front, back and both sides of a cabinet maximize security while giving you easy access to the enclosure. Fourth, look for meaningful industry certifications of cabinets, such as compliance with: CE, EIA/ECA-310-E, HIPAA, NEMA Rated Type-1, and PCI.
• Limitations − Mid-size cabinets may not be sufficient for businesses that require significant expansion or have rapidly growing IT needs. In such instances, larger cabinets with more depth might be the way to go.

NavePoint’s Mid-Depth Cabinets

NavePoint’s wide array of cabinets include a line of mid-depth cabinets , which measure 33 inches from front to back on the outside and can hold components up to 30 inches deep. They are smaller than some of our other lines, such as the 42U cabinets, but larger than, for example, our wall cabinets, most of which don’t exceed 18 inches.

Our mid-depth cabinets are sized for storing your rack-mountable servers, networking and telecommunications equipment. We have them in 12U, 18U and 24U options, with the following benefits:

• Flexible capacity – Holds any 19-inch rack-mount equipment that is up to 30 inches deep. Mounting rails adjust in quarter-inch increments for equipment depths down to 3 inches.
• Cool – Not just vents but large perforated panels on the front, back, and sides, and two fan slots on top if you want to install more cooling.
• Secure − Anti-theft locks on the front door, rear panel and both sides.
• Accessible – Doors on the front and back, removable side panels, and caster wheels to position the cabinet for easier access.
• Burly – Holds 1000 pounds of gear and is made of cold-rolled steel with a powder-coated finish.
• Cable-friendly − Top and bottom slots for easy cable routing.

NavePoint’s new mid-depth cabinets are in-stock and available with FREE standard same-day shipping. They are part of our huge selection of racks and cabinets, which include wall cabinets, audio/video cabinets, 42U cabinets, charging cabinets, wall-mount racks, two-post racks, and four-post racks.

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