Stay Cool, Secure and Flexible with the Best Server Racks for Efficient IT Setup

Stay Cool, Secure and Flexible with Server Racks

A large office might keep its computer servers in a data center while a smaller one can get by with an IT closet. But there is one thing most offices have in common: Their servers and related IT equipment are installed together in server racks. 

Key Takeaways 

• Cooling is critical—vented racks, airflow management and blanking panels keep servers running efficiently. 

• Security goes beyond software—lockable, enclosed racks safeguard sensitive equipment. 

• Flexibility ensures your infrastructure grows with your business—modular racks and scalable designs are future-ready. 

Server racks, also known as networking cabinets, hold not only computer servers but patch panels, network switches, power distribution units and other components related to the servers. They are popular because they serve four crucial functions. 

Ventilation 

NavePoint’s server racks have several features for keeping your equipment cool. They have built-in fans or dedicated ports for installing fans. Doors and side panels are vented for circulation. Some cabinets have cable-routing features that keep interiors less cluttered to promote air flow. For the best circulation, we offer open-frame racks. 

To get the best airflow, plan your rack layout in advance. 

Security 

Networking equipment is too expensive to keep on office desktops and shelves, especially in high-traffic areas. Server racks protect components from dust, moisture, foot traffic and theft. Many of our cabinets have steel locks on the front doors and on the rear and side panels. Most are made with rugged steel panels over a welded frame. Inside, components can be attached to rack rails with screws, so accidental bumps won’t unplug anything. 

Flexibility 

If you want to reconfigure cables between your network components, it’s easier if everything is in the same server rack. Install a patch panel in your cabinet and your routing possibilities become endless. Some of our server racks have adjustable rack rails to accommodate different widths. There are many rack accessories to make your server rack even more flexible—from drawers to shelves to cable-routing devices. 

Another flexibility best practice is to choose racks with extra depth and weight capacity for future upgrades. 

Centralization 

When installing computer servers and other networking components, the closer together they are, the better. Closer means shorter cable runs, which improves signal integrity. Closer also makes maintenance easier – shorter cables are easier to re-route, to troubleshoot for problems and to replace. 

Of course, the best way to shorten cable runs is to put all your equipment in one cabinet, including PDUs for efficient power distribution. This explains the popularity of NavePoint’s line of 42U server racks. At just over six feet tall, they can hold about everything you might need in one secure, fan-cooled space. 

NavePoint offers a wide selection of server racks and networking cabinets, from wall cabinets and wall-mount racks that help maximize your floor space to floor-standing mid-depth cabinets. Other related products include 4-post racks, 2-post racks, server rack rails and patch panel brackets. 

Most of our products are in stock 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 1-866-308-2158 or email us. 

Server Rack FAQs 

Q1: Should I choose an open-frame rack or an enclosed rack?  
A: Open-frame racks are cost-effective and offer easy access. Enclosed racks provide better security, airflow control and dust protection. 

Q2: How do I prevent servers from overheating in a rack?  
A: Use vented shelves and blanking panels and follow hot aisle/cold aisle cooling best practices. 

Q3: What size server rack do I need?  
A: Most racks are measured in rack units (U). A 42U rack is standard for enterprise setups, but smaller offices may use 12U to 24U racks.