When you’re sourcing equipment to house your critical IT infrastructure, choosing the right network rack supplier is about more than just prices. For many businesses, the quality, flexibility, and reliability of the racks they install can impact everything from uptime and maintenance time to space efficiency and cooling. Your network infrastructure deserves more than a one-size-fits-all solution—it requires thoughtful design, practical features, and real support. 

So how do you know if your network rack supplier is up to the task? Start by checking for these five essential things every dependable supplier should offer. 

1. Options for Every Setup

No two businesses have the same IT environment, which means flexibility in design and configuration is key. A great supplier will offer a wide variety of open-frame and enclosed racks, from cost-effective two-post racks and four-post racks to full-sized 42U cabinets and compact wall rack solutions. Whether you need a rack for a data center, server room, office AV cabinet, or outdoor location, there should be an option that fits. 

Look for wall-mounted racks that help save floor space, as well as NEMA enclosures or IP-rated enclosures that are weatherproof for outdoor installations. AV racks should also be part of the offering for businesses dealing with media systems. An assortment of rack widths—from standard 19-inch to 10-inch rack, or 23-inch enclosure—gives you the flexibility to fit your equipment snugly and safely. 

Just as important are the add-ons: shelves, drawers, patch panels, raceways, lacing shelves, and D-rings that enhance organization and performance. A supplier with a wide rack accessory selection makes it easier to optimize your network rack without jumping between vendors. 

2. Smart Features

Not all network racks are created equal. Smart design features can dramatically improve the usability and longevity of your system. Adjustable rack rails allow for various component depths and help future-proof your setup as your needs evolve. Meanwhile, removable side and rear panels make installation and maintenance easier—an especially valuable benefit for small IT teams or solo techs. 

Swing-gate wall racks allow front-facing access to rear-mounted components, making cable management and system adjustments less of a headache. For smaller or unconventional spaces, vertical wall-mount racks with a low-profile footprint are ideal—perfect for crowded offices, classrooms, or even busy hallways. 

By choosing a rack with these features, you’re saving time, improving safety, and ensuring better access to critical systems. 

3. Plenty of Ventilation

Cooling is a necessity for protecting sensitive IT gear. Heat buildup can shorten the life of servers, routers, and switches, and lead to avoidable downtime. That’s why your network rack supplier should offer a range of open-frame designs that allow natural airflow, as well as vented enclosures that dissipate heat more effectively. 

For even more control, look for rack enclosures that come with fans pre-installed or are designed to accommodate aftermarket cooling systems. Rack fans, whether top-mount or rack-mount, are great options to keep airflow moving in temperature-critical environments. 

Maintaining safe operating temperatures is vital for IT performance, and a properly ventilated rack can be one of your best tools in the fight against heat. 

4. Built-in Security

Your equipment houses sensitive data and plays a critical role in operations—so don’t overlook physical security. All rack enclosures should be constructed from steel (or heavy-duty synthetic materials for NEMA models) to provide solid protection against tampering and damage. 

More importantly, they should include lockable front doors and secured side and back panels to prevent unauthorized access. Whether your racks are in an open office space or a locked room, security remains a top priority. A trustworthy network rack supplier won’t skimp on physical safeguards. 

5. Fast Shipping, Real Support

Time is money, especially when you're managing IT installations or reacting to outages. The best suppliers don’t just stock a wide selection of products—they also ship them quickly. Look for vendors who maintain inventory in U.S.-based warehouses and offer same-day shipping on in-stock items. That kind of responsiveness helps keep your projects on schedule and your systems online. 

Equally important is support. A quality supplier backs up their products with knowledgeable, U.S.-based support staff who can help you choose the right rack, troubleshoot installation, and even guide you through accessories or customizations. Real product specialists can help you make smarter decisions—and avoid expensive mistakes. 

Choose a Partner, Not Just a Product 

Your network rack isn’t just a piece of hardware—it’s the backbone of your digital operations. When you choose a supplier that understands the importance of smart design, robust security, dependable cooling, and responsive service, you’re doing more than buying equipment. You’re investing in performance, reliability, and peace of mind. 

Before placing your next order, make sure your rack supplier delivers on all five of these must-haves. 

About NavePoint 

NavePoint’s mission is to make IT infrastructure simple, dependable, and affordable for businesses. Our network rack selection encompasses every type of enclosure you might need, and it’s available with same-day shipping backed by our dedicated, U.S.-based product specialists.