serverrack

A server rack, or server cabinet, is a standardized frame or enclosure designed to mount information technology equipment. It provides a uniform mounting width of 19 inches (about 482 mm) for equipment, with height expressed in rack units (RU). One rack unit equals 1.75 inches. Racks come in open frame or enclosed cabinet forms and vary in depth, typically from around 600 to 1200 mm.

Equipment designed for rack mounting includes servers, switches, routers, patch panels, storage devices, and power distribution units. Mounting rails use standardized holes and slides, enabling hot-swappable components. Cabinets can have ventilated doors, removable side panels, and locking doors to protect equipment and support security.

Standards and compatibility: 19-inch racks are defined by the EIA-310 standard (with IEC equivalents used in other regions). This standard ensures cross-manufacturer compatibility for mounting holes, rail spacing, and labeling. Common rack heights include 24U, 42U, and occasionally 45U or 47U, among others, allowing predictable stacking of equipment.

Design considerations: Cooling and airflow are critical in rack deployments. Perforated doors, vented panels, and blanking panels help manage airflow, often in conjunction with hot aisle/cold aisle layouts. Power and cabling management are important for reliability; rack PDUs, UPS connections, cable trays, and management arms help organize cables and support maintenance. Security features such as lockable doors and tamper-resistant hardware are frequently used in data centers.

Use and installation: Racks are installed on raised or solid warehouse floors and must be anchored to prevent tipping. Proper labeling, weight management, and routine maintenance of rails, doors, and fans contribute to long-term reliability.