What Differentiates Network Cabinets from Server Cabinets?

by Jeff Schuh

Network cabinet accessories come in different types, sizes, and shapes.  People often confuse them with server cabinet accessories. Network cabinets are used to store all networking equipment. One major advantage of having the tools is the fact that they make the room more organized. With these cabinets, it’s hard to see stuff laying around. There are two significant types of network cabinets. A good data center rack manufacturer should provide you with a reliable set of network cabinets.

Stainless Steel (SS) and S2 Network Cabinet

They are the most common in the market. These network cabinets can hold 800kg of static weight. The front doors of the cabinets are made of glass, but the back one is made of steel. For efficient airflow, the rear doors are perforated.

They are easy to close since they have closable cable entries. The side panels can be removed; this makes the assembling process easy. Getting the best of both is hard, but one can use several strategies before purchasing a network cabinet.

Important Elements to Consider before buying a Network Cabinet

Buying a network cabinet can be a hard task for a beginner; however, it is an essential part of the design process in a network center. Whether one is looking to purchase one or a dozen cabinets, one needs to consider several factors. Below is a list of things to consider;

· Consider what you need the network cabinets for, if your networking accessories need a larger enclosure, go for a cabinet with more units to save cost. By purchasing one with more units, one saves money, which would otherwise be used to buy two or more cabinets.

· Choose a network cabinet with enough space to house your network accessories. That’s not all- in case you plan on expanding, ensure the one you choose will still have enough space for.

· The cabinet you go for should have a beautiful layout. There should be directions about how to go about connecting cables. Cabinets cannot be adjusted, so talk to an expert in choosing one that can be passed through doorways, fit a room of any size, and meet building regulation, if any.

· Before purchasing a network cabinet, ensure the room you intend on placing it is well ventilated.

· Cyber threats have become prevalent, therefore choose a cabinet with closed doors. One can opt for the ones with combination locks. When used with door sensors, they offer the best security to network and data.

· Ensure the cabinet you go for allows for smooth airflow to ensure the equipment is working.

· Your budget is the last thing on the list. You don’t want to find yourself in a scenario where you’ve spoken to the manufacturer and made your order then realized your budget is lower than the cost; always plan.

· The manufacturer you choose should be experienced if possible, ask for recommendations from friends.

Final Thoughts

In most cases, a network cabinet isn’t enough to store equipment; large offices are forced to use it alongside a server rack. The only difference is in the amount of heat generated by the machines. To avoid scenarios such as equipment getting damaged and, in worse cases, fire, ensure the location has excellent airflow. If all the strategies don’t work, talk to an expert.  

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