Server racks and stands: freestanding and wall-mounted network cabinets, open racks, rack rails, blank panels and castor wheels for network and server equipment built to the 19-inch standard. Our range has over 700 products, including ALLNET, DSIT, DIGITUS, LANBERG and EFB-Elektronik.
How to choose a server rack or cabinet
Type and location. A freestanding cabinet suits a server or comms room where there is plenty of space for equipment. A wall-mounted cabinet works in an office, shop or home when you only need to fit a switch, a patch panel and a few other devices. Our range includes both types.
Height and depth. Rack height is measured in units (U), and one U is 44.45 mm. Add up the height of all your equipment and leave roughly a quarter spare for future devices. Choose the depth by your deepest device, because a server with its cables needs far more room than a switch.
Closed or open frame. A closed cabinet with doors keeps out dust and unwanted hands, and the doors can be locked. An open rack is better ventilated and easier to reach when you change cabling often, but it offers no protection. Our range includes both closed and open models. If your equipment runs hot, look for perforated doors or space for fans.
Material and doors. Most racks are made of steel, and there are also galvanised steel and aluminium models. Glass doors let you see the indicator lights without opening the cabinet, while perforated doors let air through more freely. Black is the most common colour, with white and grey models also available.
Load and accessories. Heavy servers and uninterruptible power supplies need support rails and a cabinet rated for a higher load, so check the maximum weight stated by the manufacturer. You may also need mounting rails, blank panels to cover empty slots, and castor wheels to move the cabinet easily. All of these accessories are in our range.
Brands we carry
- ALLNET: a German supplier of network and IT equipment, and the brand with the most products in this category in our range.
- DIGITUS: a brand of ASSMANN Electronic, known for network cables, patch panels and cabinets.
- LANBERG: a Polish manufacturer offering network cables, patch panels and cabinets for small and medium networks.
- EFB-Elektronik: a German supplier of cables and connectivity, with products for network cabinets as well.
- APC: a Schneider Electric brand, known for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and server racks.
- TRITON: a Polish manufacturer of telecom and server cabinets.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian company known for connectivity products and server rack accessories.
Also in our range: DSIT, LANVIEW, ROLINE and EXTRALINK.
Frequently asked questions
How many U of rack space do I need for network equipment?
You need the total U of all your equipment plus roughly a quarter spare. Add up the height of switches, patch panels, UPS units and servers. A small office network often fits in a wall-mounted cabinet, while servers usually call for a freestanding one.
What is the difference between a wall-mounted and a freestanding rack?
A wall-mounted rack is fixed to the wall, takes little space and is meant for a small amount of equipment. A freestanding rack stands on the floor and holds more devices, heavier servers and neater cabling. The choice depends on how much equipment you have, its weight and the space available.
Does a server rack need cooling?
Cooling is needed when the rack holds servers or other equipment that gives off a lot of heat. In a closed cabinet, perforated doors or fans help, while an open rack is ventilated naturally. Passive network equipment such as patch panels usually only needs a ventilated room.
What does a 19-inch rack mean?
A 19-inch rack is built for equipment with a mounting width of 19 inches (482.6 mm). Most switches, patch panels, servers and UPS units follow this standard, so they fit racks from different manufacturers. Before buying, check that the device description states 19-inch rack mounting.
