How to Plan a Server Rack Installation?

How to Plan a Server Rack Installation

room properties

When choosing a room or considering upgrading to an existing room, make sure you have enough space for all the racks you need now and in the foreseeable future. And don't forget that you need to move the shelves from the delivery point to the final location. Doors to your facility must be high enough, floors must be strong enough, and stairs should be avoided. The circuit in the room must provide the correct voltage and sufficient amperage for all your equipment. The cable must have a way to get in and out of the room.

rack layout

You should develop blueprints for rack placement in relation to rooms, each other, and important resources such as power circuits and cooling. Rack layout is especially important for cooling. Cooling will be more efficient and effective if the hot air is prevented from recirculating and mixing with the cold air supply. You should have solid rows of rack enclosure hot aisles (racks back to back) and cold aisles (racks front to front). Arranging racks in a hot aisle/cold aisle layout can reduce energy usage by up to 20%. You should also "bay" the cabinets by connecting them side by side.

equipment placement

The location of equipment in a rack is critical to the proper operation of servers and other equipment, maximizing the use of space within the rack, and facilitating maintenance. You should develop a detailed equipment placement plan prior to installation, including plans for future expansion. Of course, you need to make sure each rack has enough rack space to accommodate all the equipment you plan to install.