When most people think of a data center, they think of rows upon rows of cabinets, precisely arranged to optimize space and cooling. However, not all data centers fit this ideal model, and not all IT equipment resides in a data center. Many organizations have to improvise space for equipment to support critical IT functions.
Office space or even a supply room may be used as a network hub, or IT equipment may be housed in a wiring closet. Organizations may also need secure, organized hosting solutions for IT, A/V, or security equipment in training rooms, warehouses, restaurants … the list is virtually endless.
These facilities may not have room or even a need for a single floor-standing cabinet, much less an entire row of them. Wall-mount racks and cabinets can ease the space crunch, safely housing equipment in units that are easy to access but out of the way.
Types of Wall-Mount Racks and Cabinets
Wall-mount units may be open for easy access to equipment or enclosed for added protection. Open frame racks are more affordable and well-suited for lighter installation and less-sensitive equipment. Enclosed cabinets protect against tampering and environmental factors, and may have locking doors for added security.
Wall-mount racks and cabinets come in a range of sizes, from 6U to 18U or more. Some have a hinge that allows them to swing away from the wall, providing easy access to the rear of the mounted equipment. Low-profile racks minimize the distance the rack extends from the wall in high-traffic areas.
Use Cases of Wall-Mount Racks and Cabinets
Obviously, wall-mount racks and cabinets can be useful in any situation where space is limited. However, there are some use cases for which wall-mount units are especially well-suited.
- Wiring closets. Wall-mount racks are often used in wiring closets to support routers, switches, patch panels, and other networking equipment.
- Small offices. Small offices and home offices that have their own server and networking equipment can benefit from wall-mount racks and cabinets.
- Classrooms. Modern classrooms need a range of IT and A/V equipment that can be housed neatly in a wall-mounted cabinet.
- Retail stores. In a retail environment, a wall-mount rack or cabinet can keep IT, security, and A/V equipment out of sight and safe from tampering or damage.
6 Benefits of Wall-Mount Racks and Cabinets
Wall-mount racks and cabinets can accommodate a wide range of equipment, from servers and network devices to A/V or security system components. By choosing the right size and configuration, organizations gain a flexible solution that offers several benefits.
Better Use of Floor Space
Space is at a premium in many data center facilities. Wall-mount racks and cabinets take advantage of wall space so organizations can fit more equipment in the same footprint. They also provide an ergonomic option for edge data center facilities.
Simplified Management
It might be tempting to simply set servers and other IT equipment on any available surface, particularly in small spaces. However, wall-mount racks and cabinets make it easier to manage and maintain the equipment over the long run. Additionally, quality enclosures have built-in features for PDU mounting and cable routing to further streamline administration.
Hardware Protection
IT equipment that’s not mounted in a rack or cabinet can easily be damaged. Wall-mount racks and cabinets protect hardware from accidental damage as well as environmental hazards such as dust, moisture and temperature changes.
Enhanced Security
Security standards and best practices demand that IT equipment be protected from theft and physical tampering. Many wall-mount racks and cabinets come with lockable enclosures, providing an extra layer of physical security against unauthorized access.
Thermal Management
IT equipment that’s installed in small spaces without adequate airflow can easily overheat, causing damage and downtime. Best-in-class wall-mount racks and cabinets feature perforated doors, fans, and other components that allow air to circulate around the equipment.
Aesthetic Appeal
IT equipment may not be aesthetically pleasing in customer-facing spaces. Wall-mount racks and cabinets create a more professional and organized appearance, and can also help reduce the noise generated by fans and other components.
Introducing the InfiniRack Wall-Mount Cabinet from Enconnex
Enconnex has expanded its flagship line of data center cabinets to include a wall-mount model. The InfiniRack Wall Mount Cabinet offers best-in-class features that simplify enterprise IT management without sacrificing security. It was engineered to host a wide range of systems, and with seven unique sizes available, it’s deployable in nearly any space. Below are some of the many features offered by the InfiniRack Wall Mount Cabinet:
- Three-piece swing-out design with tinted tempered glass front door and a keyed swing handle lock.
- Rear chassis is removable and designed to be installed first, enabling single-person installation.
- Innovative push-button latch releases the center chassis from the rear for easy rear equipment access.
- Trade-sized conduit knockouts (2-1/2″ and 3/4″) on the top and bottom of the rear chassis.
- Patented rectangular knockouts for optional brush-sealed cable entry point on the top and bottom of the rear chassis.
- Ecosystem of accessories available (LED light, cable manager, shelf, fan and filter kit, etc.).
- Center chassis has airflow vents and mount supports for an optional fan and filter kit.
Learn more about how the InfiniRack Wall Mount Cabinet innovates enterprise IT deployments and get in touch today.