There are many terms and devices used in the realm of data centers and IT infrastructure, and among them, two of the most common terms you may encounter are Server Racks and Network Racks. Now, although they may appear similar since both of them are racks, their purpose and function are completely different. Both of these devices are indeed racks designed to hold other forms of devices. However, as you can easily guess, one is designed to secure servers, and the other one is designed for holding network devices. But is this where their differences end? Of course not. So now you may ask - what are the differences between server racks vs network racks? Well this is exactly what we shall discuss here.
In this blog, we cover the basics between server racks and network racks. This includes types of server and network racks, their definition, and their differences. So, keeping this in mind, let’s get started!
Before you go deep into any other aspects, you first need to understand what they are. So, let us start with their definitions and types first. Keeping this in mind, let’s start with the definition of network racks. The question you need to ask at this stage here is - what even is a network rack? In simple terms, network racks are, well, racks that are designed to organize, secure, and manage equipment associated with networking and servers. They are typically made from metals such as aluminum and steel. Now, there are many devices you can store in this form of racks. Some of these devices include servers, switches, and patch panels. These racks follow a standardized sizing system where one rack unit (1U) is 1.75 inches of vertical space.
Now that you know what a network rack is, you should also know that not all network racks are the same. There are different forms of network racks, and each of them has its own uniqueness. So, what are the types of network racks? Some of the key types of Network racks include the following:
As its name suggests, these network racks are designed to be mounted on the walls, which makes them perfect for small setups or spaces. The good aspect of wall-mounted network racks is that if you have a limited or small floor space, it is ideal for you. Because of this, they are widely used in offices or small network environments and are designed to hold lightweight equipment such as switches and patch panels.
The second type we shall discuss here is floor-standing racks. The name of this rack is enough to provide you with a general idea of what it is. It is a rack designed to stand on the floor, and as a result, they are a bit bulkier and can house heavier equipment such as UPS systems and network devices. If you are in need of a rack for server rooms and data centers, then it is one of the best choices for you.
Unlike previous entries, which have some form of side panels, the open-frame racks do not have any form of side panels or doors. Because of this, you can easily access equipment and have optimal airflow. If you are looking for an ideal type of network racks for places such as data centers or simply require network racks that allow for cooling and accessibility, then open-frame racks are the best choice for you. Needless to say, they are also lightweight as well.
Following open-frame racks, we have portable community racks, and as its name suggests, they are portable. These racks come with wheels or casters which allows them to be moved between different locations. If you need an ideal rack for temporary setups for events, exhibitions, and mobile workstations where the equipment needs to be relocated frequently, then a portable community is the one for you. This form of network racks includes a strong frame and locking mechanisms, which allows for the equipment to stay secure during transportation.
The fifth type of network rack we shall discuss here is the wall field community rack. These racks are designed for remote or field locations as they allow you to securely hold equipment in compact spaces. You can use this form of equipment in smaller or outdoor locations, such as warehouses, industrial sites, or telecom towers. Furthermore, these racks are designed to withstand challenging environmental conditions while keeping the equipment safe and operable.
Finally, we have co-location community racks, which are designed for use in co-location centers where multiple organizations share the same facility. This rack is divided into separate and lockable compartments, allowing your organization to keep your network component separate and secure from the hands of other organizations using the same network rack. Needless to say, it ensures equipment security for multiple organizations to save money and space while ensuring the safety of network components.
Following the definition and type of network racks, let’s talk about server racks in brief. So, what exactly is a server rack? A server rack is essentially a standard device that is designed to house and organize equipment such as servers, routers, and switches. This form of rack provides you with a centralized and efficient way to manage hardware while ensuring that these devices have proper airflow, power distribution and cable management. Similar to network racks, this device follows the rack measurement as well, where one rack unit or 1U is equal to 1.75 inches of vertical space. Now, depending on the type and specifications of the server racks, they can come in a wide range of sizes ranging from 24U to 48U and above. Since server racks house essential networking equipment, they are extremely essential for places such as data centers, server rooms, and IT environments.
As with the network racks, not all server racks are made the same and depending on the type of server rack, they have their own specialities. Although these racks can be categorized into many types depending on their specifications, there are three key types. These types are as follows:
The first type of server rack that we shall discuss is the open-frame server rack. They are also known as two-post racks, as they feature a minimalist design featuring two vertical posts and two or four horizontal bars for equipment mounting. Because these racks are open frames, you can easily access equipment from all sides and, therefore, are commonly used for housing network switches, patch panels, and lightweight servers. Furthermore, because of their open design, they allow excellent airflow and efficient cable management. Because of their open-air design, open-frame server racks are popular in locations such as data centers, telecommunications rooms, and server closets.
Following open-frame server racks, we have cabinet server racks, which are also known as enclosed server racks. As its name suggests, they are enclosed and are designed to provide secure housing for sensitive IT equipment. Cabinet Server Racks come with four vertical posts along with removable side panels and doors, which offer strong protection against physical and environmental factors. Now, you can get this in various sizes, which makes it ideal for just about every organization, regardless of the scale or size of your organization. Furthermore, you should also note that this server rack is designed to house multiple servers, networking gears, storage devices, and other forms of equipment. They also come with advanced features such as cable management options, cooling systems, and power distribution units.
Another key type of server rack we have are wall-mount server racks, which are essentially space-saving server racks designed to be stuck to the walls. Because of this, a wall-mount server rack is ideal for environments with limited floor space. This includes spaces such as small offices or remote locations. Now, although wall-mount server racks are designed for small spaces, they do come in a wide range of sizes and configurations which allows you to store network switches, patch panels, and shallow-depth equipment. Depending on the specifics of your server rack, it may include swing-out or hinged options which allows you to easily access equipment during the installation and maintenance. Although this type of server rack does indeed have small spaces, they are still ideal for networking equipment in small areas.
At this point, you should be aware of what a network rack and server rack is. Along with this, you should also be aware of some of their key types as well. Now, let’s get into the core of this topic, i.e., their differences. So, what exactly is the difference between a network rack and vs server rack? Some of the key differences include the following:
The first difference we shall discuss here is the size and depth of server and network racks. Although you can find both in a wide range of sizes and depths, server racks, in general, are deeper than network racks. This is because server racks are designed to house larger and heavier equipment, such as servers and storage units. Server racks, in general, have a depth of 36 to 48 inches, while network racks have depths ranging from 34 to 31 inches.
Another difference we shall discuss here is the heat management between these two types of racks. When it comes to heat management, server racks have better airflow and cooling solutions when compared to network racks. This is because the devices housed in this rack typically generate more heat. Because of this, the server racks often come with built-in fan systems and are often compatible with external cooling systems. Although network racks also do address cooling systems, they typically only rely on passive airflow or basic ventilation.
The third difference we shall discuss here is the structural features. As server racks are designed to support heavier equipment, they have better structural features in general. This includes the addition of mounting rails and security features such as lockable doors. On the other hand, network racks are lighter and can also come as open-frame structures for easier access.
The final difference we shall discuss here is the cabling solutions. In this aspect, the network racks typically have higher features for cable management, as there are many cables associated with networking devices. Because of this, the network racks typically have enhanced cable management systems, such as vertical cable managers and larger side panels. Although server racks also do have cable management options, they typically have simple systems.
Following is the tabular representation of these differences between server rack vs network rack.
Feature |
Network Racks |
Server Racks |
Size and Depth |
Shallower (24-31 inches depth) for lighter equipment. |
Deeper (36-48 inches depth) for larger, heavier equipment like servers. |
Heat Management |
Basic cooling with passive airflow or simple ventilation. |
Enhanced cooling with perforated doors, built-in fans, or external cooling systems for high-density equipment. |
Structural Features |
Lighter construction, often open-frame for easy access. |
Heavier, sturdier build with additional mounting rails and lockable doors for securing heavy equipment. |
Cabling Solutions |
Designed with cable management features for a large number of networking cables. |
Includes basic cable management, but focused more on power and equipment organization rather than extensive cabling. |
At this point, we have covered just about all that we need to cover when discussing the basics of network racks and server racks. So, let’s finally provide you with the best server and network racks that you can buy in Nepal at First Aid, the best importer and distributor of network equipment in Nepal. Following is a table of some of the best network and server racks you can purchase in Nepal from First Aid Nepal, along with their prices.
When it comes to networking, you often hear a wide range of complicated words and names of devices. Two of the ones you should remember are network racks and server racks. Although both of these devices are essentially racks, there are many differences between them including in the field of size and depth, heat management systems, structural features, and cabling solutions.
In this blog, we provide you with detailed information regarding what server and network racks are, their types, and their key differences. Along with this, we also provided you with a list of some of the best network and server racks. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insights into the various aspects of networking devices, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best server and network racks in Nepal, look no further than First Aid Nepal, the best importer and distributor of network devices in Nepal. Thank you for reading till the end.
In order to verify the size of a network rack, measure its height in "rack units" (U), where 1U is equal to 1.75 inches. You are also able to take the width and depth, with the width generally standardized at 19 inches wide, although it varies by depth. Always check the equipment specification to ensure compatibility.
A 1U rack size is 1.75 inches high, a standard unit that measures how much vertical space any piece of equipment takes up in the rack. This would help you to know exactly how much room you have when organizing servers and network devices in a rack.
A network rack is a steel and electronic framework that holds devices such as switches, routers, and patch panels in place. It makes the devices more accessible and helps to manage cables, besides ensuring good airflow for keeping equipment cool.
Any computer designed to manage, store, and process data is termed a server. Generally, a rack server could be said to be a class of server designed to install into a rack mount. Typically, rack servers are compact and optimized for space efficiency in a data center or server room.
When choosing a network rack, consider the size and weight of your equipment, the amount of space you have, and whether you need an enclosed or open-frame rack. It’s also important to think about cable management and cooling needs.
Make sure to plan your rack layout with equipment and cabling in mind, ensuring airflow and easy access. Install heavy equipment at the bottom for stability, and consider adding proper cable management systems. Don’t forget to leave room for cooling options to prevent overheating.
Over the past few years, the world has gone wireless in just about every sector, and one of the key reasons why this is possible is because of the wireless access points. Now while this technology is used in just about every sector, do note that not all wireless access points are made the same. Among many types, one of the key ones is the Enterprise Wireless Access Point, which, as its name suggests, is designed for use in enterprises and businesses. Now, some of you may wonder, what even is a Wireless Access Point and which one is the best for the business? If you are someone with these queries, you have landed in the right place.
In this blog, we provide you with information regarding enterprise wireless access points, the difference between this device with a router and extender, and the best enterprise wireless access points. Along with this, we shall also cover some of the best enterprise wireless access points. So, keeping this in mind, let’s get started.
Before we discuss anything else, let’s start with the definition first. In simple terms, an Enterprise Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a networking device that is used to provide wireless connectivity to devices. Now, the specific device can be just about anything, ranging from laptops and smartphones to IoT gadgets. Now, the difference between consumer-grade access points and enterprise WAP is that the enterprise version is designed for high performance, scalability, and strong management in the organization, business, and other forms of institutions. Some of the key features of enterprise WAP include:
o WPA3 encryption
o Role-based access control
o 802.1X authentication with RADIUS servers
o Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
So, now you know what an Enterprise WAP is. However, simply looking at its definition is not enough, you must also know its difference when compared to some similar devices. This is because it is rather easy to confuse between Wireless Access Points, Router, and Extender. But as you may have guessed, they are not the same. But what are the differences between these three devices? Well, the key aspects and their difference are as follows:
Wireless allows your device to connect to a wired network wireless by broadcasting Wi-Fi signals. In other words, this device transforms a wired network into a wireless one. Some of the key features of WAP include:
You can use this device in the following situations:
The key purpose of a router is to connect multiple devices to the Internet. At the same time, it is also used to manage communication between multiple devices on the same network. Some of its key features include:
You should use this device in the following circumstances.
As its name suggests, a Wi-Fi extender is a device that is used to boost or extend the existing wireless signal. Some of the key features of this device include:
Following its features, let’s talk about when you can use this device:
With this, we have essentially covered the key differences between these three devices. But, to make it further easier for you to understand, the following is a tabular representation of these key differences.
Feature |
WAP |
Router |
Wi-Fi Extender |
Role |
Adds Wi-Fi to a wired network |
Manages network traffic and internet access |
Extends existing Wi-Fi signal |
Network Creation |
Extends an existing network |
Creates a network (wired and wireless) |
Relies on an existing Wi-Fi network |
Connection Type |
Wired to a router or switch |
Direct to modem |
Wireless to router or access point |
Use Case |
Large spaces needing more access points |
Central hub for home or office |
Eliminates dead zones in small spaces |
Performance |
High performance, enterprise-grade models |
Depends on router quality |
Often reduces speed slightly |
So, at this point, you already know what a WAP is and the difference between a router and an extender. Now, let’s focus back on Enterprise Wireless Access Point. Now, if you have reached this point, you might have some desire to purchase this device. But before you make the purchase, there are many things you should consider. Some of the key ones include:
One of the first things you should consider before buying a wireless access point is its coverage. For this, you should consider the area where you need Wi-Fi and choose a device that can cover the desired area effectively. Naturally, if you are an organization or an enterprise, you should always go for enterprise, as other forms of WAP do not cover enough grounds. Furthermore, you should also consider signal strength, as access points with higher signal strength are better for areas with obstacles or interference.
When choosing an access point, just considering its range is not enough; you also need to consider the speed and bandwidth of the device as well. The ones with high speed naturally allow you to use the Internet at higher speed, and the ones with higher bandwidth allow multiple devices to be connected to the net without disrupting its speed. When both of these are combined, what you get is an access point that allows many devices to use the network without compromising speed.
The third aspect you need to consider is whether you want your access point to be controller-based or controller-less. Controller-based systems offer centralized management and scalability. On the other hand, controller-less systems offer simple setups and are ideal for medium scales. You can also consider cloud-based management for remote monitoring. Regardless of which one you choose, do note that each one of them has their own pros and cons.
Alongside the aspect of having a controller or not, you should also consider the security feature of the Wireless Access Point. Whenever possible, look for a device that has strong security features such as WPA3 encryption, guest network support, and role-based access control. An access point with built-in intrusion detection systems and compatibility with RADIUS is also a good choice, as it ensures higher protection. This is because separating guest and internal traffic is important for keeping your main network secure.
Another key factor you should consider before choosing WAP is its antenna type and quality. This is because, depending on the antenna type and quality, the network strength and aesthetics differ. Internal antennas are great for general use and provide a clean, aesthetically pleasing setup. On the flip side, if you are looking for a better range and stronger signal strength, you should choose an external antenna. Now, depending on your needs, you can also consider models with adjustable and directional antennas.
The final aspect to consider before purchasing a WAP is the technology used in Wi-Fi. Whenever possible, always choose an antenna with the latest Wi-Fi standards, like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E. By doing so, you can ensure faster speed and efficient connections. You should also look for features such as MU-MIMO, as they allow your access points to serve multiple devices without a major drop in performance. Similarly, OFDMA technology is designed to improve data transmission efficiency in crowded networks while beamforming focuses Wi-Fi signals directly toward the devices. When choosing the ideal Wireless Access Points, look for these features and choose the one that suits you the best.
These are some of the key factors you need to consider when purchasing wireless access points in Nepal. Besides the ones we mentioned here, there are other factors you need to consider. But regardless, we hope you understood the general gist of it all.
So after discussing what an enterprise wireless access point is, its difference with router and extender and things you need to consider before buying this device, let’s finally talk about some of the best ones out there. Now, there are indeed many Enterprise Wireless Access Points you can purchase. But among these tons of choice, the top brands for Enterprise Wireless Access Points include:
One of the top brands you can choose for Enterprise Network Access Point is Cambium. This brand offers you high-performance Wi-Fi solutions customized to meet your needs. Their access points provide you with a consistent high performance, which is just like a wired performance but with a wider coverage and security. This brand also provides you with WAP, which includes public cloud, private cloud, and on-demand solutions optimized for scalability and simplified operations.
This network specializes in cost-effective wireless solutions for enterprise networks. The enterprise access points from Rujie company are known for reliability, ease of deployment, and high performance in both indoor and outdoor environments. Furthermore, you should also note that access points from this brand come with intelligent traffic management, energy-saving modes, and seamless roaming capabilities to maintain consistent connectivity. They also feature advanced security measures and flexible management options to cater to diverse enterprise needs.
MikroTik is another well-known brand that offers you affordable yet highly versatile wireless access points. The products of this company are designed for a wide range of scales ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. Furthermore, they provide you with advanced features such as dual-band Wi-Fi, adjustable power settings, and network optimization tools. Their devices are highly customizable, making them a popular choice for tech-savvy users and network administrators.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise, or HPE, is a well-known brand that is popular for providing you with strong and secure connectivity for modern workplaces. Their Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ APs support high-speed connectivity and advanced features like IoT device integration, seamless roaming, and AI-powered network optimization. HPE access points are highly scalable, making them a solid choice for organizations with growing networking demands. They also provide extensive security features such as WPA3 encryption and role-based access control. Needless to say, enterprise wireless access points from HPE are among some of the best enterprise wireless access points in Nepal.
Now, after learning about all of these, you may wonder where you can get some of the best access points in Nepal. Well, if you have such wishes, then look no further than First Aid Nepal. Now, some of you may wonder- why? Well some of the key reasons include:
Reliable access points ensure stable, high-speed connectivity and are built to meet the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises. Providers like First Aid Nepal may offer well-known brands with durable and feature-rich solutions designed for long-term performance.
A trusted provider often has knowledgeable staff to help you choose the right access point based on your specific requirements, such as coverage area, user capacity, and security needs. This ensures you get the best solution for your setup without overspending.
Reliable providers typically offer excellent after-sales services, including installation assistance, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This support is essential for ensuring your network runs smoothly over time.
By offering competitive pricing and value-added services, providers like First Aid Nepal can help you save on both initial costs and long-term maintenance. They may also offer packages that are tailored to your budget and network needs.