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Server Racks vs Network Racks:  Buy from First Aid Nepal

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! 

What Are Network Racks?

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. 

Types Of Network Racks

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: 

Wall-mounted Network Racks

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. 

Floor-standing Racks

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. 

Open-frame Racks

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. 

Portable Community Racks

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. 

Wall Field Community Racks

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. 

Co-location Community Racks

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. 

What Are Server Racks?

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. 

Types Of Server Racks 

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: 

Open-Frame Server Racks

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. 

Cabinet Server Racks (Enclosed Server Racks)

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. 

Wall-Mount Server Racks

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. 

Differences Between Network And Server Racks

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: 

Size and Depth

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. 

Heat Management

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. 

Structural Features

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. 

Cabling Solutions

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.

 

Buy High-Quality Servers And Network Racks From First Aid Nepal 


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. 

Product Price (Rs.)
42U Network Server Rack 145,000
9U Network Rack 14,025
6U Network Rack 9,500
27U Network Rack 80,750
2U Value Series Network Rack 4,500
4U Modular DVR & NVR Rack 6,500
6U Network Rack Nepal 7,500
9U Network Rack Nepal 11,500
12U Network Rack 18,000
15U Network Rack 22,000
24U Network-Server Rack 65,000
42U Network Server Rack in Nepal 120,000

Conclusion

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.

FAQ On Server Racks vs. Network Racks: Understand The Basics With First Aid Nepal

How to check network rack size?

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.

What is 1U rack size?

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.

What does a network rack do?

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.

What is the difference between a server and a rack server?

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.

How should I choose a network rack?

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.

What are some tips for building and installing a server rack system?

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.

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