The data cabinet
The challenge facing many businesses today is how to run data servers and related hardware efficiently without overtaxing the thermal capabilities of these devices. The amount of power required to drive the storage units, servers, and routing management devices used in today’s online business community can become a low-cost equation, when combined with the cooling systems required to keep the data center running smoothly. Systems running in a disconnected environment will waste power due to excess cabling, and systems that try to reduce patching by stacking devices together in what can be described as a haphazard fashion will eventually run into overheating issues.
The importance of a sensible, practical and compact data center cannot be stressed enough. That’s where the data cabinet comes into play. This is not a new concept, however many of the cabinets in use today are outdated in their ability to handle newer hardware that is continually needed to keep up with data control needs. Another problem with existing data cabinet designs is their inability to contain updated device configurations in an energy efficient manner that can control thermal conditions to a usable level.
In other words, today’s data center needs a data cabinet that is flexible enough to handle changes in device installations while allowing for ease of cabling and maintenance, all within a design that can handle the heat gain generated by those devices.
The first important feature of a well-designed data cabinet is access. Loading a cabinet with hardware is one thing; leaving room for multiple wiring and maintenance applications is another. The best designs will have access doors and panels that allow the user to open the cabinet in a variety of ways, either to access devices or to change interconnect configurations. A functional entry door setup will have hinges on both sides of the cabinet and have adequate ventilation. Some of the best designs will include the option of a split door style, such as a cabinet door that opens in the middle to allow access to the center of the cabinet, while also opening at the edges to allow access to the bay. of connections.
Of course, the connection bay is essential in any data cabinet. There must be greater capacity to change cabling configurations, allowing for copper and fiber optic ports. This is best addressed by having the central patch bay directly in the center so that cables from routers, servers, and mapping and analytics devices can be connected in one place. Patching flexibility should also allow for vertical and horizontal port configurations so system devices can be changed or relocated as the need arises.
Other important features of an effective data cabinet include thermally-minded access door designs, which draw in cool air while removing hot air; rack-mountable designs that allow flexibility and room for growth; and cover panels that not only fill the gaps between devices, but also keep the interior temperature at a safe operating level.