If you’re in charge of a network for a company – or simply have a high-end home theater system – you’ll want to invest in a rack or enclosure. These items keep your server and other equipment protected, organized, and accessible. Which one should you consider? Let’s look at what each entails.
The main thing to understand is that all enclosures have a rack, but not all racks have enclosures. A rack serves as the framework for mounting the server equipment. Enclosures have not only a rack, but also side panels and doors, similar to a cabinet.
Racks offer many benefits. If you need to access the equipment often, they make it easy to do so. You can purchase cable management options to reduce clutter. Racks are open, so they keep the equipment cooler to avoid overheating. They are also cheaper than enclosures. However, they are also less secure, so, if you choose a rack, you’ll need to keep your equipment in a safe area.
Enclosures, on the other hand, are closed off and concealed, providing the ultimate in security. They offer keyed entry so you can keep out unauthorized personnel. The panels and doors are made of durable steel to keep your equipment protected. Some enclosures come with cooling fans to keep equipment from overheating.
There are several mounting options for enclosures. Enclosures can be placed on a wall, floor, or ceiling. A floor mount option works well for high loads, while a wall mount option is good if you prefer to save space.
