Network cabinets are an ideal storage solution for data centers and telecommunications rooms, specifically engineered to house IT equipment and high density network cables and connectivity. The network rack cabinet provides the flexibility for customers who know exactly what they require of their server rack. Our racks are built with universal 19" standards, to deliver compatibility with both leading vendor equipment manufacturers as well as OEM brands. A wide range of 19" server rack accessories are available from us to compliment this cabinet as well as the rest of our range of quality server racks.

Network cabinets or Network Racks are often confused for server cabinets. However, there is a difference. Network cabinets are generally used for the storage of routers, patch panels, switches and a wide variety of networking equipment as well as networking accessories. In most cases a network cabinet will be far shallower than a server rack cabinet, generally measuring in at less than thirty one inches deep. Networking cabinets will sometimes have glass or a strong plastic front door. Network cabinets also generally do not have perforated enclosures. The type of equipment generally housed in network cabinets does not generate the same amount of heat as that housed inside a server rack.

Network Racks and Cabinets

You may be wondering, "What's the difference between network racks and cabinets vs. server racks and cabinets?” You're not alone. The two are often confused, but there are differences. Network racks and cabinets are typically used to contain networking equipment outside of the server itself (routers, switches, patch panels, etc.) and they are not usually as deep as server racks and cabinets. The reason being, servers require more space than most other networking equipment does. While server racks and cabinets are generally at least 36 inches in depth, network racks and cabinets can be smaller than 31 inches deep.

It is not uncommon for businesses to use both network racks and server racks simultaneously. It just depends on the amount of hardware in use. Since network racks and cabinets are built to house equipment with lots of cables, cable management is even more important in a network rack or cabinet than in a server rack or cabinet.

What Is a Network Rack?

A network rack is an open frame unit that can be two-post or four-post. Commonly found in data centers or on-premise networking closets, network racks are designed to hold networking equipment outside servers like switches, patch panels, and routers. A two-post network rack is a cost-efficient, space-saving option. The open nature of the unit allows for easy access to the equipment and cabling. High-quality units come with kits for securing the base to the data center floor to increase stability.

What Is a Network Cabinet?

A network cabinet is an enclosed unit similar to a server rack in form. Like network racks, network cabinets are built to house networking equipment aside from servers such as switches, routers, and patch panels. They are typically utilized in data centers or on-premise networking closets.

Networking equipment normally doesn't generate as much heat as servers, so some network cabinets don’t offer as many cooling features as server cabinets. Still, you should always make sure you have adequate ventilation to maintain healthy performance. Network cabinets come in various configurations, but it’s common to see them use glass, strong plastic, or mesh doors. Mesh doors are the best choice when housing equipment generating significant heat.

Data Racks and Cabinets

The term "data cabinet" or "data rack" is sometimes used interchangeably with “server cabinet" or "server rack." However, data racks and cabinets are often designed for use in locations that need onsite IT equipment but have limited space to house that equipment. A data cabinet or rack provides the required infrastructure in a compact unit.

What is a Data Cabinet?

Data cabinets are typically much smaller than data center server racks — sometimes as little as 8U or 12U in height. They may be freestanding, on casters, or wall-mounted. They are fully enclosed for security but may have ventilated doors and side panels for airflow.

What is a Data Rack?

Data racks are open units for holding patch panels, networking gear, or A/V equipment. Again, they are smaller than their data center counterparts and may be wall-mounted in a wiring closet or media closet.

Free Standing Server Racks have been designed as a cost-effective data management solution for installers and customers who require quick installation and great value for money. Our network cabinets are designed to be easily set up and are made of solid Steel with welded construction for added strength and come in both Half Height and Full Height Server Rack sizes.

Different options

The product range offers a highly versatile and fully configurable range of industry-standard sized cabinets, to suit the budget and installation type. These configurations include a choice of cabinets with glass or perforated front doors, a solid or perforated rear doors and the option of solid side panels or no side panels, all of which can be supplied fully assembled or flat packed.

Height

• 18U,22U,27U
• 32U,36U,42U,47U

Width

• 24 in. (600 mm) wide network rack cabinet
• 32 in. (800 mm) wide network cabinet 

Typically, wider enclosures are used for networking applications but the extra side space is often requested in blade server applications.

Depth

• 24 in. (600 mm) is the preferred depth for AV equipment.
• 32 in. (800 mm) is the standard depth and meets most low- to medium-density applications.
• 42 in. (1000 mm) deep enclosures are standard 
• 48 in. (1200 mm) deep enclosures are used for server depth crowding cable and power space

Door options

• Glass door
• Metal solid door
• Perforated doors
• Single /Splited, flat or arc-shaped types

Key Features when Choosing Network Cabinets

When selecting a network cabinet, consider the following factors:

• Size and Capacity: Ensure there's enough space for your equipment and potential future expansion.
• Cooling and Ventilation: Overheating can damage network equipment. Select a cabinet with adequate cooling and ventilation systems.
• Accessibility and Security: Balance easy access for maintenance with security against unauthorized access.
• Cable Management: Good cable management facilities help keep your network organized, making maintenance easier and reducing the risk of disconnection.

The Advantages of Flat Packaging for Network Cabinets

Flat packaging reduces shipping costs and risks of damage, while also meeting environmental protection requirements. The flat design is simple and easy to assemble, reducing time and labor costs.

Applications

With the growing number of devices and cables to be managed, the 19" network rack cabinet series are perfect solution and have professional, high-strength structural design, easy equipment installation, and come with a rich selection of accessories.

• Server room
• DVR, security equipment, routers, patch panels, switches,rackmount equipment, Telephone Systems and PABX equipment
• Network and Communications Equipment
• UPS Equipment
• Professional Audio Equipment
• Other 19" Rack Mountable Equipment Application.

Network cabinets are generally used for the storage of routers, patch panels, switches and a wide variety of networking equipment as well as networking accessories. In most cases a network cabinet will be far shallower than a server rack cabinet, generally measuring in at less than thirty one inches deep. Networking cabinets will sometimes have glass or a strong plastic front door. Network cabinets also generally do not have perforated enclosures.