Designing Sturdy Data Center Infrastructure
For large-scale data operations such as research processing centers, server farms, and rendering farms, it's best to build from scratch. Although there are some pre-built server racks and pre-packaged network device shelves, there are a few vendor-specific oddities (even within standardized systems) that can get in your way, and you won't know it until you start buying and installing multiple devices. Here are a few ways to approach data center designs for industries with custom needs.
Why A Custom Fit For Standardized Machines?
At first glance, many data center-bound devices seem to be standardized. They're mostly rectangular devices that are a bit wider, but thinner than most desktop computers, and seem to fit the shapes and sizes of many server racks. Aside from a few aesthetic changes such as special face plates, curvature away from the corners, or specific ports, the general shape isn't different.
The difference comes from slight shape mismatches. A particularly powerful server may be wider than other devices--too wide to fit into most server racks. Does this mean that you need to buy a specific server rack for that server and nothing else? Or do you need to buy racks that are large enough for everything?
Unfortunately, large enough for everything is a problematic statement. If the racks are too wide, how will you connect the smaller devices? They won't fit properly, and there aren't special adapters that can make everything fit securely without adding in a few new problems or installation woes.
Shelving is a problem, but that removes one of the big benefits of server racks. The device would be sitting on a shelf, not secured to server rails. A person walking by may tug or trip over the connect cables and tear the device to the floor.
Metal Fabrication Professionals Can Bring A Custom Fit
One of the best options would be to design custom cages for your devices. Data center rack storage cages can hold your devices in place with enough security to prevent employees from accidentally knocking devices to the floor, and with proper interface placement, you can still use the buttons and ports on the device.
Another option would be a clamping shelf system that can be tightened along the sides of the devices. These can either hold the devices in place, or be fitted with holes that allow simple bolts and screws to keep the device in place.
Contact a metal fabrication team to discuss other aspects of custom design.