While you should choose a server cabinet that fits your equipment needs, size isn't the only important factor here. You should also make sure that any cabinets you buy have the right features for your system and its location in your building.



Which features should you look at closely?

If you plan to buy a server cabinet rather than a rack, then security probably matters to you. Racks are open and don't typically have doors; cabinets are more enclosed and are usually lockable. They give you a more secure storage solution.

However, ensure that you choose a cabinet with a strong locking system. A lock that someone can easily pull open or pick might not deter someone who is determined to get inside.

If a cabinet has multiple locking doors or access points, then check if they use a universal key. This kind of key will open any lock on the cabinet. This is a useful solution. You won't have to store and manage multiple keys or worry about what would happen if you lost one.

You can also buy cabinets which come with locking feet bolts. You use these bolts to attach the cabinet to the floor. They make it much harder to remove the cabinet.

The equipment you store in your server cabinet creates heat. If you don't get this heat out of the cabinet, then your equipment could suffer. Servers and other sensitive technology items might lose performance and get damaged if you don't have enough ventilation in the unit.

Some cabinets have built-in fans on their roof. These fans pull heat out of the cabinet and keep your equipment cooler.

Check that these fans are easy to replace down the line. A removable fan tray often works well. You can take a tray out to clean the fans, change dust filters if you have them, and even replace individual fans if they break down. If you need extra ventilation, then add fan tray shelves inside some cabinets.

As well as fans, look for ventilation measures which are built into the cabinet itself. For example, some cabinets have ventilation holes or mesh panels on their sides. Some also have mesh front and back doors. These measures improve ventilation even when a cabinet is closed and locked.

If you only have access to the front of a server cabinet through its door, then you might find it hard to do maintenance work. You will have times when you need to access the sides and back of your equipment. If you can only access items from the front, then you might have to disconnect items and take them out to work on them.

Look for cabinets which have more access options. For example, some cabinets also have rear doors which enable you to work on equipment from the back. You can also find models with side access. Here, the side might have an opening door or it might even be fully removable. The more options you have, the easier time you will have to work on the equipment you store in the cabinet.

A server cabinet should have a stable and level footing. However, you might also need to move the cabinet from time to time.

So, you might find it useful to buy a cabinet with a castor wheel or levelling feet setup. You can use the wheels to move the cabinet around. However, when the cabinet is in place, you can set up the levelling feet to create a solid and stable base. The wheels lock away until you need to use them again.

To find out more about server cabinets and their features, ask the experts at Cable Source Pty Ltd for advice.