As data centers have grown in complexity and size, alongside the exponential expansion of the internet, server racks have also grown to become an indispensable component of network infrastructures
Today, more compute and storage are demanded from data centers, which face optimizing performance and cost against maintaining and protecting the servers inside
Therefore, data center staff must juggle multiple concerns, including network capacity, power redundancy, cooling efficiency, security and performance monitoring, and infrastructure scaling
Realizing the outdoor (harsh) environment
Choosing the best server racks starts with understanding all the options available and how they could meet your current and future networking needs
Applications such as outdoor power/network distribution or indoor industrial automation located at wash-down zone requires taking into consideration thermal management , as the major heat source, or the lack of heat for outdoor cabinets, often originates from external factors like the sun. Therefore it is important for outdoor cabinets to have sufficient insulation built-in for extreme heat in the summer or extreme cold in the winter
The purpose of these cabinets is to provide a controlled environment for sensitive and expensive telecommunications equipment, thus ensuring that their operation will be reliable, and they will be protected from harsh environmental conditions. In addition to ensuring the level of reliability and security of the network, they are also important in ensuring the longevity of the network
When choosing outdoor network racks, there are key considerations to keep in mind
Here are some important factors to consider
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Waterproofing
Outdoor cabinets should withstand severe weather conditions, including rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and humidity. To protect equipment inside, look for cabinets that are sealed, insulated, and ventilated
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Security
The cabinets may store valuable and sensitive equipment. Look for cabinets with secure locking mechanisms, tamper-proof designs and have alarms, access control, or surveillance options
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Cooling and ventilation
A proper cooling and ventilation system is essential for telecom equipment. Passive or convection cooling may not be sufficient depending on the situation, you may require cabinets equipped with fans, heat exchangers or air conditioning and a cooling duty appropriate for the peak heat loads and worst-case ambient conditions to prevent overheating
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Cable management
consider the cabinet cable management features, such as cable entry points and internal cable routing. It simplifies maintenance, reduces cable damage risk, and maintains a clean and organized setup.
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Power and backup
AC and/or DC power supplies and distribution and backup systems should be accommodated in the cabinet. Ensure that the cabinet can accommodate the power requirements of the equipment to be installed
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Size and capacity
Choose the cabinet size according to the equipment you need to accommodate. Determine the number and size of racks. Importantly, ensure that the cabinet can accommodate future expansion needs
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Material and construction
The telecom cabinets should be constructed with robust, durable and corrosion-resistant materials. The most common material is steel powder coated. Make sure that the cabinet is built with a sturdy structure to prevent physical damage and vandalism
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Ease of installation and maintenance
The best cabinets are those that can be easily installed and maintained. Panels that are easily accessible, swing-out racks, and cable management systems make installation and troubleshooting easier, and keep whole life costs down
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Compliance and standards
The telecom outdoor cabinet must meet relevant Government or industry standards and local regulations. This also ensures that environmental protection and safety requirements are met
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10. Weighing up all the options
When selecting your telecom outdoor cabinets, it’s crucial to consider all of the options so that your equipment will be properly protected and able to perform at its best in outdoor environments. It is also important to evaluate the overall cost of the cabinet, taking into account factors such as upfront cost, long-term maintenance, and durability, in order to make sure that these cabinets meet your needs. As part of the decision-making process, the reputation and support provided by the vendor
Masar Outdoor racks
Masar Outdoor wall mounted racks designed for outdoor weather conditions. Enclosures are fabricated out of Cold rolled steel, CNC programmed, punched, bent, welded and Powder coated with highest quality standards as per the required Outdoor Standards.
Configuration for standard Racks are Welded frame integrated with side walls and down vented top cover, Fan mounting provision on the Front Door for water & dust resistance, rear side of the Enclosure having Pole mounting provision, front glass door with lock and Key provides the security Outdoor Pole-Mount Enclosures are available in 6U t0 12U Variants with 400mm/450mm/500mm depths as per the customer requirements. Width 550mm
Features & Benefits
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Conforms to IP55 Outdoor Standards
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19” width standard with adjustable 19” equipment mounting verticals provide the better mounting flexibility maximizing the usable mounting space
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Depth adjustable mounting slots
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Top Panel with ventilation and cable entry from the Bottom
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Cooling fans mounted on Front Door with Top cover for Rain Water & Dust resistance
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Pole mounting Provision on the Rear Side
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Fan, PDU and shelf available as optional accessories