Enclosed Rack vs Open Frame Rack

Nowadays, the modern digital sphere is based on data centers. There is a data center behind every computer system. A data center is a premise where hundreds of network devices are accommodated and interconnected to work as a single unit and perform complicated computing tasks.

In order to house hundreds or even thousands of components in limited room space, specialized furniture is used. Multi-layer metal bodies are designed to carry heavy network equipment and provide durable and secure storage for all sorts of server devices. They distinguish between two main classes of products, namely open-frame racks and enclosed cabinets. The main difference between them is the body construction. Racks do not have side walls and doors, while cabinets have solid bodies.

Below, we’re going to consider the difference between them in more detail and outline the pros and cons of each model. So, if you don’t know what to choose – open frame racks or closed cabinets, this article will be helpful.

The Core of Open-Frame Racks

Judging by their constructions, racks consist of 2 or 4 metal uprights with specialized holes for hardware fastening. The main feature of open constructions is the absence of side panels and doors.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Open Racks

High-quality open-frame models are beneficial due to the following trumps:

1. Perfect air circulation and cooling. The issue of proper ventilation and hardware cooling is essential for server rooms because computing equipment emits much heat during performance. If it is cooled insufficiently, devices will quickly overheat. Due to the absence of side panels and doors, nothing hinders the natural airflow. Thus, the air freely passes through server system equipment and cools it down.
2. Simplified accessibility during maintenance. The staff can approach devices from any side, which simplifies maintenance work and saves time.
3. Easy assembly and transportation. Rack assembly does not require special knowledge or skills, as well as the process takes little time. Due to compactness and flexibility, it is easy to transport systems.
4. Affordable price. Rack production requires fewer materials. Since less metal is spent on the product, its price is lower. Thus, open models are cheaper than enclosed furniture pieces.

However, such models have some drawbacks.

• Dust formation is the first one. Since nothing protects equipment from outside influence, dust, debris, and other pollutants from the environment can easily penetrate the system and settle on servers and other devices, which can result in increased heating.
• Cable tangling. There are no special holes for managing cable. Thus, they can easily tangle and get lost in large bundles of wires.
• Lack of security. Nothing protects devices from external impacts. Equipment can be easily damaged occasionally or intentionally.

The Essence of Enclosed Models

Such cabinets imply that their bodies are solid and have four side panels and a pair of front and rear doors (in most cases, perforated). The variety of models differs greatly in size, construction, and type of mounting.

Perks and Flaws of Enclosed Designs

Enclosed furniture has the following advantages:

1. Protection. A solid body reliably protects hardware from all sorts of external influences, such as accidental shocks or raptures, unauthorized access, and environmental factors.
2. Airflow control. Although the natural air cannot freely penetrate, enclosed constructions have special holes designed for fan installation. The installation of a proper cooling system allows cooling down the air inside the cabinet due to forced air circulation. Moreover, walls and doors are usually perforated.
3. Hiding cables. As for fans, enclosed bodies have slots for cable wiring. There are special holes, through which cords enter or leave cabinets, which allows keeping them organized and avoiding tangling.

As for shortcomings, enclosed furniture pieces lag due to:

• high price. Enclosed cabinets are more expensive since their bodies consist of more components (doors and walls are added), which means that more material is required for production.
• shape and weight. Bodies are made of metal. Since cabinets look like solid metal boxes; they weigh a lot (the weight of some floor-standing models can achieve 300-500 kg.), which hardens transportation and makes cabinets less portable.
• restricted access. While being plus, it is minus at the same time. Only authorized employees can access it.

To draw the line, let’s compare enclosed rack vs open frame rack. The size of both open and enclosed products differ greatly from small compact models for desktop mounting up to huge ones that can accommodate thousands of active hardware.

Also, furniture differs in the type of installation. Floor-standing and wall-mount models are produced. Wall-mount models have a limited carrying capacity and house fewer models, while floor-standing ones are more spacious.

Open-frame products are perfect in terms of air circulation since the air reduces the temperature inside racks, but the security issue is lagging. Enclosed models have a high protection barrier but they require forced fan system installation to cool down devices. Moreover, they are more bulky and heavy due to their solid metal bodies.

Based on this information, open-frame racks are ideal for installation in closed rooms, while enclosed cabinets are suitable for use in public places, stores, banks, and other establishments.

Note that each model of server furniture is worth attention and suitable for particular purposes and the size of a server system.