Where to find a nice rack? (besides Pamela Anderson)

[Transition]

Hi everyone,

Well i'm getting kind of tired of having my switches/routers/modems and couple other assorted bits and pieces that shouldn't be in the open sitting on a shelf at work. I'm trying to find a rack or some type of enclosure to put all of this stuff in. I don't have any experience w/ racks so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, how do you manage the power supplies with all your network periphials? I must have at least 12 big AC adaptors plugged into power strips right now, and it looks like crap. I've probably got a total of 25 devices plugged in and would like to tidy up somehow. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks,

- RJ

 

[danzig]

I'm not sure about the rack , but in a similar situation I used something very similar to this for my power outlet needs. The link I referenced is for Plugmold by Wiremold , the one I used is called Plugger and it's made by Bowers ( a Thomas and Betts Co. - didn't look for their link

 

[Garion]

Rack systems are wonderful, IF you have equipment that's mountable. Things like modems generally aren't - They are going to sit on a shelf no matter what you do. Granted, it might sit on a shelf on a rack and look more attractive, but it's still on a shelf.

Are your switches and routers rack mountable? Do you have the ears you would need to mount them? If so, you need to decide on a four-post, enclosed cabinet (for big $$!) or a less expensive (but less attractive) two-post rack. If you want a cabinet, I'd look at APC Racks. if you want a two-poster, check out Chatsworth Products.

In both cases, it's common to include power strips in a rack planning - For two-post racks, you can run power up the back of one of the sides of the rack. In a cabinet, they typically make power strips that run up along the back on one (or both) sides.

- G

 

[cmetz]

Transition, Chatsworth is the standard rack vendor. Everybody I know uses them. Their painted racks look cool but you'll have to drill out the threads before mounting stuff; the metal only racks don't have that problem.

Rack mount power strips are egregiously overpriced because they can. You might consider going ahead and making the next cost jump to an APC MasterSwitch ($400ish for 8 ports last I checked), which is a rack-mount remote-control power distribution unit - remote power on/off. You'll pay like $200 for just a power strip anyway.

Rack shelves can be had for $35-$50 depending on how many Us and how much weight; exotic ones or bad deals can cost more of course. For miscellaneous items that aren't rack-mountable, you'll need shelves and maybe other mounting hardware to affix them to the shelves.

Rack-mount everything is more expensive than non. It's a matter of who it's targeted to. You might find that a sturdy four-post shelf unit from Home Depot (the all-metal ones especially) will suit your needs for far cheaper. Another alternative are the closet modular shelving systems - esp. the wire ones, which with a bunch of cable ties you can attach nearly anything to.