How to Make the Most of Your Rack and Server Cabinet Space

Are you an IT admin and finding yourself overwhelmed with cluttered cabinets or running out of room in your racks? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there! The good news is that you can save yourself a ton of frustration (and improve performance) by following a few simple tricks to use your rack and cabinet space more efficiently.

Here’s an easy guide to get you started on optimizing your IT setup.

Step 1. Plan Before You Begin

Before placing servers in your rack, take a moment to plan your layout. A little prep work now can save you from messy cables and hard-to-reach equipment later. Group similar devices together; for instance, keep all your servers, switches, and patch panels in their own zones.

Use rack elevation diagrams (they’re like blueprints for your racks) to map everything out ahead of time. Bonus tip: Place heavier equipment at the bottom for stability, and position frequently accessed devices in the middle, where they’re easier to reach.

Step 2. Pick Space-Saving Gear

Not all equipment is created equal when it comes to saving space. Look for rackmount servers and switches that are 1U or 2U in size. They’re slim but powerful, which makes them perfect for smaller setups.

If your older hardware is hogging space without delivering the power you need, consider upgrading to virtualized systems or blade servers. They’re specifically designed to keep things compact while packing a punch.

Step 3. Keep Your Cables Neat

Messy cables aren’t just an eyesore; they can block airflow, make maintenance a headache, and even cause safety issues. Invest in some cable management tools to keep things tidy and functional.

• Use horizontal and vertical cable managers.
• Label your cables. This will make tracing them way easier down the road.
• Shorten patch cables. Loops of extra cable just add to the clutter.

Pro tip: Keep your power cables and data cables separate to avoid interference.

Step 4. Focus on Cooling

No one wants overheated servers that can malfunction or fail. Proper airflow is key to keeping your equipment cool and running efficiently.

Here are a few simple ways to improve cooling in your rack setup:

• Install blanking panels to cover gaps and stop hot air from recirculating.
• Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation with perforated rack doors.
• Set up hot and cold aisles to keep heat and cold air flow separate.

Good airflow doesn’t just protect your equipment; it also saves energy by reducing the load on your cooling system.

Step 5. Add the Right Accessories

The right tools can make your life in IT so much easier. Accessories like shelves, drawers, cable lacing bars, and sliding trays can transform a messy rack into an organized, professional setup.

P.S. Here’s where Kendall Howard comes in!

Kendall Howard’s solutions are built to help IT experts like you succeed. Whether you need sturdy wall-mount racks, locking cabinets, or next-level cable management tools, you’re in good hands.

Why Kendall Howard?

• Built to Last: Rugged steel construction means your gear stays secure.
• On-Site Sales and Customer Service: Only moments away from the factory and shipping.
• Modular Design: It’s easy to customize your setup as your needs grow.
• Hassle-Free Installation: Smart designs take the headache out of the setup.
• Made in the USA: Quality you can count on.

Quick Checklist to Maximize Rack Space

Before you call it a day, double-check to make sure you’ve covered all the basics:

• Done a full audit of your equipment.
• Chosen space-saving 1U or 2U hardware.
• Installed blanking panels to block hot air.
• Organize your cables with proper labeling and managers.
• Left room for future upgrades.
• Added practical accessories like shelves and drawers.

Level Up Your Rack Setup Today

Being an IT expert is all about working smarter, not harder. With planning, space-saving gear, and top-notch accessories, you can turn even the messiest rack into a well-oiled machine.

Kendall Howard has everything you need to make it happen. Explore the full range of our rackmount solutions and start building your dream setup.

• Organize your cables with proper labeling and managers.
• Left room for future upgrades.
• Added practical accessories like shelves and drawers.

Level Up Your Rack Setup Today

Being an IT expert is all about working smarter, not harder. With planning, space-saving gear, and top-notch accessories, you can turn even the messiest rack into a well-oiled machine.

Kendall Howard has everything you need to make it happen. Explore the full range of our rackmount solutions and start building your dream setup.