Secure a Single Server in a Shared Rack
December 19th, 2011
If you have sensitive data on a server that needs restricted access, one option is a Secure Server Unit.
The Secure Server Unit, or SSU for short, allows you to lock a 1U or 2U
server within a rack, preventing access to anyone who doesn’t have a
key. The front and rear doors may both be locked to help thwart
tampering of hard drives or ports.
Each SSU requires 2 keys and 2 locks (they come with the unit). You can choose from 6 different lock and key combinations so that if you purchase more than one SSU, you can decide if you want the same key to unlock both units or if you prefer that the keys be different for each.
The SSU is shown below, first as an empty unit mounted in a 4Post server rack, then with a 2U server installed.
This Secure Server Unit requires a set of 2U Universal Rails to be installed along with the doors, lock assemblies and top cross bar. It takes up 3U of rack space, comes with all the required hardware, and it also includes zip tie mounts for securing cables in the rear. The
Each SSU requires 2 keys and 2 locks (they come with the unit). You can choose from 6 different lock and key combinations so that if you purchase more than one SSU, you can decide if you want the same key to unlock both units or if you prefer that the keys be different for each.
The SSU is shown below, first as an empty unit mounted in a 4Post server rack, then with a 2U server installed.
This Secure Server Unit requires a set of 2U Universal Rails to be installed along with the doors, lock assemblies and top cross bar. It takes up 3U of rack space, comes with all the required hardware, and it also includes zip tie mounts for securing cables in the rear. The
Racking Cisco’s UCS C210-M2
October 28th, 2011| Cisco’s UCS C210-M2 is available with 2 different tool-less slide rails. Both are 1U rails that will mount in 2 post or 4 post server racks, but in some cases, additional mounting hardware is required. See details in this article for more info. This rail kit is compatible as/is with two different types of tool-less mounting interfaces: 3/8″ square hole and 1/4″ round hole racks. The mechanism on this rail kit has a spring loaded sleeve that retracts for round hole racks. When installing in square hole racks, the sleeve stays in place and centers the mounting pins in the square holes. The mechanism wraps around the outside of the rack uprights and has a small latch to secure the rail in place. | 
UCS C210-M2 (Version #1) rails mounted in a 2post rack using RackSolutions’ 2POST-2UKIT UCS C210-M2 (Version #1) server mounted in a 2 post rack using RackSolutions’ 2POST-2UKIT  How do you measure the width of your server to see if it will fit in a 2 post rack? See diagram below.  Since the Cisco Rails aren’t made to work with round holed, 4Post racks, you may have to use 4 Post Adapter Brackets to convert round holes to square ones. See below how a 2UBRK-200-FULL bracket was added to each post in order to rack the UCS C210-M2 in a round holed rack.  |
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| Rail Version #1
Cisco P/N: KS PN – 3Q61-820APZZ0AA
Description: Sliding Rails for C210 M2
*estimated
Rail Version #2Cisco P/N: KS PN – 3A61-737MPZZ0IN Description: Sliding Rails for C210 M2
*estimated
In the event that you don’t have the rails that came with the
UCS C210-M2 server, you may rackmount the server in a 2 post rack using RackSolutions’ 2UKIT-009. See installation directly below:  |
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Installing UCS Rails in a 2Post Rack
Universal Rails may be the answer
September 12th, 2011
What do you do when you need OEM replacement rails for your
server or rackmount equipment, and they are no longer available? Or what
happens when your OEM rails don’t fit in your new rack? In many cases,
your best option is to purchase a set of Universal Rails.
Frequently, rails made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) have gone “end of life” and you simply can’t get them from Dell, HP, IBM or Cisco anymore. Even more often, your equipment rails won’t mount in the rack in the new data center or data closet. Your old rack may have had round holes, and the new rack has square ones. Your old rack’s mounting depth may have been shorter than your new, deeper rack. Or maybe there’s an obstruction that’s preventing the rails from installing the way they’re supposed to in the new rack. Before you rip down one of your rack’s 6 foot power strips and begin wielding it like a samurai sword angrily searching for the person who got you into this mess, remember there may be a much more acceptable solution to your predicament. Universal Rails may be the answer. Universal Rack Rails are typically designed more simply in an effort to overcome the majority of rack mounting’s common inconsistencies. They are equipped to install in racks with square, round or threaded holes. Their mounting depth is more flexible, accommodating both deep and shallow racks. And their simple design allows them to avert those annoying obstructions that cause you to shake your fist towards the sky screaming “Why? Why!”
Universal Rails are readily available for 4 post and 2 post racks, and they oftentimes come in tool-less models as well. Frequently, you’ll find versions of Universal Rack Rails that support different U-heights and various weight capacities. Because the simple design doesn’t include rotating ears, ball-bearing slides, or other elaborate parts, Universal server rails are typically much less expensive than OEM replacement rails, offering another reason to consider them when you find yourself in need of new equipment rails for your rack equipment. On the bottom/left, you can see a 2U Universal Rail mounted in a 4 post rack. On the bottom/right is the same 2U Rail with a Dell server installed. See Universal Rails for sale online.
Frequently, rails made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) have gone “end of life” and you simply can’t get them from Dell, HP, IBM or Cisco anymore. Even more often, your equipment rails won’t mount in the rack in the new data center or data closet. Your old rack may have had round holes, and the new rack has square ones. Your old rack’s mounting depth may have been shorter than your new, deeper rack. Or maybe there’s an obstruction that’s preventing the rails from installing the way they’re supposed to in the new rack. Before you rip down one of your rack’s 6 foot power strips and begin wielding it like a samurai sword angrily searching for the person who got you into this mess, remember there may be a much more acceptable solution to your predicament. Universal Rails may be the answer. Universal Rack Rails are typically designed more simply in an effort to overcome the majority of rack mounting’s common inconsistencies. They are equipped to install in racks with square, round or threaded holes. Their mounting depth is more flexible, accommodating both deep and shallow racks. And their simple design allows them to avert those annoying obstructions that cause you to shake your fist towards the sky screaming “Why? Why!”
Universal Rails are readily available for 4 post and 2 post racks, and they oftentimes come in tool-less models as well. Frequently, you’ll find versions of Universal Rack Rails that support different U-heights and various weight capacities. Because the simple design doesn’t include rotating ears, ball-bearing slides, or other elaborate parts, Universal server rails are typically much less expensive than OEM replacement rails, offering another reason to consider them when you find yourself in need of new equipment rails for your rack equipment. On the bottom/left, you can see a 2U Universal Rail mounted in a 4 post rack. On the bottom/right is the same 2U Rail with a Dell server installed. See Universal Rails for sale online.
2Post Conversion Kits
August 11th, 2011
Problem You have a room full of 2Post Relay Racks, a bunch of servers, and boxes of 4Post Rail Kits. What are you going to do?
Solution Convert your 2Post Racks into 4Post Racks using 2Post Conversion Kits.
Description 2Post Conversion Kits contain a set of 4 large brackets. These brackets provide the corner attachment that 4Post Rail Kits require. The brackets are available in several sizes from 2-7 Rack Unit heights and 3 different depths allowing you to purchase exactly the amount of space that you are going to use. If your server is 4 Rack Units tall, you will need a 4U Conversion Kit, for example. The drawing on the right shows what a 2U box will look like once it has been mounted on rails that have been attached to the 2U Conversion Kit.
The drawings above illustrate how to convert a 2 Post Rack into one that acts like a 4 Post Rack. In the example above, twenty, 2U, 2 Post Conversion Kits have been stacked on top of one another. The brackets have round holes on one end so that one side might be screwed into the threaded holes of the 2 Post Rack. The the other end of the brackets has square holes. Once the brackets have been mounted to the rack, the square holes will face outward in the front and rear of the rack, essentially now transforming it into a 4 Post. Cage nuts and screws are also included if threaded holes are necessary.
Solution Convert your 2Post Racks into 4Post Racks using 2Post Conversion Kits.Description 2Post Conversion Kits contain a set of 4 large brackets. These brackets provide the corner attachment that 4Post Rail Kits require. The brackets are available in several sizes from 2-7 Rack Unit heights and 3 different depths allowing you to purchase exactly the amount of space that you are going to use. If your server is 4 Rack Units tall, you will need a 4U Conversion Kit, for example. The drawing on the right shows what a 2U box will look like once it has been mounted on rails that have been attached to the 2U Conversion Kit.
The drawings above illustrate how to convert a 2 Post Rack into one that acts like a 4 Post Rack. In the example above, twenty, 2U, 2 Post Conversion Kits have been stacked on top of one another. The brackets have round holes on one end so that one side might be screwed into the threaded holes of the 2 Post Rack. The the other end of the brackets has square holes. Once the brackets have been mounted to the rack, the square holes will face outward in the front and rear of the rack, essentially now transforming it into a 4 Post. Cage nuts and screws are also included if threaded holes are necessary.
How tall can a server rack be?
July 5th, 2011
55U, Open Frame Rack
Server racks come in many different sizes. Some are as short as a 4U Desktop Rack
and might only be 9″ tall. Others found in data centers may be as tall
as 8 or 9 feet and allow for as much as 55U of equipment space. In many
data center environments, rack space becomes important, as the need to
rack more equipment such as servers, storage devices, network switches
and PDUs is part of the daily challenge. In many instances, limited
square footage can present a problem. So what do you do when you run out
of floor space for additional server racks? You could go vertical. Why
not consider replacing traditional size, server racks with taller server
racks that accommodate more equipment without the need for additional
floor space? The most common rack heights found in data centers are
typically around the 42U to 44U range. By the way, one “U” or “RU” space is 1.75″ tall. So, by replacing a 42U with a 55U,
you gain 13U (22.75″), or 30% more rack space. In cases where hundreds
of racks or more are in use, that translates into lots of extra
equipment space.50U Open Frame Racks may be bayed together with two, 55U Racks, for example. All four server racks may be equipped with top Air dams, and the rack on each end also may have a side Air Dam installed. Air Dams act like an eave on top of the rack, sticking out 5″ – 10″. The side dams also protrude out 5″ – 10″. Air Dams are used in tandem with floor grates to improve air containment. These racks may also have optional, side panels for enclosing the two ends of the bay of racks.
The front of a server rack loaded with equipment looks cool, but the back of the rack is where things can get a little hairy, and organization is key to keeping your sanity. That’s why it’s important that a rack have vertical cable bar options, a place to mount vertical PDUs and in some cases, LAN and Power assemblies for network switch ports, etc.
See Open Frame, 55U Racks for sale.
Network switches, patch panels, servers
HP DL580 G7 Rail Kit
January 27th, 2011
HP DL580 G7 [racking options]
The HP part number for the DL580 G7 slide rail kit is 374503-001.
This is the P/N that you will need to order this kit from your HP Sales
Rep.Below is a photo of the individual components found in the DL580 G7 rail kit. It includes 2 slide rails, 2 inner track rails that mount to the sides of the DL580 server, cable management arm, CMA retention arm (the blue thing), zip ties, hardware, and an installation manual.
The minimum installation depth is 28 1/4″. The maximum installation depth is 36 15/16″.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
| HP P/N | Description | HP Description |
| 374503-001 | Complete Kit | KIT, MNTG HDWR, COMMON, 3-7U |
Selecting a Wall Mount Rack
January 26th, 2011
Types of Wall Mount Racks
Wall Mount Racks typically come in Open Frame or Cabinet styles. The
Open Frame, Wall Mount Rack is an effective, less expensive, racking
option, but it won’t necessarily keep your equipment secure. To
discourage equipment tampering, add panels to the top, bottom and
sides, as well as a front cover. Because it’s an “Open Frame” rack,
equipment installation, wiring and cable management tend to be easier
than with an enclosed cabinet, and air flow is not an issue.What height do I need?
Wall Mount Racks are available in many sizes for use with several applications. Open Frame, Wall Mount Racks are configured by height and depth selections. Heights may range from 12U to 21U, for example. When selecting the height, you determine how much rack U space you need. A “U space” measures 1.75″. A Wall Mount Rack may let you mount up to 21U (36.75″) of equipment in the front rack space, for example. If you don’t require that much U space, you might consider a 15U or 12U height instead.
What depth do I need?
The depth of the Wall Mount Rack is measured in inches (or mm) since it’s important to know how much room is required to mount a piece of equipment in the rack. Before choosing a Wall Mount Rack depth, measure the depth of your equipment to make sure it will fit in the rack, and be sure to allow for a minimum of 3 inches in the back for cabling. Therefore, if you select a rack that is 10.5″ deep, your equipment should ideally be no more than 7.5″ deep.
Also, consider whether you anticipate adding equipment in the future. The size of the equipment you plan to add later, may help determine the size of the rack you need.
Note: The Wall Mount Rack shown below has additional U space on the top and bottom that may be used for equipment such as patch panels or power strips.
The best thing about the Wall Mount Rack is that it can be mounted on a wall (or almost any flat surface), which means it takes up less space and stays out of your way. Depending on the size you select, a Wall Mount Rack may support 300 – 400 lbs of equipment. I recommend you review the installation instructions prior to purchasing a Wall Mount Rack to make sure they correspond to your preferred mounting configuration and location. Typically, the Wall Mount Rack will come with assembly, mounting and rack mount hardware, but I suggest you review the product documentation to be certain.
What kind of equipment can I put in a Wall Mount Rack?
Wall Mount Racks are primarily used for racking network equipment such as switches or patch panels, but servers may also be mounted vertically in a Wall Mount Rack. Notice in the photo below how the power strip is mounted on the top of the rack.
This 12U x 4U Wall Rack has four, 1U servers mounted vertically.
See Open Frame, Wall Mount Racks for sale online.
Network switches, patch panels, servers
Selecting a Desktop Rack
January 11th, 2011
Kinds of Desktop Racks
Usually, Desktop Racks come in Open Frame or Enclosed styles. The Open Frame Desktop Rack is a practical, useful, racking solution, but it’s not ideal for keeping your equipment from being tampered with. Add panels to the top, bottom and sides as a deterrent. It’s generally less difficult to install equipment with an Open Frame Desktop Rack. Cable management is also easier than with an enclosed cabinet. Plus, the flow of air is not a concern.
What height is best for me?
Desktop Racks come in several sizes and may be used with a number of appliances. Open Frame, Desktop Server Racks are put together with height and depth frames. For example, heights may range from 4U to 9U. When choosing the height, you decide how much RU space is needed. An “RU space” equals 1.75″. Therefore, a 4U Desktop Rack has 7″ of space in front.
What depth should I choose?
Before choosing a Desktop Rack depth, measure your equipment to ensure it will fit in the rack. You may also want to leave at least 3 inches in the rear for cabling. If not, your cables may extend past the rear of the rack frame posts. Also, if you plan to add equipment to the rack later on, you may want to account for it ahead of time so you’ll have room when the time comes. Most servers today are designed to mount to rack posts approximately 29″ deep.
Note: The Desktop Rack shown below has additional U space on the top that may be used for equipment such as patch panels or power strips.
Where can I put a Desktop Rack?
The best thing about the Desktop Rack is that it takes up less space than traditional, 4Post racks and stays out of your way. Position it on a desktop, tabletop, counter top or any flat surface (including the floor) that will support the weight of your equipment. The size rack you select, and the equipment you choose to mount will determine the weight of the rack. You should go over the installation manual before buying a Desktop Rack to ensure it aligns with your plans for use. Normally, Desktop Racks ship with all the required hardware for assembly, but I suggest you review the product documentation to be certain.
What kind of equipment can I put in a Desktop Rack?
Desktop Racks are primarily used for servers, but switches, patch panels and power strips may also be mounted in a Desktop Rack.
Example of a 12U x 4U rack with three, 1U servers and a
power strip mounted.
Usually, Desktop Racks come in Open Frame or Enclosed styles. The Open Frame Desktop Rack is a practical, useful, racking solution, but it’s not ideal for keeping your equipment from being tampered with. Add panels to the top, bottom and sides as a deterrent. It’s generally less difficult to install equipment with an Open Frame Desktop Rack. Cable management is also easier than with an enclosed cabinet. Plus, the flow of air is not a concern.
What height is best for me?
Desktop Racks come in several sizes and may be used with a number of appliances. Open Frame, Desktop Server Racks are put together with height and depth frames. For example, heights may range from 4U to 9U. When choosing the height, you decide how much RU space is needed. An “RU space” equals 1.75″. Therefore, a 4U Desktop Rack has 7″ of space in front.
What depth should I choose?
Before choosing a Desktop Rack depth, measure your equipment to ensure it will fit in the rack. You may also want to leave at least 3 inches in the rear for cabling. If not, your cables may extend past the rear of the rack frame posts. Also, if you plan to add equipment to the rack later on, you may want to account for it ahead of time so you’ll have room when the time comes. Most servers today are designed to mount to rack posts approximately 29″ deep.
Note: The Desktop Rack shown below has additional U space on the top that may be used for equipment such as patch panels or power strips.
See Open Frame, Desktop Racks for sale online.
The best thing about the Desktop Rack is that it takes up less space than traditional, 4Post racks and stays out of your way. Position it on a desktop, tabletop, counter top or any flat surface (including the floor) that will support the weight of your equipment. The size rack you select, and the equipment you choose to mount will determine the weight of the rack. You should go over the installation manual before buying a Desktop Rack to ensure it aligns with your plans for use. Normally, Desktop Racks ship with all the required hardware for assembly, but I suggest you review the product documentation to be certain.
What kind of equipment can I put in a Desktop Rack?
Desktop Racks are primarily used for servers, but switches, patch panels and power strips may also be mounted in a Desktop Rack.
Example of a 12U x 4U rack with three, 1U servers and a
power strip mounted.
Open Frame Equipment Racks
November 16th, 2010
Open frame server racks function very similar to Rack Enclosures
but without doors or side panels. The benefits of open frame,
equipment racks are largely economical. The cost is typically less than
half that of a fully enclosed rackmount 
cabinet.
The main benefits of open frame racks are:
Open frame racks typically have a fixed mounting depth. The most common depth is 29″ which is compatible with modern equipment from all OEMs. The equipment racks usually have square mounting holes and use cage nuts.
Open frame racks come in several sizes:
Most recently, a 55U open frame rack has become available.
Here’s an example of what the rear of an open frame rack, filled with servers and equipment, might look like.
This one is shown coupled together with a second open frame rack.
Here’s a great example of three open frame racks bayed together in a server room.
cabinet.The main benefits of open frame racks are:
- low cost
- easy access to cabling
- unrestricted airflow optimizes cooling
- ease of installation
- shipping costs are less
- lack of security
- cosmetic – enclosed racks have a cleaner look
Open frame racks typically have a fixed mounting depth. The most common depth is 29″ which is compatible with modern equipment from all OEMs. The equipment racks usually have square mounting holes and use cage nuts.
Most recently, a 55U open frame rack has become available.
This one is shown coupled together with a second open frame rack.
Links to More Information:
Dell R410 Rail Kit Overview and Installation Options
June 21st, 2010
The Dell R410 Rail Kit uses the new Ready Rail design. This
design is is compatible with square hole racks as well as clearance hole
racks. Clearance hole racks have a non-threaded, 0.25″ round hole.
The attachment of the rail to the rack is on the front mounting surface
instead of the the rear which has been the typical attachment method of
Dell rails in the past.
The Dell R410 Ready Rails can be installed in a threaded hole rack using the RackSolutions adapter kit, P/N: 1UKIT-R4.
This adapter kit has a small bracket that is attached to the front of
the rack. This adapter bracket converts the round holes to square
holes. The rear section of the rail is replaced by a section that is
compatible with round holes. This kit slightly changes the over all
installation depth of the server by moving the front attachment forward
7/8″.
The Dell static rail available when the Ready Rails are incompatible
or in 2Post installations. Please review the following article which
provides additional information on the Dell Static Rails.
RackSolutions offers a 3rd party rail kit, P/N: 1UBRK-R4 for 4Post installations where there is some type of obstruction issue. This rail kit is also compatible with 2Post installations as well. This rail kit captivates the mounting lugs on the side of the server chassis preventing any movement of the chassis itself. This rail kit can be used in transport applications where the Dell rails may not be compatible with the shock isolated racks.source
| Mounting Depth | |
| Dell Ready Rail | 26 7/16″ to 35 5/16″ |
| Dell Ready Rail with RS adapter kit | 26 7/16″ to 35 5/16″ |
| Dell Static Rail – 4Post Square Hole | 23 1/8″ to 32 1/2″ |
| Dell Static Rail – 4Post Round Hole | 23 3/16″ to 33 5/16″ |
| Dell Static Rail – 2Post Centermount | 3″ to 6″ |
| Dell Static Rail – 2Post Flushmount | 3″ to 6″ |
| RackSolutions Rail – 4Post any hole type | 13″ to 31 1/2″ |
| RackSolutions Rail – 2Post Centermount | 2″ to 8″ |
| RackSolutions Rail – 2Post Flushmount | 2″ to 8″ |
RackSolutions offers a 3rd party rail kit, P/N: 1UBRK-R4 for 4Post installations where there is some type of obstruction issue. This rail kit is also compatible with 2Post installations as well. This rail kit captivates the mounting lugs on the side of the server chassis preventing any movement of the chassis itself. This rail kit can be used in transport applications where the Dell rails may not be compatible with the shock isolated racks.source
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