Network rack newbie recommendation

Hardware Hub Networking
1

Hi there! I have all my networking things in boxes at the moment, and I am thinking about how to organize better before I unpack.

I think I need a network rack. I have never bought one before, and I need some recommendations.

I have the following equipment:

  • HL8 NAS (less than 16x11x11in)
  • Protectli router box (less than 7.5x6in)
  • 8x RJ45 10Gb TP-Link switch (11.5x7in)
  • 8x RJ-45 1Gb TP-Link switch (7x4in)
  • Fractal Terra server (less than 15.5x8.5x11.5in)
  • PiKVM
  • PiKVM multiport switch
  • Netgear WAX630E access point (12x12x4in)
  • CyberPower UPS CP1500PFCLCD (17x7x14.5in)

I don’t have rack mounts for any of this. I might need all shelves. I think that I have enough networking things that I need some way to organize them.

I am concerned about access point coverage with all the metal stacked up in rack. Wondering if I should hang it off the side or somewhere else?

Any advice or tips appreciated!

2

Anything wireless should indeed be outside metal boxes and preferably as far away from it as possible.

For lack of rack mounts, consider getting 3D printed replacements if original metal ones are not an option (financial or otherwise)

1 Like
3

I was using cheap plastic end tables at a previous home…better for wireless I suppose, but I have more equipment than can fit on both of them now.

4

I’d go with a shelf for the UPS at least. You could get a full shelf, or just one of those shelf-rails type things. The full shelf can be useful for modems or power bricks or other stuff which can make rack-life difficult without one also.

5

Late last year LTT had a video from their “Buy or DIY“ series and one LMG employee build a mini “server rack” using IKEA furniture. In hindsight, it’s probably a more cost-effective way of getting some lumber to build from scratch, if only to match your situation. If you go that way, you won’t need to relocate your WiFi outside the rack, just make sure it’s on top of everything else.

6

I guess it depends on if you want an open frame or closed frame or single post rack or a wall mount.

I think an open frame would work best if you are moving it a lot. And probably the best option for most people. A wall mount is great too. But you have to own the place you are installing it. So that doesn’t work for everyone. Single post frames would work. But they don’t work very well for large servers. Unless you bolt them to the floor. For your list of stuff they would be fine. And a fully closed rack requires a lot of space and room to move into place. So a full closed rack might not even fit in many peoples homes.

What you could do is search local market places and see if anyone is throwing away or selling a used rack in your area. That’s how i ended up with a single post rack.

7

Racks are big and obnoxious. I’d say get some nicer wooden end tables. Or a nice bookshelf.