You have made the decision to step in the right direction and try to organize your computer equipment into a manageable system. Great!Using a LAN rack will save you time, which saves you money and headaches. However, there may be some ideas that will save you frustration after you have set everything up and have things running again.
You know what a major task that this can turn out to be, especially since you have to actually power down a server to move it to the rack. You don't want to have to do this over and over because downtime loses money.
It is a waste of productivity when you have to accomplish the same task just because you put something in the wrong place or wish you had done something differently.
In this post, we will share some interview questions in a numbered format. What would be really great is for you to add your own answers in a comment to this post. You can just number your responses 1. 2. and so forth in response to each question. You can just answer the ones you have something to say about if you wish so it only will take a moment.
Let's share our expertise in this area with others trying to organize their server rack, so we don't have to repeat the same mistakes that could be prevented by sharing information.
Here is one interview with someone who has been there and done that, as far as setting up an office LAN system:
- Q: What is the one thing you would have done differently overall when setting up the placement of the LAN rack and why?
A: I would have definitely placed the rack so that I had access to both the front and back of the rack, i.e., I would have set the END of the rack against the wall and not the back. Even better...buy a rack with optional casters and USE them, so you can move the rack away from the wall when you need to get behind it!
For anyone who has to service a computer or do anything maintenance wise, you will certainly understand the frustration of having to insert yourself bodily between computers just to be able to hook and unhook network cables and other cables from the back of the computer.
- Q: What is one item that made your life easier when it comes to keeping the rack organized?
A: Cable ties! For each computer, I use an average of 6 cables of varying lengths. I tried just leaving them loose and draping where they had to go and it looked like a jungle gym for a bunch of climbing monkeys!
I finally decided to break down and actually UNPLUG everything and start fresh. I used a simple package of cable ties (zip ties), rolled the cables and actually fastened them to the rack directly above the place designated for each server. That way, I could easily go to the back of the rack, unplug the cables if necessary and slide the server out of the rack.
- Q: What decision do you think you would make differently, if any, when it comes to the purchase of a LAN rack?
A: Well, I think I chose the right rack. I chose a rack that had enough room to put the monitors on the top shelf, the towers on the center shelf, and the UPS units for each tower on the bottom shelf.
For the keyboards, I use the keyboard shelves that extend out only part way so they are out of the way, yet accessible and not laying on or between the towers.
- Q: What is your one indispensable tool for managing LAN racks?
A: I purchased a computer vacuum, complete with some crevice tools and a brush tool to keep everything dust free. I think computers serve a dual function. One function is to do their obvious job which is to be a computer. The other function is to be a complete dust magnet for every single particle of dirt floating in your office!
Now that you have read over the 4 questions asked, you may have your own answers to those questions or perhaps have a question to ask the group before you make a purchase decision for your needs.
I do know that it makes sense to make a list of exactly what equipment you need to put on a rack, and don't forget keyboards, uninterruptible power sources, and monitors. Using an A/B switch for your keyboards and monitors can save you room, but just remember to consider it all! Share your views!
All UPSable
