This category contains racks and cabinets for housing network switches, servers, patch panels and other 19-inch equipment. Our range covers freestanding racks, wall mounted racks and rack shelves for server rooms, offices and small comms cupboards. Brands include LANBERG, DIGITUS, StarTech.com, APC and TRITON.
How to choose a rack or cabinet
Type and location. Freestanding racks stand on the floor and take full-depth servers, UPS units and heavy cabling. Wall mounted racks save floor space and suit a few switches and a patch panel. Both types are in our range.
Height and depth. Rack height is measured in U, where 1U is 44.45 mm. Add up the U of all your equipment and leave some spare for future additions. Check the depth of your deepest device too, and allow extra room behind it for plugs and cable bends.
Open or closed frame. Closed cabinets have doors and side panels. They keep dust out, can be locked and reduce noise, and glass doors let you see status lights. Open frames give easier access and free airflow, which suits a dedicated room. Our range includes both.
Material and load capacity. Steel is the usual choice for strength, and galvanised steel adds resistance to corrosion. Some models use aluminium, which is lighter, and others have glass doors. Check the stated load rating before mounting heavy servers or a UPS. Black is the most common finish in our range, with some white models available.
Ventilation and accessories. Perforated doors, space for fan units and a power distribution strip help keep equipment cool and tidy. Check whether these are included, because they are often sold separately.
Brands in racks and cabinets
- LANBERG: a Polish network infrastructure brand, and one of the larger names in our racks and cabinets range.
- DIGITUS: the brand of ASSMANN Electronic, known for structured cabling as well as network cabinets and accessories.
- StarTech.com: known for IT connectivity products, and also makes open frame racks and cabinets for small server rooms.
- APC: a Schneider Electric brand known for UPS and power protection, so its racks pair naturally with its power equipment.
- TRITON: a Polish manufacturer that concentrates on rack cabinets and related fittings.
- EFB Elektronik: a German supplier of cabling and network connectivity, with cabinets to match.
Also in our range: ALLNET, LANVIEW, EXTRALINK, ROLINE and VALUE.
Frequently asked questions about racks and cabinets
What does U mean in a server rack?
U stands for rack unit, a standard measure of vertical space equal to 44.45 mm. A 12U rack offers twelve units of mounting space, and most switches and patch panels take 1U or 2U each. Servers often need 1U to 4U, so check each device's specification.
What is the difference between an open rack and a closed cabinet?
An open rack is a frame without doors or side panels, while a closed cabinet is fully enclosed. Open racks give easy access and good airflow but offer no protection from dust or tampering. Closed cabinets protect and often lock, but may need fans or perforated doors for cooling.
Can I mount a network rack on the wall?
Yes, wall mounted racks are made for this. They suit light equipment such as switches, patch panels and small routers. Check the rack's load rating, and make sure the wall and fixings can carry the combined weight of the rack and its equipment.
How much space should I leave in a rack for future equipment?
Leaving roughly a quarter to a third of the units free is a sensible general rule. This gives room for extra switches, a UPS or cable management panels. Add up the U of your current devices first, then choose the next rack size up.
