Open Frame Rack vs. Closed Cabinet

     When it comes to mounting servers, you’ve got several options. Two of the most common options are either an open frame rack or a closed cabinet (also commonly referred to as rack cabinets), but deciding which type to use can be cumbersome.
While there’s no true right or wrong decision when it comes to closed vs. open frame racks, each type does have its share of pros and cons. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each variety:



Open Frame Rack

• Pros: The biggest pro of an open frame rack is that they’re affordable and can yield a business looking to mount servers and networking equipment big cost savings, compared to the closed cabinet type. In fact, it’s estimated that they’re about 1/3 the cost of a rack cabinet. They also offer unobstructed airflow and fast access to the equipment.
• Cons: What open frame racks achieve in cost effectiveness, they lack in security. Since they’re open, they can be accessed fairly easily. Additionally, since open frame racks are open, the equipment they house can accumulate dust buildup and other particulate, which doesn’t make them ideal for harsher environments.

Closed Cabinet

• Pros: There are several advantages to going the closed cabinet route. First, this style is more secure, as cabinets can be locked to better control any sensitive data. Secondly, server cooling is more flexible, thereby allowing for more active and passive airflow management. And finally, the protective cabinet helps ward off any dust, debris, water or particulate that could accumulate on the server and potentially damage the hardware. The 42u server cabinet is an example of a closed cabinet that achieves all of these benefits.
• Cons: The one big downside to going the closed cabinet route is the cost compared to the open frame rack. As we told you above, closed cabinets are much more expensive than open frame racks, which can be preventative factor, especially for a small or start-up operation. Additionally, while more secure, it can provide issues during times when maintenance is promptly required.

So what type is right for you and your operations? Closed cabinet or open frame rack? For further assistance in making your decision, consult with a Rack Solutions specialist at Synacom Networks.  www.synacom.net

---