The new technology provided by IO gives the data center the ability to be able to hold up to 2,500 servers and equipment racks.  The data center gives the company’s clients the ability to link with SingleHop’s services using 40ms of latency. SingleHop’s platform continues to function using cutting-edge automation which helps raise user control in the modular facility.

The company which will manage the Arizona data center, IO, is a business which provides data center infrastructure to some of the biggest corporations worldwide.  The business maintains a large amount of facilities for consumers.  IO is also constructing the cloud of the future for its clients.  The company works hard to deliver the fastest service for its consumers worldwide.  The business was the creator of the premier facility operating system, IO.OS.  Its purpose was to give the maximum intelligent control required to have the most efficient resiliency and energy in data centers.  The company has a main location in Phoenix.

SingleHop has customers in over one hundred different countries, has three major facilities, and controls more than ten thousand online servers.  The enterprise gives cutting-edge instant infrastructure services for end-user and re-sellers mainly under periodic contracts.  The company merges safety and ease in order to give solutions to a diverse set of corporations worldwide.  The business continues to be a prominent giver of remote administration and availability when personal devices are being used.

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

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.

Rail Version #1

Cisco P/N: KS PN – 3Q61-820APZZ0AA
Description: Sliding Rails for C210 M2

*estimated

Rail Version #2

Cisco 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:

Installing UCS Rails in a Threaded Hole Rack

Installing UCS Rails in a 2Post Rack

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.

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.

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.

On the flip side

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.

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″.

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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.

Mounting a Wall Mount Rack

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.

Tool-less Filler Panels may be used to enclose the open spaces in the Wall Mount Rack. In the photos below, a 3U filler panel was added to mostly enclose the 4U top of the rack, but 1U of space was intentionally left open.

See Open Frame, Wall Mount Racks for sale online.

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.

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.

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

The main disadvantages to open frame racks are:

• lack of security
• cosmetic – enclosed racks have a cleaner look

Open frame racks can be coupled together with a simple, inexpensive, baying kit, making them ideal for data centers. The cable management on an open frame, equipment rack is very simple. A vertical, cable management bar is typically included and provides an innovative and simple means of routing any type of cables.

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.

Links to More Information:

• List of Rack Types
• Why all racks are not created equal
• What is a 19″ rack