Rack planning / advice

[Deleted member 651465]

Hey all,

I'm a bit undecided which order my equipment should sit in the rack, and was wondering if anyone could advise a "correct" way.

At the moment I have all the patch panels at the top, then the network switch, then a shelf with the modem / router:

16 port patch panel
48 port patch panel
48 port patch panel
24 port network switch
ADSL modem / router

This looks a bit backward to me, but then I assumed having the fixed wiring stuff near the top would be easier to work with in the future? Also, the other networking equipment can go under the modem and won't be above/below the switch, which will minimise mess.

Here's my house building thread if anyone needs pictures (link)

 

[DJMK4]

Yeah as your not hosting any servers on the rack, that's personally the way I would do it, not sure if that's what others would do?

 

[PhillyDee]

Heavy to bottom, light to top. Makes things easier!

 

[RimBlock]

Hey all,

I'm a bit undecided which order my equipment should sit in the rack, and was wondering if anyone could advise a "correct" way.

At the moment I have all the patch panels at the top, then the network switch, then a shelf with the modem / router:

16 port patch panel
48 port patch panel
48 port patch panel
24 port network switch
ADSL modem / router

This looks a bit backward to me, but then I assumed having the fixed wiring stuff near the top would be easier to work with in the future? Also, the other networking equipment can go under the modem and won't be above/below the switch, which will minimise mess.

Here's my house building thread if anyone needs pictures (link)

Really love home self builds and yours is coming along great. It is a shame we cannot do that here but I am in the middle fo a renovation of a new flat and Cat6 is a big must have although it is limited to 12 cables rather than 112. I am also looking at a full sized network cabinet but I am putting a server in it as well.

I would put the patch panels lower unless you have cable management panels for the cabinet. Might also want to think about velcro cable ties as the rough plastic over time may cut in to the cable.

Servers in the bottom, then the patch cables, then switches and finally the shelf with router etc. Would probably only go up to waist / shoulder high in the cabinet with the stuff you have as it should be easier to see and manage unless you have an express requirement for it to be at the top.

I will have my server at waist high, 24 port patch panel arount 4u above that for easier access to the server, then the 24 port switch above that. The bottom section will have the spares and some tools / cable for storage with some blanking pieces to hold it all in.

RB