Data center technology is changing all the time, and people must stay on top of new technology as it comes out. For instance, a wide variety of racks are available for your servers and networking gear. Two of these options are 2-post and 4-post racks. You must learn their differences when trying to get the right rack for your data center. Check out our list of the pros and cons of 2-post racks and 4-post racks.
2-Post Racks
The 2-post rack also goes by the name relay rack since it has two vertical upright support beams. Most people use them for light IT equipment, including things like switches and patch panels. However, it’s not ideal for heavier equipment, like full servers. You need to bolt your 2-post rack in place for stability purposes.
Since 2-post racks aren’t enclosed, your equipment gets a ton of airflow. That means that fans in the equipment can circulate heat out into the open air. They also take up very little space, which is important when there isn’t much floor space available. Finally, you can easily access all the equipment you’ve mounted in the rack. Unfortunately, they don’t have as much protection as 4-post racks, so if someone bumps into it, they could do some damage.
4-Post Racks
4-post custom network racks are far more stable since they have four posts. Most have perforated doors in the front and back for better ventilation and access. Since they’re usually more rigid, they can hold much more weight than their 2-post counterparts. Given that an enclosed rack surrounds your equipment, it doesn’t face damage as easily, and it’s less likely that a cord will be disconnected or a component inside of the rack will be damaged. However, it can take up more space than a 2-post rack.
Which Is Best?
When weighing the pros and cons of 2-post racks and 4-post racks, know that neither is better than the other. They can each help you depending on what you’re looking for in the layout of your data center. If you don’t have a lot of space, you might want to consider 2-post racks. If you have more space in your data center, use the 4-post version. Of course, most data centers incorporate both, which is also a solid strategy.
If you’re interested in stocking up on data racks and cabinets, check out AMCO Enclosures! We’ll help you find the right data center cabinets and racks for your needs.