Networking/Server Rack Advice

[proud_noob]

Hi everyone .

Looking for some advice for my big home networking/server upgrade.

Storage/Home Server
I currently have an Unraid server for running docker services want to move this server into a rack. Any recommendations for rack storage case that supports standard components? I found this 3U rack case but not sure it's ideal. Something with front-loading hard drive bays would be great.

Networking
I'm planning on finally getting rid of my ISP's router and moving to Ubiquti components. I want to get the following for a Gigabit home setup.
- Ubiquiti APs (WiFi 6)
- Managed Ubiquiti Switch with PoE. Managed/PoE for potential security cameras.
- Security Gateway for VPN etc.
- Cat 6 cabling.

To tie it all together, a server rack like this one or this one.

Any advice about this sort of setup? Best place to buy?

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Any recommendations for rack storage case that supports standard components

I've been looking for options myself for the longest time but it's very difficult to find the right configuration and there are very few options available locally.

The biggest blocker for me so far has been the case depth, they're generally all to deep to fit into my rack. Make sure you take this into consideration (including the space needed behind for cabling).

To tie it all together, a server rack like this one or this one.

Is this just for the networking equipment? If so then 6U should be fine (it wouldn't be deep enough anyway to support much else).

I would look at Scoop and Uniterm for any kind of networking stuff.

Networking, ICT and Telecommunication Distributor | Scoop

Scoop Distribution (Pty) Ltd is a South African-based Networking and Telecommunications Wholesale distributor that is dedicated to providing South Africa and its neighbouring countries with the very best brands in the ICT, Wireless, VoIP and IP Video sectors. As an authorised distributor of...

scoop.co.za

Uniterm Direct | Home Page

 

[proud_noob]

I've been looking for options myself for the longest time but it's very difficult to find the right configuration and there are very few options available locally.

Ah, that's unfortunate. I am looking for a rack for both networking equipment and server. I was thinking 6U should be enough. Finding it hard to see dimensions of the racks though :/.

Thanks for the store recommendations. Will check them out.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Ah, that's unfortunate. I am looking for a rack for both networking equipment and server. I was thinking 6U should be enough. Finding it hard to see dimensions of the racks though :/.

Thanks for the store recommendations. Will check them out.

You won't properly fit a server chassis in a 6U rack (they're designed for networking equipment only), unless you find a specific shallow depth case. If you do find a nice one let me know

Also if you're going 3-4U for just the server that doesn't leave much room for other gear (and expansion) you will definitely want more than 6U.

 

[proud_noob]

You won't properly fit a server chassis in a 6U rack (they're designed for networking equipment only), unless you find a specific shallow depth case. If you do find a nice one let me know

Also if you're going 3-4U for just the server that doesn't leave much room for other gear (and expansion) you will definitely want more than 6U.

What should I be looking for? Not really familiar with server standards. Guess I'll have to find a better place for my rack then .

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

What should I be looking for? Not really familiar with server standards. Guess I'll have to find a better place for my rack then .

I would think you have two options:

1. Go with a 6U rack for the networking gear only (nice and compact) and use a regular tower case or a NAS for your server and put that somewhere else.
2. Get a larger rack, something that is at least 600mm deep although 800mm will give you a lot more options for rackmount cases and put everything into that.

If you're already decided that you want everything rackmounted then find a case first, and get the dimension on the depth then get choose a rack accordingly that will fit it.

You can also get open racks that you can fit deeper components in (things will just hang out the back) but you will probably find that the rails you get don't fit shallower racks so you'd have to use a shelf or rest it on the bottom or on top of some other equipment that is secured well (yolo).

 

[RonSwanson]

Ah, that's unfortunate. I am looking for a rack for both networking equipment and server. I was thinking 6U should be enough. Finding it hard to see dimensions of the racks though :/.

Thanks for the store recommendations. Will check them out.

I bought a 15U networking rack from TNW a few years back, to this day it had served me well, has been a great investment.
It's true that it's depth is limited, standard server chassis do not fit. I managed to squeeze two smallish desktop cases into it though, along with switches and a HP microserver running Unifi controller, some raspberry pis and ran like that for a year or two. The desktops were supposed to be a stop-gap until I sourced network rack friendly server cases, but these proved to either be of dubious quality or incredibly expensive. As you will discover, the moment you want something in rack mount , the prices get loaded

Then I discovered Centurion Micro Electronics (CME). Check this out: https://www.cme.co.za/shop/category/industrial-pc-components-rackmount-solutions-15674
At the same time I was moving to solar energy, and was counting kWhs, so I threw out the desktops and went with a low-power fanless Ionn instead. I see that they no longer carry it, but it continues to serve me well.
Lots of other firewall hardware to choose from here, and many will fit into a networking rack: https://www.cme.co.za/shop/category/industrial-pc-embedded-computing-iot-firewall-systems-15685

 

[r00igev@@r]

I bought a 15U networking rack from TNW a few years back, to this day it had served me well, has been a great investment.
It's true that it's depth is limited, standard server chassis do not fit. I managed to squeeze two smallish desktop cases into it though, along with switches and a HP microserver running Unifi controller, some raspberry pis and ran like that for a year or two. The desktops were supposed to be a stop-gap until I sourced network rack friendly server cases, but these proved to either be of dubious quality or incredibly expensive. As you will discover, the moment you want something in rack mount , the prices get loaded

Then I discovered Centurion Micro Electronics (CME). Check this out: https://www.cme.co.za/shop/category/industrial-pc-components-rackmount-solutions-15674
At the same time I was moving to solar energy, and was counting kWhs, so I threw out the desktops and went with a low-power fanless Ionn instead. I see that they no longer carry it, but it continues to serve me well.
Lots of other firewall hardware to choose from here, and many will fit into a networking rack: https://www.cme.co.za/shop/category/industrial-pc-embedded-computing-iot-firewall-systems-15685

I've bouth some of hose IONN Intel networking appliances. Not too shabby.

 

[proud_noob]

On the networking components side when you consider upgrading to Ubiquiti check out their UDM-PRO if within your budget...

https://dl.ubnt.com/ds/udm-pro

It has a built in UniFi controller, Security Gateway and accommodates UniFi protect for their cameras...

Good recommendation. I am looking into that now . Only dissapointment is lack of PoE on the UDM-PRO switch :/.

I bought a 15U networking rack from TNW a few years back, to this day it had served me well, has been a great investment.
It's true that it's depth is limited, standard server chassis do not fit. I managed to squeeze two smallish desktop cases into it though, along with switches and a HP microserver running Unifi controller, some raspberry pis and ran like that for a year or two. The desktops were supposed to be a stop-gap until I sourced network rack friendly server cases, but these proved to either be of dubious quality or incredibly expensive. As you will discover, the moment you want something in rack mount , the prices get loaded

Then I discovered Centurion Micro Electronics (CME). Check this out: https://www.cme.co.za/shop/category/industrial-pc-components-rackmount-solutions-15674
At the same time I was moving to solar energy, and was counting kWhs, so I threw out the desktops and went with a low-power fanless Ionn instead. I see that they no longer carry it, but it continues to serve me well.
Lots of other firewall hardware to choose from here, and many will fit into a networking rack: https://www.cme.co.za/shop/category/industrial-pc-embedded-computing-iot-firewall-systems-15685

Some great options here! Those hot-swap cases are exactly what I want...
With all these ideas like solar and home automation popping up, maybe I should get a bigger rack .

I've bouth some of hose IONN Intel networking appliances. Not too shabby.

Will take a look .