Function Of Data Cabinets

Most people who work with data management devices are all too familiar with the nightmare of cables

, hardware, and cooling devices that, if not properly organized, can end up looking like a very large plate of spaghetti and meatballs. This is often described as unavoidable, as data centers must constantly be upgraded with new devices and cabling setups to keep up with the needs of any online business function. Some people will make an attempt to organize their data center into a sensible configuration, but unless they use data cabinets, their efforts will eventually be for naught.

The function of data cabinets ideally is to provide a central location that will allow for installation and patching of all data management devices. This serves two main purposes. One is to keep the devices as close together as possible for ease of patching, and the other is to cut down on power losses that result from the use of long cables. This second purpose may seem a bit inconsequential, but electricity use for operating and cooling data management devices can actually end up costing up to one and a half times the cost of the devices themselves in the long run.

With these facts in mind, a look at functional data cabinets is in order. The most crucial aspects for any cabinet design needs to take into consideration issues such as versatility, access, and the ability to handle the excessive thermal requirements in todays data center environment.

Versatility is perhaps one of the more important aspects of data cabinets. As anyone in a data management position knows, keeping up with the hardware needs as a business changes and grows is one of the biggest challenges they face. Data devices come and go, storage capacity needs grow on a regular basis, and cabling must be constantly altered as new devices are implemented into the system.

Access is extremely important for new patch configurations and maintenance needs. Panels and doors must also have an element of versatility to allow ease of access to patch bays and data devices. Another function of access doors and panels is to help contain the cabling within the data cabinets, while at the same time helping to maintain a proper temperature inside.

Controlling the thermal environment is key to an efficient data center. Cooling accounts for a major portion of energy usage, and down time due to overheated components breaking down is a big concern for any data manager. The best data cabinets will be designed to take in cool air to be circulated where it is needed, and will be properly vented to exhaust heated air to keep the entire system running efficiently.

In a nutshell, data cabinets are the center-most area of operation in any data center. They must be capable of handling the density requirements of todays data management devices. They must be flexible enough to allow for any type of cabling setup that will be needed as the system is upgraded. Finally, they data cabinets must be energy-efficient, easy to access, and thermally sound to so that they can provide continually reliable service.

by: Simon Coxon

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