A server is an intricate piece of technology that can be somewhat large in size, and awkward in shape. A server is argued to be the most necessary piece of our computer system, and we rarely remember that it even exists. Servers have capabilities far beyond what they initially had upon their basic creation. Even now, said to possibly be able to predict possible earthquakes and tsunamis, this grand structure is in need of a mounting structure to support it.
Thee are several mounting structures that currently exist for servers. Some are used because of space limitations, while others provide for easy access from the IT department. Whatever the needs of IT management, mounting structures for servers can vary dependent on what is necessary in your data center.
The most common mounting structure that exists for a computer server that is created to be 'shelved' in some way, uses a: rack, rack mount, or rack mount instrument. These structures are also known as relay racks, as they were initially used for railroad signaling relays.
A specific formatting of a 19-inch rack unit is pretty standard these days. It is used for structures including audio-visual equipment, telecommunications, computer servers and entertainment equipment, generally. These structures keep data systems from taking up excessive floor space; and leaving room in the data center for an IT specialist to move about.
Rack mounts were composed of a type of reinforced plastic in the mid nineteen sixties. Now, the best rack mounts are constructed of carbon fiber and thermo stamp composite that is also used in the military and other commercial products.
As far as mounting is concerned, there is now a boltless mounting technique that is currently being used. This specific rack mount design is known as the square-hole rack. Less expensive, as it uses fewer parts, this new technique is catching on. Although older versions of the rack mount are still in use, which include cage nuts or tapped hole racks.
How is it that this equipment and the IT professionals that maintain it, are kept safe? The rack mounts are often secured into a the actual data center itself. This means that they are literally bolted to the structures they work within.
Some areas actually have these securing requirements built into their building codes. It protects the equipment from toppling over, but it also protects any data center employees from having pieces of equipment fall on them. Handles are sometimes also provided on the front of the rack mounts to allow for easy access to the backside, top, or bottom of the computer servers.
Each rack differs dependent on the machinery it holds. Some can be only a few inches high, while others can stand unit upon unit. In protecting machinery that contains so much information for our homes, businesses and corporations, rack mounts are an important component to the entire computer server system.