Tripp Lite: The Battle Between Rack Cabinets & Open-Frame Racks

What is the difference between a Rack Cabinet and Open-Frame Rack? Both serve the same function, yet the two differ in advantages. The IT infrastructure market is continuously expanding, while the need to organize, secure, and cool servers routers, hubs, PDUs and UPS systems in a space conserving manner increases, the demand for IT rack cabinets and open-frame racks increase simultaneously. Understanding the differences and advantages, as well as how they apply to your specific needs becomes essential. So which cabinet will help you accomplish these preceding demands at the best dollar amount? Continue reading to learn more from Tripp Lite.

There are 3 main advantages of Rack Cabinets, also known as Rack Enclosures, over Open-Frame Racks:

• Security
  Because the front and rear doors and side panels on most rack cabinets can be locked, access to equipment and sensitive data can be managed and controlled.
• Greater Cooling Flexibility
  Heat-sensitive equipment such as servers is isolated inside rack cabinets, allowing for more control over both active and passive airflow/cooling management.
• Equipment Protection from Harsh Environments
  If your rack and equipment is going to be in harsh environments where dust, water and other debris could damage your equipment, a rack cabinet that protects equipment from the elements is for you.

There is 1 main advantage of Open-Frame Racks over Rack Cabinets:

• Cost Savings
  If you’re simply looking for an economical way to organize rack equipment while conserving space, I recommend an Open-Frame Rack which is typically around one-third the cost of a similar Rack Cabinet.

Original post here.