How to Determine Whether a Network Cabinet Needs Replacement？

1. Hard standards for replacing network cabinets

(1). Physical structure damage

Severe deformation or rust: The cabinet frame is twisted, the door axis is broken, and the sheet metal is corroded and perforated, affecting the stability of equipment installation or posing a risk of collapse.
Insufficient load-bearing capacity: The existing cabinet's load-bearing capacity has exceeded the limit (for example, the standard cabinet's load-bearing capacity is usually 500~1000kg), causing the cabinet to sink or shake.

(2). Failure of security protection

The lock is damaged or the anti-theft function is insufficient: The cabinet door lock cannot be closed, or unauthorized personnel can easily open it (especially for data centers and outdoor cabinets).
Fireproof/dustproof level does not meet the standard: The old cabinet's fireproof level is lower than UL94 V-0, or the dustproof level is insufficient (for example, the IP level is lower than IP54), affecting equipment safety.

(3). Electrical performance problems

Poor grounding or EMI shielding failure: The cabinet grounding resistance is >4Ω, or the electromagnetic shielding performance is reduced (causing equipment signal interference). Cable management breakdown: The cables are tangled and cannot be organized, which hinders heat dissipation or increases the difficulty of troubleshooting.

2. Recommended upgrade standards for replacement

(1). Insufficient capacity

Insufficient U position (height): The equipment has occupied the entire cabinet space (e.g., the remaining space of a 42U cabinet is less than 10%) and cannot be expanded.
Depth mismatch: The depth of the new equipment exceeds the available depth of the cabinet (e.g., the server depth is greater than 1000mm, but the cabinet is only 800mm).

(2). Upgraded heat dissipation requirements

Insufficient temperature control capability: The equipment in the cabinet is at a high temperature for a long time (>35℃) and cannot be improved by adding fans or air conditioners (old cabinets have no ventilation holes or blind panels).
High-density equipment deployment: The power density of newly deployed blade servers or AI computing equipment is greater than 5kW/cabinet and needs to be replaced with cold aisle closed cabinets or liquid cooling cabinets.

(3). Functional expansion requirements

Modular requirements: The old cabinet cannot support quick disassembly and assembly, side panel expansion, or intelligent PDU (power management unit) installation. Intelligent management: Environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, smoke), access control system or remote management function need to be integrated, but the old cabinet has no reserved interface.

3. Economic and operation and maintenance considerations

(1). Excessive maintenance cost

Frequent maintenance: Annual maintenance costs exceed 30% of the cost of a new cabinet (such as replacing rails, door locks, fans, etc.).
Inefficient energy consumption: The old cabinet has poor heat dissipation design, resulting in a surge in air conditioning energy consumption (which can be evaluated by PUE value).

(2). Technology obsolescence

Standard iteration: The old cabinet does not meet the current standards (such as ANSI/TIA-942-D data center grade requirements).
Compatibility issues: The installation holes and rails of the new equipment do not match the old cabinet (such as non-19-inch standard cabinets).

4. Replacement decision process

Check the physical condition → If the damage is serious, replace it immediately.
Evaluate capacity and scalability → If it cannot meet the needs of the next three years, it is recommended to replace it.
Test safety and electrical performance → If there are hidden dangers, replace it first. Calculate O&M costs → If the long-term cost is higher than a new cabinet, replace it.