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Why are enclosed cabinets preferred for large computer rooms? Five key advantages explained

1. Product Advantages of Network Cabinets

Enhanced Security and Physical Protection

Enclosed cabinets feature lockable doors and side panels, effectively preventing unauthorized physical access and equipment theft. They are particularly suitable for non-dedicated computer rooms or open environments. For example, if the cabinet is located in a public area or a space lacking strict access control, the enclosed design significantly reduces the risk of vandalism or data leakage. Furthermore, some high-end cabinets support advanced security features such as electronic locks and biometric locks for further enhanced protection.

Optimized Environmental Control and Airflow Management

Enclosed cabinets regulate airflow through door panel perforation (typically 60%-80%). Combined with hot and cold aisle isolation technology, they precisely control the temperature and humidity around the equipment to prevent localized overheating. For example, Vertiv's enclosed cabinets integrate precision cooling systems to ensure that IT equipment operates in a constant temperature and humidity environment, reducing failure rates caused by uneven heat dissipation. In contrast, open racks are susceptible to dust and outside air, resulting in higher maintenance costs.

Support for High-Density Deployment and Scalability

Enclosed cabinets are typically designed with standardized dimensions (such as 19-inch width and 42U height), compatible with a wide range of servers, storage, and networking equipment, and support modular expansion. For example, modular data centers can flexibly increase the number of cabinets to accommodate business growth while maintaining overall energy efficiency through the combination of enclosed cabinets. Customized enclosed cabinets can also meet specific depth or load requirements, making them suitable for high-performance computing scenarios.

Reduced Energy Consumption and Operational Costs

Enclosed designs reduce cooling energy consumption by isolating hot and cold airflows. In some cases, their PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) can be reduced to below 1.5. For example, eASPNet's enclosed cabinets, combined with a downflow air conditioning system, maintain a temperature of 21±2°C and a humidity range of 40%-60%, significantly reducing electricity costs. Furthermore, the enclosed structure reduces dust accumulation, reducing cleaning and maintenance frequency.

Compliance with Industry Standards and Compliance Requirements

Enclosed cabinets are typically internationally certified to meet data center fire, seismic, and environmental regulations. For example, standard-compliant cabinets ensure compatibility during equipment installation, while REACH certification prevents the use of hazardous chemicals. For highly regulated industries like finance and healthcare, the compliance of enclosed cabinets is a key reason they are preferred.

2. Network Cabinet Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the cooling solutions for cabinets?

Answer: Common cooling methods include:

Natural convection (passive cooling) → Suitable for low-power equipment.

Fan cooling (active cooling) → Install fans on the top or side of the cabinet.

Air conditioning → Suitable for high-density cabinets (such as closed cold aisle systems).

Separating hot and cold aisles → Optimizes airflow and improves cooling efficiency.

Recommendation:

If the cabinet power is >5kW, forced air cooling or water cooling is recommended.

High-density data centers can use closed cold aisles with precision air conditioning.

 

What should I pay attention to during cabinet installation?

Pre-installation checks:

Floor load capacity (≥1000kg/m²)

Cabinet leveling (use a level)

Allow front and rear cooling clearance (≥1m)

Equipment installation guidelines:

Heavy equipment (such as UPS) should be placed at the bottom.

Switches and patch panels should be installed in the middle.

Lightweight equipment (such as fiber optic cassettes) should be placed at the top.

Cable management:

Use cable management racks and cable ties to organize cables.

Avoid running power and data cables parallel to each other (to reduce interference).

 

How to maintain the network cabinet?

Regular cleaning: Remove dust to prevent poor heat dissipation.

Check equipment securement: Prevent loose screws from causing equipment to fall.

Monitor temperature and humidity: Use sensors to ensure the environment is between 18-27°C and 40-60% RH.

Backup keys/passwords: Prevent the cabinet from locking and becoming inaccessible.