Server racks are an important component of structured cabling, used to house and protect equipment and accessories. So, what kind of equipment do we typically place in server racks? Today, we'll introduce that to you.
1. Fiber Optic Distribution Frame
A fiber optic patch panel is a 19-inch wide metal box with square holes, used to house and protect the exposed optical fibers after their outer sheath has been stripped. After the optical fibers from outside the network center enter the cabinet, they are not directly connected to the switches, but rather to the fiber optic patch panel, and then connected to the fiber optic switching ports of the network switches via fiber optic patch cords. Because optical fibers are just a bundle of glass fibers and are very fragile, while they can function normally if directly connected to the switches, they cannot be arbitrarily patched, otherwise the fibers could easily break.
II. Network Switch
Network switches are network devices used for data exchange, with fiber optic cables and network cables from all directions connecting to their ports. Switches, especially those in network centers, are the "lifeblood" of the network; their reliability and security are paramount. Therefore, network center switches must be installed in enclosed, well-ventilated cabinets to provide a secure and reliable physical environment.
III. Router
Routers operate at Layer 3 of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) seven-layer model, responsible for addressing and forwarding Layer 3 data packets. There are many types of routers; routers used in local area networks (LANs) are generally access routers used to connect to wide area networks (WANs).
IV. Network Firewall
A network firewall is a security barrier installed between an internal network and an external network. Firewalls can be divided into software and hardware firewalls. Network centers typically use hardware firewalls, which look very similar to routers.
V. Twisted-pair patch panel
Modern networks mostly use Category 5e or higher twisted-pair cables for structured cabling, resulting in a large amount of twisted-pair cabling.
VI. Monitors used for monitoring
Video receiving equipment and monitors used in security monitoring can also be placed in server racks, which is common in office settings.
