rackmount equipment all of a standard dimension?

Are server racks and rackmount servers of standardized, reliably
compatible dimensions?

I'm helping make purchases to equip a small computer networking lab at
a community college. I want to economize space. There's only room for
a few PCs but I want to demonstrate larger networks. My 2 main
strategies are first, set up virtual machines (VMWare). That condenses
half a dozen boxes into one. Second, use rackmount instead of desktop
form factor.

I haven't used rackmount servers. If I buy any server rack and
rackmount device, do they all fit? Or do I need to be educated on
differences among such equipment?

On 2006-06-12, david <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
> Are server racks and rackmount servers of standardized, reliably
> compatible dimensions?

Usually yes, there could be a problem becaus of the depth of the
servers, if you get a "Network equipment" rack, those aren't deep as
a "Server enclosure" rack, so be aware. Also, remember that you need
clearance both in the front and in the back of the rack. And all around.
You can't put the rack againsta a wall or in a corner.

Davide

--
[It] contains "vegetable stabilizer" which sounds ominous. How unstable
are vegetables? --Jeff Zahn

david <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>Are server racks and rackmount servers of standardized, reliably
>compatible dimensions?
>
>I'm helping make purchases to equip a small computer networking lab at
>a community college. I want to economize space. There's only room for
>a few PCs but I want to demonstrate larger networks. My 2 main
>strategies are first, set up virtual machines (VMWare). That condenses
>half a dozen boxes into one. Second, use rackmount instead of desktop
>form factor.
>
>I haven't used rackmount servers. If I buy any server rack and
>rackmount device, do they all fit? Or do I need to be educated on
>differences among such equipment?

There are quite a few variations that you need to be aware of
when it comes to rack mounting equipment. Almost everything
takes 19" wide racks these days, but there are also 23" racks
too. Among the 19" variety you'll find at least two different
sorts of mounting screws and vertical spacing standards. Then
there is the matter of open racks or enclosed racks, and for
enclosed racks they come in different depths.

I've forgotten too many specifics to give you accurate details,
and frankly don't want to bother doing the research! But that
will point you in the right direction...

--
Floyd L. Davidson <http://www.apaflo.com/floyd_davidson>
Ukpeagvik (Barrow, Alaska) (E-Mail Removed)