[AusNOG] Switch installation in data centre racks - front facing, or rear facing?

[Robert Hudson]

When installing new switches into server racks in datacentres, I've tended
to use reverse-flow switches mounted in the back of the rack, so they were
close to the NIC ports on the servers/other kit.

When installing new switches into racks with patch panels leading to other
areas (other racks, desks, etc), I mounted switches in the front of the
rack, along with the patch panels.

When installing existing switches - correct airflow trumps ease of cabling.

If you're buying new, and your switch vendor doesn't do reversible flow
(either as a specific model, or simply be switching fan modules), ask them
why not - their competitors certainly do it.

Regards,

Robert

On 29 August 2017 at 09:02, James Cunningham <jjazza26 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Guys,
>
> This is an age old discussion that I have had with many people over the
> years, but am keen to find out what other people think about installing
> switches into data centre racks.
>
> Say for example you have 4 network switches to install into a rack
> (standard 600mm rack), along with 20-30 1RU and 2RU servers.
>
> Would you install the switches facing forwards, or install the switches
> facing backwards?
>
> The way I see it, there are various pros and cons of each approach:
>
> *FORWARD FACING *
> PROS
> Easy to install and remove the switch from the front of the rack, as power
> cords are not in the way
> Most switches expect this installation for air flow, but some switches do
> have reversible fans.
>
> CONS
> You must route the cables from the front of the rack, to the back of the
> rack where the server network ports are, leading to cable clutter within
> the rack.
>
> *REAR FACING*
> PROS
> Cable distance and cable mess going from the switches to the servers is
> alot less.
>
> CONS
> When it comes to removing the switch, it's very difficult with a fully
> loaded rack, as the power cables tend to get in the way from the vertical
> PDUs at the back.
>
> Has anyone else had some detailed thoughts about the best way to rack
> mount data centre network switches?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> James
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> AusNOG mailing list
> AusNOG at lists.ausnog.net
> http://lists.ausnog.net/mailman/listinfo/ausnog
>
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.ausnog.net/pipermail/ausnog/attachments/20170829/25ea886c/attachment.html>