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

[James Cunningham]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the feedback - looks like it's still 6 of one, half a dozen of
the other.

See you all at AUSNOG

James

On Tue, Aug 29, 2017 at 9:38 AM, Robert Hudson <hudrob at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>
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