Deciding what goes where.
WHAT TO PLAN BEFORE INSTALLING ANYTHING
Which equipment occupies which units Where network switches sit Where power distribution sits Cable routes
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Weight distribution, with heavier equipment lower Airflow, with nothing obstructing intakes or exhausts Access for maintenance Cable lengths
WHY HEAVIER EQUIPMENT LOWER
Stability, and ease of installation.
WHERE TO PLACE SWITCHES
Usually at the top or middle, minimising cable runs.
WHAT TO LEAVE
Space for growth, and for airflow.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Fill every unit immediately Place equipment wherever there happens to be a gap
WHY
An unplanned rack becomes impossible to maintain and impossible to cool properly.
WHAT TO DOCUMENT
An elevation diagram showing each unit and its contents.
WHY
So anyone can locate equipment without opening the cabinet.
WHAT TO UPDATE
That diagram, at the time of every change.
WHAT TO VERIFY
That planned power consumption stays within the rack allocation.
