What is the Difference Between a Rack and a Cabinet? 

Data center operators use racks and cabinets to house and organize their servers, networking and telecommunications gear and other IT equipment, but while “racks” and “cabinets” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are differences between the two.

The main difference is that racks are open and have fixed rails, while cabinets are generally enclosed and have adjustable rails (independent of the frame). Here’s a deeper dive into both pieces of data center physical infrastructure, how they are used, how they are different and what their benefits are.  
 

What’s a Rack?

 
Racks have an open-frame design and come with two or four posts, which are vertical beams that are used to mount IT equipment (the mounting rails). 

Racks are more affordable than cabinets. Two-post racks take up less space, which could be important in wiring closets or cramped data centers. Four-post racks are sturdier, can support heavier equipment and provide more room for cabling. 

For example, Legrand’s four-post racks can handle up to 2,000 pounds of equipment, while its two-post racks can handle up to 1,000 pounds of equipment.

Because racks are open-framed, IT staff have faster, more convenient access to equipment and cables when they perform maintenance. Airflow circulates more easily, but racks are less secure because of the open design. 

While some businesses will use racks for servers, that scenario is infrequent. Servers generate a lot of heat, so it makes more sense to use enclosed cabinets to better manage the temperature and maximize cooling. Racks are typically used for networking and telecom equipment, which generate less heat than servers. 
 

What’s a Cabinet?

Server and network cabinets are fully enclosed racks with side panels, front and rear doors and roofs. They are more expensive, but they can support higher densities. In fact, Legrand’s T-Series Cabinets and T6 Cabinets can support a static load rating of 5,000 pounds. 

Because cabinets are enclosed, IT administrators can better manage air flow and ensure cold air will cool the equipment. Cabinets also protect equipment and improve security because they can be locked. Furthermore, cabinets offer more depth than racks, providing the space needed to comfortably fit servers, manage cables and fit a power distribution unit. 
 

Legrand’s Racks and Cabinets

 
Legrand offers a large portfolio of racks and server and network cabinets. 

Legrand provides standard EIA racks, which include two-post and four-post racks, and premium racks, such as Mighty Mo 20 Rack Systems. The Mighty Mo 20, available in black or white, are four-post racks that feature honeycomb-shaped side rails and add-on accessories that improve cable management. 

On the cabinet front, data center operators can choose Legrand’s ready-to-ship T6 Cabinets and T-Series Cabinets or highly flexible, configure-to-order Nexpand Cabinets. Customers choosing Nexpand cabinets can simply use them as open-frame racks, but they can add side and top panels and front and rear doors to fully enclose them. 

Legrand can also design and build customizable cabinets for customers that have unique needs.