White Paper
Markets Served
Network Closets
By Jeff Kennedy
Business Value Marketing
Manager, Eaton
Getting the most out of
the network closet
Executive summary
While network closets take on all shapes
and sizes, they are essentially an arm of the
data center and as an important component
of all mission-critical environments, must
be organized, protected, and managed
efficiently and effectively. IT professionals
are charged with keeping the technology
infrastructure functioning, even in the face
of constrained resources and increasing
complexity. By selecting the correct rack and
power infrastructure, paired with management
hardware and software, organizations can keep
their businesses up and running. In this white
paper, we go beyond simple how-to advice for
keeping IT equipment operational, and discuss
how efficiently managing, organizing, and
operating network closets saves time, saves
money, and avoids risk utilizing the existing
space and equipment.
Network Closet Rack
The network closet: Same components,
different purpose
Whether at a small company, a mid-market organization or a
large enterprise, the components that make up a typical network
closet are usually the same. Essentially, a network closet
includes four primary elements; network switches, servers,
storage and the associated virtualization and management
software. The fifth is an integrated rack and power distribution
element.
What differentiates one network closet from another is its
fundamental purpose. For smaller organizations, a network
closet serves as a computing hub, containing all the networking,
storage and computing power needed to run the business.
For larger organizations, a network closet – often operates in
conjunction with others – provides a connection to a centralized
computing hub in the form of a server room or data center. In
effect, larger organizations rely on network closets to provide a
gateway to a centralized server room and then route information
to a data center for storage.
When building out a new network closet or assessing an
existing closet, it is best to think in terms of three essential
purposes: organization, protection and management.
Organization
Given the tight confines of a network closet, proper organization
of equipment is essential for efficient operation and ongoing
maintenance. Organizational equipment that can add order
to a network closet includes open-air racks (two- or four-post
models), accessory racks, wall cabinets for cable equipment,
strain relief bars, and cable management options for organization
and airflow management purposes. Equipment racks with a twopost open-frame design are most common in network closets,
but for deeper and heavier equipment, consideration should
be given to using a four-post adjustable depth equipment rack.
Standard racks are typically 84" tall, but if space is at a premium,
larger (96") racks might be a consideration for maximum space
utilization. It is important to use racks that are compliant with the
EIA/ECA 310E standard for 19" or 23" rack mounting to ensure
uniformity and ease of installation. In addition, racks that include
rack mount unit (RMU) markings permanently embossed on
the rack rails make the equipment installation faster and more
efficient. Last but not least in importance is the weight capacity
of the equipment rack. It’s recommended that the equipment
rack carry at least a 1,000-lb (454kg) static weight capacity to
ensure a stable support environment for expensive datacom
servers, network switches, etc.
While rack design is important, when outfitting a network
closet it is critical to keep servers, switches, and storage
equipment safe and secure. To aid maintenance efforts as well
as streamline troubleshooting, the rack area should be kept clear
of cluttered data, power and network cables. For this reason,
cable management is critical. A vertical cable manager should
be placed on the end of each rack. One horizontal (1 RMU) cable
manager is recommended for every 24 patch cables and one
(2 RMU) horizontal cable manager for every 48 patch cables
in a rack. Proper cable support is vital to ensure maximum
performance and facilitate efficient modifications, additions or
changes to network cabling systems.
Protection
Reliability, continuous uptime and efficiency are critical with
network closets, which is why protecting equipment will save
time, save money and avoid common risks. Solutions that
provide protection include an uninterruptible power system
(UPS) to provide emergency power in the event of a utility
failure, a rack power distribution unit (PDU), and hot-swap
maintenance bypass units that enable power to be switched
directly to equipment to perform maintenance or replace a UPS.
If redundancy is a requirement, automatic transfer switches
(ATSs) that automatically transfer power from a primary power
source to a secondary source in the event of a power anomaly
should be provided. Protection can be further enhanced by the
use of intelligent rack PDUs that protect equipment within a rack
by monitoring and managing power at outlet level. Integration
of UPSs and intelligent rack PDUs with management software
allows IT professionals to view and control the environment from
any computer connected to the network server. If extended
runtime is a requirement, additional battery modules can be
added to the UPS.
Management
Organizing a network closet and protecting the equipment
delivers efficiency and reliability up to a point, but to truly
optimize a network closet, organizations require effective
management capability. Through the use of the proper hardware
and software management products, IT staff can effectively
manage the network environment. Management software can
provide remote proactive management capabilities at both the
UPS and PDU level, for intelligent PDUs up to the outlet level.
Management hardware includes outlet-level current and power
meters as well as temperature and humidity probes. These
meters and probes enable environmental monitoring and notify
IT staff when power or temperature fluctuations fall outside of
the generally accepted tolerance.
Effective management
Even though the purpose of a network closet varies depending
on the size of an organization, the need to efficiently and
effectively manage the assets in a closet is universal. For a small
organization, all the computing capacity is contained within a
closet; for larger organizations, access to the enterprise network
and mission-critical applications can be compromised should
any problems with the network closet occur. In both scenarios,
an efficiently managed network closet is critical to ongoing
operations.
One of the foundations to learning how to manage a network
closet effectively is monitoring and managing the equipment
on a granular level. UPS-level monitoring and management
can enable network administrators to keep close tabs on
power supply and consumption throughout the rack. For larger
organizations with multiple network closets, remote monitoring
and management capabilities provide a comprehensive view
of the networking environment. Intelligently managing power
with software can help administrators respond effectively and
efficiently in the event of power disruptions. Intelligent rack
PDUs allow IT professionals to monitor and control outlet-level
current and power metering – both necessary to ensure efficient
operations. Also necessary is the ability to gauge environmental
conditions through remote temperature and humidity monitoring.
2
EATON White Paper Network Closets
Remote management of environmental conditions from a
central location is especially important for those organizations
that have added network closets to scale up or scale out their
existing environments. Integration of UPSs and rack PDUs
with management software allows IT professionals to view and
control the environment from any computer connected to the
network server. For example, a typical college may have network
closets located in various buildings throughout the campus. It is
not unusual for many of the network closets to be in converted
spaces not initially designed for computing. Such environments
are unfriendly from a temperature and humidity standpoint; if
no extra cooling is devoted to the network closet space, remote
management helps avoid risk due to running too hot.
For larger organizations, it is particularly important to back up the
network closet; as a gateway to the server room or data center,
a network closet outage can leave mission-critical applications
such as corporate email systems inaccessible. Also important
is the ability to migrate and shut down virtual machines (VMs).
In the event of a power outage, critical VMs can be kept
online while those that run non-essential applications can be
automatically shut down. This process, known as load shedding,
is a critical component of effective VM migration. By turning off
less critical VMs through load-shedding capability, administrators
can preserve and extend battery power for their more critical
applications. To perform load shedding effectively, we suggest
UPS management software that integrates into the virtualized
platform, therefore effectively providing these capabilities in a
way that doesn’t jeopardize mission-critical IT operations.
In addition to cable management, power is also another
component of rack hygiene, which is where UPSs and PDUs
come in. To ensure maximum uptime and improve reliability,
network closets should ideally contain redundant UPSs and
PDUs to protect both primary and redundant equipment
power supplies. However, not all network closets require fully
redundant protection; by mixing and matching UPSs with PDUs,
administrators can devise the right level of protection to suit
their network closet needs. Typically, there are three levels of
protection:
Level 1:
A single UPS
and PDU. Basic
distribution without
redundancy.
Utility
Power
Rack PDU
Switch
Server
Server
Storage
UPS
Rack hygiene: Maximizing uptime and
increasing reliability
While monitoring and managing the infrastructure is critical
to effective network management, these activities alone are
not enough to optimize network closet operations. Network
administrators must also consider rack hygiene – the practice
of organizing cables and efficiently managing power so a racked
environment is properly controlled and maintained. The right
cable management solution saves time and money by increasing
airflow and ease of accessibility to closet hardware for additions
or changes. It also avoids risk by preventing against hardware
failures due to accidental/inadvertent power cable removal.
Cable management – through color-coding and the use of
vertical and horizontal cable organizers, cable spools and outlet
plug retention – enables network administrators to maintain
proper cable connections and streamline problem resolution.
Efficient cable management through the use of vertical and
side cable management channels can increase airflow in the
network closet; it can also ease any moves, adds and changes
made to the rack, thereby reducing the chance for disruptions
due to issues with the environmental temperature or accidental
dislodging of a cable. A rack PDU with IEC plug retention
prevents the accidental dislodgment of a plug and can greatly
enhance reliability. Essential to cable management best practice
is the ability to organize like cables – blue data cables with blue
data cables, for example – to improve troubleshooting, eliminate
clutter and reduce the potential for interference between
different kinds of cables. Using dividers, it is possible to store
power and networking cables within a single organizer and still
maintain cable performance.
Rack PDU
Switch
Server
Server
Storage
UPS
Switch
Server
Server
Storage
Rack PDU
Level 2:
One UPS and two
PDUs. Referred
to as distribution
redundant.
Utility
Power
Level 3:
Two UPSs and two
PDUs. Referred to
as fully redundant
or 2N.
Figure 1. Rack PDUs with IEC outlet grips can reduce the risk of plugs
getting bumped loose and leading to server shutdown.
Rack PDU
UPS 2
UPS 1
EATON White Paper Network Closets
Utility
Power
3
Looking for additional protection options?
Consider using ATSs and a maintenance bypass switch. For
protecting single-corded equipment, an ATS is particularly useful
as it maintains redundant power distribution to equipment in a
rack with one or two power supplies. An ATS transfers power
from a primary source to a secondary source when problems
occur, and subsequently transfers it back once the primary
source is restored. In addition, a maintenance bypass switch
can be highly effective as well. The maintenance bypass switch
enhances power availability to the rack by routing utility power
around the UPS and into the PDU. If a UPS needs maintenance
or replacement, the maintenance bypass switch allows power
to be switched directly to the network closet equipment,
eliminating the need to shut down the equipment during any
repair or maintenance procedures.
Need additional backup runtime? Organizations that have
stringent service level agreements should opt for an extended
battery module to ensure more runtime during a power outage
or to ensure sufficient time to migrate data in a virtualized
environment. Ideally, an extended battery module designed to
pair specifically with a UPS can ensure an installation that is
trouble-free, while delivering a reliable backup solution.
In summary, when choosing a rack and power management
and distribution solution for a network closet, keep in mind the
various aspects related to return on investment (ROI). Achieving
efficiency and effectiveness can be compromised over the long
term by selecting UPS and PDU options that do not create value
by saving time, money and risk avoidance. To make the most
appropriate choice, consider the following factors that affect
overall ROI:
• Rack organization – Keep equipment secure and in its place
to optimize the time and money spent on maintenance as
well as any future planning.
• Power rating – Pay attention to wattage measurements, as
these reveal real power.
• Network card – Determine whether the UPS price includes a
network card.
• Output receptacles – Be sure the UPS and PDU have
enough output receptacles to accommodate the power cords
of servers and other network closet equipment.
• Input plug – Some UPSs and PDUs have input plugs that
fit into a standard wall socket. If not, an electrician may be
needed to install a new wall outlet.
• Batteries – Consider the cost of additional battery packs, as
well as the cost and frequency of servicing UPS batteries.
• Software – Make sure UPS and PDU software can integrate
with existing virtualization management software.
• User interface – An intuitive LCD can streamline
troubleshooting and save maintenance costs.
• Mounting hardware – For mounting a UPS in a two-post
rack, look for mounting hardware that is included. Also be
sure to pay attention to mounting bracket requirements for
PDU installation.
• Maintenance bypass – Purchasing this switch can save
money and avoid risk by allowing IT equipment to stay up and
running in the event of a UPS failure.
• Voltage – From an energy utilization standpoint, a 208-volt
UPS costs less than a standard 120-volt UPS, so make sure
the proper voltage required is considered upfront.
• Warranty – Factor in the duration of the warranty and
whether it covers batteries.
Conclusion
No matter how big or small an organization, the network closet
is an important element that keeps the business running. With
reliability and redundancy paramount, organizations can equip
their network closets with the right hardware and software
to maximize uptime, improve efficiency and reduce operating
costs – goals that, when achieved, deliver the highest ROI. By
selecting a rack and equipment with organization, protection
and management top of mind, a network closet can deliver the
reliability and performance demanded by today’s computing
environments.
About Eaton
Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader with expertise
in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power
protection; control and automation; lighting and security;
structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and
hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton® is
positioned through its global solutions to answer today’s most
critical electrical power management challenges.
Eaton is a power management company with 2013 sales of
$22.0 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that
help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and
mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton
has approximately 101,000 employees and sells products to
customers in more than 175 countries. For more information,
visit www.eaton.com.
About the author
Jeff Kennedy is the Business Value Marketing Manager for
Eaton’s Distributed Power Quality, Transactional Power Products
group and is responsible for driving consistent strategy and
messaging for the Eaton portfolio of solutions. He began his
career with Eaton in 2009. Prior to moving into his current role
he held positions in customer service, service sales, and IT
channel product sales with Eaton. He holds a bachelor’s degree
in business management with a concentration in marketing from
North Carolina State University and an MBA from North Carolina
State University.
Eaton
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© 2014 Eaton
All Rights Reserved
Printed in USA
Publication No. WP159002EN
April 2014
For more information, please visit,
Eaton.com/networkcloset
Eaton is a registered trademark.
All other trademarks are property
of their respective owners.
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