On this page
01. What goes in the rack02. Choosing a rack03. Keeping it healthy04. See it in a real installation05. FAQ
Quick answer
A network rack (or cabinet) holds patch panels, switches, recorders and power equipment in one organised, lockable place. Height is measured in 'U' (1U ≈ 44.5 mm). Good racks have cable management, ventilation, a UPS and clear labelling, which make faults faster to fix and equipment last longer.
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Shop all router products →Key takeaways
- Sized in U; leave spare space.
- Wall-mount for small sites, floor cabinets for larger ones.
- Heat is the enemy: ventilate.
- Lock it: the recorder holds your evidence.
- Label every port and cable.
01What goes in the rack
Typical small rack (top to bottom)
Patch panel
Cable manager
PoE switch
NVR / recorder
Router / firewall
UPS & power distribution
02Choosing a rack
| Wall-mount cabinet | Floor-standing cabinet | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | 6U–15U | 22U–42U+ |
| Suits | Small offices, homes, single-block CCTV | Offices with servers, estates, large sites |
| Depth | Shallow: check the recorder fits | Deep enough for servers and large recorders |
03Keeping it healthy
- Ventilation or fans; not in a hot, closed cupboard
- UPS sized for the equipment
- Surge protection
- Cable management and labelled patch leads
- Locked, with keys controlled
See structured cabling.
04See it in a real installation
Network Cabinet Redone for Clean Cable Management
A network cabinet redone from scratch: cables re-terminated, routed and dressed so every link is tidy, labelled and easy to trace.
05Frequently asked questions
What does 'U' mean on a rack?
A rack unit, about 44.5 mm of height. A 12U cabinet has 12 units of space.
Can the CCTV recorder go in the network rack?
Yes, if the rack is deep enough and ventilated. It keeps everything secure and organised.
Why is my rack so hot?
Poor ventilation or too much equipment in a closed space. Heat shortens the life of drives and switches.
