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 <[email protected]> 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > AusNOG mailing list > [email protected] > http://lists.ausnog.net/mailman/listinfo/ausnog > >
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