If you want to make the most of your technological capabilities, you need to know about racking and stacking. Overlook processes like these and you leave your company vulnerable to limitations that could really hold you back in the long-term.
In this article, we’ll explain what we mean by the term “rack and stack” before delving into the detail to give you a brief guide to how the process works and what it can do for businesses looking to explore the incredible potential of technological innovation.
What Does Rack and Stack Mean?
Rack and stack is a term used to describe the process of physically installing and configuring IT equipment in racks. It’s widely used within data centers, and it’s a key part of what we do for our new customers.
When we talk about racking and stacking, we’re talking about everything from the assembly, mounting and cabling of hardware, to the best possible deployment and configuration of that equipment. Servers, storage devices, cable organization, switches and all other hardware come into the equation as we plan and prepare to rack and stack.
The term “racking” refers to the part of the process where our team assembles hardware on behalf of clients, setting up cabinets in such a way that they can be connected, transported and maintained with ease. Once they arrive at their destination, “stacking” begins – and that’s the deployment of the racks at the new data center.
How to Prepare for a Successful Rack Integration
The most successful rack integrations are those that are designed with efficiency in mind. But accessibility and maintenance are also important considerations when planning how to rack and stack.
The process begins with plenty of planning and preparation, during which technicians will discuss the following:
Load and Weight Capacity: The right rack for the job is determined by the loads and weights in question. Racks tend to be fully integrated prior to deployment, so the load capacity must be sufficient to keep equipment safe during transportation. Our guide to server rack dimensions has more information on this.
Power: Teams working on a rack and stack need to know all about power requirements. This will allow them to check that the right number of circuits has been allocated, and that sufficient power backups are available. Power distribution units will also be taken into consideration at this stage.
Mount Equipment Weight: When deciding on the load capacity of the rack, other equipment must be factored into calculations. We’ll often incorporate equipment like servers, network equipment, cables, rails and cable management trays during racking, so the total weight must be agreed well ahead of time.
Height: Taller racks come with many benefits, but any increases in height will have a negative impact on stability. It’s important to think about the total height of a rack in good time to ensure that it can be transported safely via your chosen vehicle. And remember, it’s crucial that you load from the bottom up, not the top down, to ensure a stable base.
Documentation: Planning is everything in this process – and nothing is quite as important as documentation. It’s vital that the rack design, layout and any changes you make are documented clearly. We also advise making a note of any materials used and ensuring that everything is labelled properly. This will significantly reduce time spent on maintenance tasks in the long-term (and save future staff from many headaches too!).
Installation and Deployment: Before any moves take place, you’ll want to conduct a site survey of your intended destination. Make sure your team is well aware of any potential challenges they might face during installation. Doing so will speed up the process and keep things stress-free on the other end.
Rack and Stack: The Installation
While the vast amount of work in a rack and stack occurs prior to installation, there’s still plenty to be done once equipment arrives at its destination.
Pre-installation, teams working on a rack and stack will double-check that the environment is ready, monitoring things like temperature, humidity and cleanliness as standard. Power requirements and infrastructure will also be checked prior to installation. Then, the process begins as technicians start to unpack equipment and accessories, keeping an eye out for any damage or any parts that might need to be replaced urgently.
Installation teams will typically be on hand with all the tools and materials needed to complete the job as quickly as possible. They’ll start labelling components to keep things simple in the future, before mounting servers and equipment.
As cable routes are planned and connected, teams will ensure that the setup has the best possible airflow. Cables will then be secured in place, with color coding often used to make troubleshooting that little bit easier if and when it’s needed. Cable management accessories are used to improve organization and boost efficiency, while also helping to keep essential components accessible.
Once everything is ready, teams will begin what’s known as the initial configuration. At this point, equipment is powered on and checked for errors. Network settings are configured and any required updates are completed.
The process concludes with thorough testing to ensure that everything is working as it should. Connectivity and data transfer speeds are monitored in the early stages, with technicians available to make any necessary changes should anything not be up to scratch. Documentation is then updated and the area is given a final cleanup before it’s ready to go.
Planning your Rack and Stack
A rack integration can make a huge difference to the capabilities of a business, which is why so many companies come to us looking for a rack and stack that will support their online processes as they prepare for growth.
If you’re looking to expand in the near future and need to make sure your systems are up to the task, talk to our team about what we offer.
Rack and Stack with Colo+
We’re here to take the hard work out of racking and stacking, with Colo+. This is an unlimited rack and stack service with remote hands on; it includes everything you need to make a success of your integration.
We cover all aspects of rack and stack and cabling and labeling with our Colo+ product, leaving your team free to manage other tasks. It’s 100% all in. We provide everything from cables and zip ties to screws, cable management, PDU’s, power cables and anything else you can think of. Contact us to find out more.
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