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As long as you plan a neat, serviceable installation, it is a personal preference. <br />
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We keep switches and a patch panel in one rack and servers in another rack. &nbsp;That works well for us. <br />
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The bigger you are the more separation functions you likely can afford.
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consultant

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I agree that this is mostly personal preference and budget based decisions however there are a few things to consider as well.<br />
<br />
&quot;1. &nbsp;Should we install all the patch panels AND the network switches on the two-post rack? Or, install only the patch panels on the two-post rack, install the switches on the four-post racks (or cabinets) along with the servers?&quot;<br />
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Two-post racks need to be secured from falling over. &nbsp;Putting switches on two-post racks increases the possibility of off balance potential depending on how they are mounted. &nbsp;Patch panels are pretty save on two-post racks for balance.<br />
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Putting the patch panels on the two-post and the switches on either a four-post or in a cabinet means that you need to run more patch cables between racks/cabinets not to mention longer ones. &nbsp;<br />
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&quot;2. Should we use four-post racks or cabinets?<br />
&nbsp;I understand cabinets offer one more layer of security. Is there any other benefit to use cabinets?&quot;<br />
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Correct that cabinets offer one more layer of security provided they are kept locked. &nbsp;If all of this equipment is kept in a locked room (with proper ventilation/cooling then it may not be that important to also keep in a locked cabinet. &nbsp;Again personal preference.<br />
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&quot;3. Should we install the two-post rack in the middle of the two four-post racks (or cabinets)? Or, this doesn't matter?&quot; <br />
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Placing the tow-post rack in the middle will result in possible shorter patch cables between the patch panels and the switches but longer patch cables between switches and routers, etc. if they are in different four-post/cabinets. <br />
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If the switches are in the two-post with the patch panels then it will only result in shorter patch cables between the switches and the routers etc.<br />
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Again, there are lots of variables involved but ultimately it comes down to personal preference AND budget as stated by everyone else.
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Thanks a lot for the prompt help and have a nice weekend!
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<div class="content wysiwyg-content">
This server will host 200 network cables and many servers. <br />
Our plan is to setup one two-post rack and two four-post racks (or cabinets). And here are the questions<br />
<br />
1. &nbsp;Should we install all the patch panels AND the network switches on the two-post rack? Or, install only the patch panels on the two-post rack, install the switches on the four-post racks (or cabinets) along with the servers?<br />
<br />
2. Should we use four-post racks or cabinets?<br />
I understand cabinets offer one more layer of security. Is there any other benefit to use cabinets?<br />
<br />
3. Should we install the two-post rack in the middle of the two four-post racks (or cabinets)? Or, this doesn't matter?<br />
<br />
4. Any other thoughts or suggestions??<br />
<br />
Thanks!
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</div>


This server will host 200 network cables and many servers. 
Our plan is to setup one two-post rack and two four-post racks (or cabinets). And here are the questions

1.  Should we install all the patch panels AND the network switches on the two-post rack? Or, install only the patch panels on the two-post rack, install the switches on the four-post racks (or cabinets) along with the servers?

2. Should we use four-post racks or cabinets?
I understand cabinets offer one more layer of security. Is there any other benefit to use cabinets?

3. Should we install the two-post rack in the middle of the two four-post racks (or cabinets)? Or, this doesn't matter?

4. Any other thoughts or suggestions??

Thanks!

Four-post racks VS cabinets? Install patch panels and switches on one rack, or not?

Networking hardware includes the physical devices facilitating the use of a computer network. Typically, networking hardware includes gateways, routers, network bridges, modems, wireless access points, networking cables, line drivers, switches, hubs, and repeaters. But it also includes hybrid network devices such as multilayer switches, protocol converters, bridge routers, proxy servers, firewalls, network address translators, multiplexers, network interface controllers, wireless network interface controllers, ISDN terminal adapters and other related hardware.

Networking Hardware-Other

Installation is the act of making a computer program program ready for execution. Because the process varies programs often come with a specialized program responsible for doing whatever is needed for their installation. Installation may be part of a larger software deployment process. Cross platform installer builders that produce installers for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux include InstallAnywhere, InstallBuilder and Install4J. Installers for Microsoft Windows include Windows Installer, InstallShield, and Wise Installation Studio; free installer-authoring tools include NSIS, IzPack, Clickteam, InnoSetup, InstallSimple and WiX. Mac OS X includes Installer, and also includes a separate software updating application.

Installation

Networking is the process of connecting computing devices, peripherals and terminals together through a system that uses wiring, cabling or radio waves that enable their users to communicate, share information and interact over distances. Often associated are issues regarding operating systems, hardware and equipment, cloud and virtual networking, protocols, architecture, storage and management.

Networking

Server Room Management

Network design and methodology, also known as network architecture, is the design of a communication network. It is a framework for the specification of a network's physical components and their functional organization and configuration, its operational principles and procedures, as well as data formats used in its operation. In telecommunication, the specification of a network architecture may also include a detailed description of products and services delivered via a communications network, as well as detailed rate and billing structures under which services are compensated.