Relay racks are storage systems for communication and networking equipment, dating back to the 19th century. They are typically 19 inches wide, with varying heights and depths. They are made of fire-rated steel or aluminum and are customizable. They are used in corporate offices, computer centers, and telecommunications facilities.
A relay rack is a storage system used to hold a variety of communication and networking equipment. These racks date back to the 19th century when they were used to hold railroad signaling or relay equipment. Today, the relay rack maintains the same basic characteristics, but the equipment it contains is radically different. Then and now, the standard relay rack measures 19 inches (48cm) wide, which allows it to accommodate the average electronic equipment module. This type of equipment storage unit is also known as a server or network rack.
Although the width of the relay rack is generally fixed, its height and depth may be wary of the industry. Some of these shelving systems are only a few feet tall, while others extend all the way to the ceiling of a room. Typically, the height of each system is indicated in both standard units of measurement and a special measurement called “U”. A U measures 1.75 inches (44 mm). Each relay rack is also rated for a specific weight capacity based on its design and configuration.
Manufacturers produce relay racks from metals such as steel and aluminum. Each system is typically fire rated due to the high volume of electronic equipment they are designed to contain. The vertical frame members are lined with holes, allowing users to quickly and easily mount equipment to the rack. The space between each hole measures 1U on a typical relay rack. Depending on the system, the rack may require screws, bolts, or special mounting brackets to hold each module of the equipment.
One of the benefits of the relay rack is that it holds multiple modules of equipment within the same mounting system. This allows users to combine all telecommunications equipment or servers into organized rows. The open design of these racks also allows access from multiple sides, making maintenance and changes easy. The rack system is also highly customizable, with configurations available to meet the needs of almost any system.
Typically, relay racks can be found in almost any corporate office building. These racks are placed in server or power rooms to house computer equipment, network servers, and even telephone systems. Relay racks are also used in more specialized facilities, such as computer centers and electronics companies. Telecommunications facilities may use standard relay racks, although some use a larger rack system measuring 23 inches (58 cm) wide rather than 19 inches (48 cm). This allows the rack to accommodate the larger modules typically found in the telecom field.
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