Guide to Optimizing Server Configuration

Smart optimization can help you increase rack space and realize significant equipment cost savings – here’s a step-by-step guide that shows you how – and how much you could save.

Download the Guide to Optimizing Server Configuration (PDF)

How Much Rack Space Can be Saved by Optimizing Server Configuration
Optimize Your Server Configuration for Maximum Efficiency
The Horizontal Zero U RackOrganizer Maximizes Server Rack Space
Cost Savings Through Optimization When Retrofitting Existing Installs
Cost Savings Through Optimization of New Installations
Potential Cost and Space Savings After Optimization

How Much Rack Space Can be Saved by Optimizing Server Configuration

A conventional two-rack configuration consists of one rack used for horizontal cross connects and the other primarily used as a network rack housing the switch and power source.

In conventional configurations 71RU is used between the two racks, to provide 480 ports, leaving 19RU of available rack space.

After optimizing the server configuration as outlined below, only 49RU is occupied.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Conventional Configuration

Optimized Configuration

Side-by-Side Comparison of Conventional vs Optimized Server Configuration

Optimize Your Server Configuration for Maximum Efficiency

Replace 1RU and 2RU horizontal cable managers with AnD Cable Product’s Horizontal Zero U RackOrganizers® – Show me how
Replace 24-AWG patch cords with 28-AWG (skinny patch cords) – Show me how

The Horizontal Zero U RackOrganizer® Maximizes Server Rack Space

Whereas conventional 1U or 2U Finger Duct or D Ring Cable Organizers use valuable vertical rack space, Horizontal Zero U RackOrganizers® have been intelligently designed to mount in the same U space as the active device, so do not use ANY extra rack space.

They can be mounted in front of or behind IT equipment, providing easy access to equipment and facilitating better cable management.

Read more about Cable Managers Features and Benefits

Installed 4 - Horizontal Zero U Server Rack Cable Management - Rack Management

Having seen the concept in general terms, let’s apply equipment costs to show you how much you can save on your refit or next installation of a typical 2 rack system.

Cost Savings Through Optimization When Retrofitting Existing Installs

How to optimize existing installations:

Remove the (10) conventional 2RU horizontal managers
Replace with Horizontal Zero U RackOrganizers® – freeing up 20RU of rack or cabinet space – enough for an additional 432 ports.
Install the next (9) 2RU patch panels and (10) Horizontal Zero U RackOrganizers® in the same rack.

Cost savings:

Total cost for the (20) Horizontal Zero U RackOrganizers® is $422.00. So by spending just $422.00, you have eliminated the need for a new cabinet for your next system, which range in price from $1,600.00 – $3,000.00.

You also gain a rack footprint in your data center, because you are now occupying only three racks instead of four.

Repeat this process a few more times and you can see how the savings rack up.

Capture further savings:

Take it one step further by replacing bulky space hogging vertical cable managers with 4″ wide Vertical Cable Managers and now you are able to place even more racks in a row.

This will create an organized and efficient cable management system, contributing to a positive ISO audit.

End View - Installed Server Rack Vertical Cable Management - 11RU - Rack Management

Cost Savings Through Optimization of New Installations

How to save space using HD patch panels (1U) and 28-AWG (skinny) patch cords:

Using 28-AWG patch cabling, which are 36% skinnier, increases rack utilization and opens more available space in the same rack layout. 28-AWG cabling allows you to use high density patch panels – holding 48 ports in 1RU, as opposed to occupying 2RU as in conventional configurations – thereby cutting in half the RU space needed for patch panels.

Cost savings:

864 ports occupy 18RU, rather than 36RU – effectively doubling your rack efficiency.

Capture further savings:

This same rack using 28-AWG patch cords AND Horizontal Zero U RackOrganizers® with 1RU 48 port patch panels, will hold an additional 864 ports.

Patch cord considerations when using 28-AWG cords:

TIA-568-C specifies a maximum 100-meter length channel for copper cabling, which comprises 90 meters of permanent link cabling (typically solid cable) and a total of 10 meters of patch cabling. If you use 28-AWG patch cabling, you must adhere to a de-rating factor that reduces the maximum channel length achievable. If your goal is to:

Maintain the 90-meter permanent link, a total of 6 meters of 28-AWG patch cord can be used, for a 96-meter channel length
Maintain 10 meters of total patch length, then the maximum permanent-link length must be adjusted to 83 meters, for a maximum channel length of 93 meters

Potential Cost and Space Savings After Optimization

Every 4 systems now requires only 5 cabinets or racks instead of 8.

With new cabinet costs ranging from $1,600.00 – $3,000.00, cost savings start from $4,800 – $9,000 per 4 system installation.

Experience the benefits yourself – Free 30-Day Trial

We’re so confident that smart data center operators will immediately see the benefits of our Horizontal Zero U Cable Management Shelf that we’ll ship you one to try for yourself – no strings attached, just cover shipping costs.

Find out more: Free 30-Day Trial – Zero Dollars Down For Zero U Efficiency