Wider Can Be Better: 5 Advantages of 23-Inch-Width Server Racks

Though 23-inch-width server racks are not used as widely as their narrower 19-inch cousins, they offer distinct benefits you can only get with the extra width. Below we list some popular uses and the five biggest advantages of these roomy models, and we conclude with a table summarizing ShowMeCables’ recently launched line of 23-inch-width server racks.

Popular Uses

Introduced in the early days of telephony, 23-inch racks became a standard for telephone exchange equipment. For much of the 20th century, these racks were the primary standard in telecommunications, housing switches, relays, and other network equipment. As electronic equipment diversified, 19-inch racks became more common in other industries, but 23-inch racks remained prevalent in telecom.

Today, 23-inch racks continue to be used and supported in telecom facilities but are also deployed in industrial settings. They not only maintain compatibility with older equipment, but can hold 19-inch gear as well. Additionally, they are roomier than 19-inch racks, which allows more flexibility for installations.

Types of equipment often housed in 23-inch racks include:

• Telephone switches
• Fiber optic transmission equipment
• Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs)
• Network routers and switches
• Patch panels
• Power distribution units (PDUs)

5 Advantages of 23-Inch-Width Server Racks

• Able to Hold More Types of Equipment: 23-inch racks can hold all your equipment, including 19-inch-wide components. This is achieved through the use of 23-inch adapter brackets. Also, 23-inch rack shelves can hold almost any item. This flexibility is particularly useful in environments that have both telecommunications and standard IT equipment.
• More Space for Cables: The additional width provides more space for cable management. This extra room allows for neater cable routing, reduced cable stress and strain, improved airflow around equipment, and easier access for maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Better Ventilation: The extra space allows for better air circulation, which can lead to more efficient cooling of equipment. This can potentially reduce cooling costs and extend the life of the hardware.
• Increased Port Density: Some telecommunications equipment is designed specifically for 23-inch racks and can offer higher port densities than their 19-inch counterparts. This allows for more efficient use of vertical rack space.
• More Room to Work: The additional width gives you more room to install, remove, or service equipment, especially in tight spaces.

ShowMeCables’ 23-Inch-Width, Open-Frame Server Racks

As the table above shows, ShowMeCables offers three types of 23-inch racks:

• 23-inch-wide four-post floor racks
• 23-inch-wide two-post floor racks
• 23-inch wide two-post wall racks

For larger installations, the floor racks are the way to go, with 25U to 45U of capacity. But the 6U and 9U wall racks allow you to fit these open frames into smaller rooms and IT closets for space efficiency.

We also carry a full line of 23-inch-width rack accessories to make your rack more functional.

At ShowMeCables, our 23-inch-width server racks are in stock and available with FREE standard same-day shipping if ordered before 5 p.m. CST. Check out our 23-inch-width server racks today!