Introducing firewall technology into your business will more than likely come with the consideration of rackmounts. This offers a layer of physical security and organization for those who have multiple pieces of firewall hardware.
In the same vein, a single firewall unit may not need a rack mount, but it never hurts to guarantee equipment like this is secure. Another benefit of using rackmounts is that it ensures the tech won’t overheat, which promotes the most optimal performance possible.
For those who are new to the tech, it may seem confusing why you would ever need a rackmount in the first place. As you read through this article, you’ll learn about rackmounts, why you need one, and where to get them.
What are Rackmounts?
In short, a rackmount is a frame or closet-like enclosure that houses multiple pieces of network equipment. This could include firewall hardware, servers, and many other technologies relevant to network security.
It’s important to note that a rackmount rack isn’t a one-size-fits-all piece of equipment, but they are widely adjustable. Whether you’re looking to stack firewalls or a variety of network technologies, rackmounts can be easily adjusted and customized.
From another standpoint, rackmount quality is an important factor as well. Considering what they’re built for, rackmounts should be able to handle a decent amount of weight. You’ll also find that many rackmounts are specifically built for certain brands and hardware. This can make it challenging to discern exactly what you need, but it’s a lot simpler to navigate than you might expect.
Why You Need a Rackmount for Your Business
Whether you’re just getting started with servers or firewalls or simply need to organize and expand your space, rackmounts can help. It’s an efficient way to consolidate all networking equipment.
This reduction in clutter and efficient organization not only helps to keep hardware healthy but also makes maintenance a lot easier to handle. Having everything organized and easily accessible would be the preference of anyone in IT.
Here are several core benefits of rackmounts for businesses of all sizes:
- Improves airflow and lifespan of the equipment
- Protects hardware against physical damage and unauthorized access
- Reduces the potential for downtime in firewall or server operation
- Very scalable solution for growing businesses
- Helps organizations comply with industry standards and regulations in network security and data protection
From one business to the next, finding value in a rackmount isn’t the hard part, but quality hardware is a different story. Understanding the types, specific use cases, and where to find quality rackmounts are all focal points you want to cover before making a decision.
Different Types of Rackmounts
With the wide variety of network hardware available, you can assume there are many different types of rackmounts to choose from. From 2-post to 4-post racks to those specifically built for certain brands of firewalls, you want to make sure you end up with what you need.
Consider the setup that would work best for your business, whether it’s enclosed, open-frame, or even wall-mounted solutions. Some businesses just need a single rackmount firewall solution, while others are trying to build out an entire server room. It all comes down to the hardware and space you’re working with, as well as personal preference.
Where to Buy a Rackmount
The role that rackmounts play for your network hardware is crucial, which means quality is an important consideration here. Not only are durable materials ideal, but the provider you choose is the other half of the equation.
A good starting point would be to work with those who understand more than just the rackmounts alone. Those who understand the technology you’re working with, as well as your operational needs, are much more valuable in the long run. Here at Firewalls.com, we recommend Rackmount.IT’s brand of rackmounts. They sell custom rackmounts tailored to the brand of security appliances you have, such as SonicWall, Sophos, Fortinet, and others. You can browse the different types of rackmounts they sell on our site.
Final Thoughts
Rackmounts are pretty easy to understand, but many people get caught up in the variety that can be easily found online. This makes it challenging to source exactly what you need. If you’re feeling a bit lost in the type of rackmount that’s right for your business, get in touch with us at Firewalls.com, and we’ll help streamline the entire process for you.