Because most people have never needed to utilize a server, there are common misconceptions. Rackmount servers aren’t necessarily more powerful than high-end PCs; they are not always costly, and they look very different from a typical desktop computer. This naturally leads to the questions: ‘What is a rackmount server?’ and ‘What does it do?’
Simply put, they are computers designed to be mounted in a rack and built for reliability while operating 24/7. Their primary function is to distribute efficiently, process, and store data for multiple users and services across a network.
What is a Rackmount Server?
A rackmount server, also known as a rack server, is a computer designed to be installed in a frame called a server rack. Unlike traditional tower servers that stand upright like desktop PCs, rackmount servers are built with low-profile, horizontal chassis. This design allows for high-density configurations, where multiple servers can be stacked vertically within a single rack, saving significant floor space. The width of these servers is standardized at 19 inches to ensure they fit perfectly into the mounting rails of any standard server rack. The height is measured in “rack units” (U), where 1U equals 1.75 inches.
The primary difference between a rackmount server and other server types lies in its form factor and its scalability in confined spaces. A traditional tower server is a standalone unit, which is simple to deploy but becomes inefficient and space-consuming when you need to run multiple servers. In contrast, rackmount servers are designed for efficient scaling. While they are individual, self-contained computers with their own motherboards, CPUs, memory, and power supplies, their stackable nature makes them ideal for building out data centers or server closets.
Rackmount servers offer a middle ground between standalone tower servers and high-density blade servers. A blade server is even more compact, consisting of just the core processing components on a single card that slots into a chassis. This chassis provides shared power, cooling, and networking for all the blades inside. A rackmount server, however, is a complete server in a single box. This self-contained design makes rackmount servers more versatile and easier to manage individually than blades, while still providing far better space efficiency and organization than a collection of tower servers.
Benefits of Rackmount Servers
Rackmount servers are a popular choice for IT infrastructure, and while they can be a significant investment, their advantages are substantial. Understanding these benefits is key to determining if they are the right solution for your organization’s needs. The following are among the most essential advantages of using a rackmount server:
- Scalability – Rackmount servers are designed to support multiple computers, allowing them to connect and share resources. Their modular, standardized design means you can easily add more servers to a rack as your computing needs grow, which is a significant limitation of standard PCs.
- Reliability – These servers are constructed with higher-grade components than typical consumer PCs, making them more reliable for continuous, 24/7 operation. Most rackmount servers also feature built-in redundancy, such as dual power supplies or RAID storage configurations, to help prevent downtime even if a component fails.
- Cost Efficiency – Although a server has a higher upfront cost, it can lead to long-term savings. Centralizing applications on a server can reduce the need for multiple software licenses. Additionally, you can invest in more modest client PCs and let the server handle the intensive processing and storage tasks.
- Ease of Support – Servers provide software and services to many users from one central location. Having all your resources consolidated in a server rack makes it significantly easier to configure, update, and provide technical support to a large group of people.
- Collaboration – Storing files and data on a central server greatly simplifies teamwork. Everyone on the network can access the same information, work together on projects, and ensure that they are always using the most up-to-date versions of documents.
- Power and Expandability – While not always more powerful than high-end workstations, rackmount servers offer far greater expansion potential. High-end models can support multiple CPUs, numerous RAM slots for vast memory capacity, and extensive storage arrays with higher data throughput than any traditional PC.
Types of Rackmount Servers
There are several ways to classify rackmount servers by type. In many enterprise environments, it makes sense to look at servers based on the specific function they perform within the network. For example, there are dedicated storage servers, print servers, database servers, application servers, and many others designed for unique workloads.
Another way to classify a server is by the physical hardware architecture it utilizes. Many traditional rackmount servers operate similarly to high-end PCs but run specialized software that allows other computers to access their resources. There are also larger, more powerful servers that share components with a standard PC but offer significantly enhanced capabilities. For example, these servers generally have significantly more RAM, additional physical CPUs, and more disk space than what you would find in a regular computer.
Blade servers are very popular today because they take up much less space than a traditional rackmount server. All the components needed in each ‘blade’ are built right on a modular board, then the blade is pushed into a blade chassis. Each chassis can hold multiple blades and fits securely into a server rack for ease of access and improved density.
How to Keep Rackmount Servers Safe
As with any computing device, you need to ensure your servers are secure. When it comes to server security, you need to address both physical security and software security. For software, securing a server is not unlike protecting a regular computer. Installing a good-quality antivirus program and keeping the system updated and patched will help avoid most problems.
The physical security of a server depends mainly on its location. The following are some of the most common ways to store and protect servers:
- Data Center Servers – Most servers are housed in large data centers alongside other equipment. The servers are securely stored in server racks, making it easier to manage the devices while keeping them safe. Server racks often have locks that can help to add a layer of protection.
- Computer Closet Servers – Computer closets are another standard option and essentially serve as ‘mini-data centers.’ These closets typically have at least one server rack for keeping equipment safe and locked away.
- Servers on Desks – While not nearly as common, some companies do have their servers sitting on a desk like a regular computer. Keeping the room locked is a good start for protecting the server. However, there are different types of racks, specifically for servers on desks or for keeping your server right next to you. The fact that many servers look pretty similar to normal PCs can also help to disguise their value.
In summary, rackmount servers are an essential component of modern IT infrastructure, offering a robust combination of scalability, reliability, and efficiency that standard PCs cannot match. From their space-saving design to their support for enterprise-grade workloads, they provide the foundation for businesses to grow and adapt in a data-driven world. Whether you are deploying traditional rackmount units or high-density blade servers, understanding the distinct advantages and classifications helps ensure you select the proper hardware for your specific operational needs.
Furthermore, protecting these valuable assets is just as critical as selecting them. Implementing a comprehensive security strategy that includes both software measures, like regular updates and antivirus protection, and physical security, such as locked racks and secure data centers, is vital for maintaining uptime and data integrity. Regardless of the scale of your deployment, onechassis provides all the equipment and help you need to secure your unique server environment effectively.
