The purchase of a 19-inch rack or an industrial cabinet is a strategic decision for any company whose activity relies on a reliable IT and network infrastructure. Whether for a factory, an office, a data center or critical applications in the defense and transport sectors, the choice of the right network cabinet is the first step towards performance and security. It is not just a simple product, but the nerve center of your network organization. This article aims to guide you through the essential criteria to select the equipment that will precisely meet your need. We will cover dimensions, prices, types of cabinet and the specificities related to demanding environments. As a systems integrator for over 30 years, NCS SYSTEMS brings its expertise to your service to help you make the right choice.
1. Understanding the fundamentals: what is a 19-inch rack?
Before making a purchase, it is essential to understand the meaning of the term “19-inch rack”. This global standard (EIA-310) does not refer to the overall width of the cabinet but to the width of the equipment (server, switch, patch panel) it can accommodate. The spacing between vertical mounting rails is standardized to ensure compatibility for all IT and network hardware designed for this format.
Key dimensions: height, width and depth
The choice of a 19-inch network rack relies on three main dimensions:
- Height (in unit, symbolized “U”): one unit (1U) equals 1.75 inches or 44.45 mm. It corresponds to the height of a standard device. Determine the necessary height by summing the U-size of your equipment and planning extra space for airflow and expansion. Typical racks range from 12U (wall-mounted cabinet) to 48U (large IT server cabinet).
- Width: generally 600 mm or 800 mm externally. A width of 600 mm is enough for 19" equipment, while 800 mm facilitates side cabling and vertical patch panels, improving the organization of your network.
- Depth (or length): A crucial criterion, especially for an industrial server rack. It must be greater than your deepest equipment with spare room for cables and cooling. Depth varies from 450 mm (wall patching) to 1200 mm+ (large servers). Your search context drives the choice: limited space means wall mounting, while larger capacity requires floor cabinets.
2. How to choose your network cabinet or server rack?
The choice for your network must be meticulous. Several criteria ensure the equipment of choice fits the intended use of the hardware.
Criterion 1: environment and intended use
Where will the IT cabinet be installed? In an office, a factory, a military vehicle, or a ship?
- Office / Datacenter: A standard rack with ventilation is enough. Aesthetic criteria, like a glass door in black, help match professional office furniture.
- Industrial environment: An industrial rack is necessary. It must be robust, with a strong steel structure, sealing for dust/humidity (IP rating) and enhanced cooling (filters, powerful fans).
- Transport and defense: A transport cabinet or transport rack offers special advantages. Built with resistant materials and shock absorbers (pneumatic suspension, silent blocks) to protect onboard electronics.
Criterion 2: type of doors and panels
The choice of door affects security and cooling:
- Glass door: quick visual access
- Solid metal door: more security, ideal for a lockable server
- Perforated door: best choice for a server rack, allowing airflow and cooling Removable side/rear panels make maintenance and cabling easier.
Criterion 3: cable management and ventilation
A clean organization is key to a performing network. Proper cable routing (top, bottom, side) and airflow planning are crucial. 800 mm width helps. Active cooling (fans, filters) may be required and leaving space between devices improves airflow.
3. What is the price of a 19-inch rack?
“Price of a 19-inch rack?” → no universal answer. The price depends on configuration. Chasing the lowest price without considering the search context is risky.
Cost factors
The final amount of your purchase depends on:
- Size/capacity (12U vs 42U)
- Strength: thicker steel structure, high IP rating for an industrial rack
- Door/locking systems: e.g., perforated with 3-point lock vs glass door
- Included accessories: shelves, PDUs, rails, etc.
- Custom MOTS solution for a specific need vs standard product (COTS)
- Certifications (e.g., MIL-STD)
- Services provided by the supplier: integration, installation, after-sales, project support It’s better to request a custom quote from a specialized supplier than to add to cart in a generic store.
4. Specific applications: defense, transport and sound reinforcement
The 19-inch rack exists for many uses. The intended use of the hardware dictates the criterion.
Industrial racks for defense and transport
In defense, aeronautics or transport, equipment faces harsh conditions. The advantages of an industrial rack or transport cabinet include:
- Higher protection thanks to a strong structure
- Custom design (project-based) → MOTS solutions by NCS SYSTEMS
- Tailored cooling
- Long-term support (important in defense lifecycle) Looking for where to buy a transport rack? Not in a general commerce store, but from a qualified integrator.
Network organization and patching for sound reinforcement
Audio professionals also use 19-inch format. A patching rack centralizes technical equipment: Amplifiers, DSPs, rackmixers, patch bays… A good organization of cabling and patching preserves signal quality and cooling.
5. Optimal network organization with a patching rack
“How to organize a network with a rack?” → A tidy setup ensures performance, maintenance, and growth potential.
- Planning: define equipment placement (switch, patch, servers, UPS)
- Mounting: proper alignment, keep space around hot servers
- Cabling: correct lengths, separate power/data, label each cable
- Patching: panel connects to switch, modular, protects cabling NCS SYSTEMS offers integration in factory and on-site deployment for your 19-inch rack and cabinet.
6. Why choose NCS SYSTEMS as your partner?
Choosing the right partner is crucial. NCS SYSTEMS are not resellers, but systems integrators with 30+ years in industrial IT. From study to manufacturing, certification and installation, our solutions — standard COTS or custom MOTS — guarantee security, scalability and reliability. We understand industry, transport, defense — offering obsolescence management, onsite services and more. From industrial server rack to wall cabinets, we propose a solution for every need.
7. FAQ
Price of a 19-inch rack? Varies by dimensions, materials, door, IP rating, accessories, etc. Industrial/high-security custom solutions cost more. Always request a quote adapted to your need. Rack dimensions? Useful width: 19 inches. Height in U (12U to 48U). External width 600 or 800 mm. Depth from 450 to 1200 mm depending on the equipment (patching vs server length). How to choose a network cabinet? Evaluate environment (factory, transport), space, cooling needs, and security, plus cabling practicality. Advantages of an industrial rack? Robustness, dust/humidity and shock protection, ensuring continuity in factory or production environments. Where to buy a transport rack? A purchase requiring shock resistance cannot be solved by "add to cart". Choose a specialized supplier able to deliver a custom certified solution.