Classification of server chassis
When referring to server case, we often talk about 2U server caseor 4U server case, so what is the U in the server case? Before answering this question, let's briefly introduce the server chassis.
A server case refers to a network equipment chassis that can provide certain services. The main services provided include: data reception and delivery, data storage and data processing. In layman's terms, we can compare a server case to a special computer case without a monitor. So can my personal computer case also be used as a server case? In theory, a PC case can be used as a server case. However, server chassis are generally used in specific scenarios, such as: financial enterprises, online shopping platforms, etc. In these scenarios, a data center consisting of thousands of servers can store and process massive amounts of data. Therefore, the personal computer chassis cannot meet special needs in terms of performance, bandwidth, and data processing capabilities. The server case can be classified according to the product shape, and can be divided into: tower server case: the most common type of server case, similar to the mainframe chassis of a computer. This type of server case is large and independent, and it is inconvenient to manage the system when working together. It is mainly used by small enterprises to carry out business. Rack-mounted server case: a server case with a uniform appearance and a height in U. This type of server case occupies a small space and is easy to manage. It is mainly used in enterprises with a large demand for servers, and it is also the most commonly used server chassis. Server chassis: a rack-mounted case with a standard height in appearance, and a server case in which multiple card-type server units can be inserted into the case. It is mainly used in large data centers or fields that require large-scale computing, such as banking and financial industries.
What is U? In the classification of server case, we learned that the height of the rack server case is in U. So, what exactly is U? U (abbreviation for unit) is a unit that represents the height of a rack server case. The detailed size of U is formulated by the American Electronics Industries Association (EIA), 1U=4.445 cm, 2U=4.445*2=8.89 cm, and so on. U is not a patent for server case. It was originally a rack structure used for communication and exchange, and was later referenced to server racks. Currently used as an informal standard for server rack construction, including specified screw sizes, hole spacing, rails, etc. Specifying the size of the server case by U keeps the server chassis at the proper size for installation on iron or aluminum racks. There are screw holes reserved in advance according to server chassis of different sizes on the rack, align it with the screw holes of the server case, and then fix it with screws. The size specified by U is the width (48.26 cm = 19 inches) and height (multiples of 4.445 cm) of the server case. The height and thickness of the server case is based on U, 1U=4.445 cm. Because the width is 19 inches, a rack that meets this requirement is sometimes called a "19-inch rack."
Post time: Aug-16-2023