'Network' Cabinet

[neonplanet40]

Hi Folks,

I am in the market for a piece of furniture (domestic - not server room stuff) for my networking gear.

Things to go inside:

• 2x Synology 1821+
• 10GTBE and a few 1GBE switches
• UPS
• Possibly an NVR and a HTPC. If I get something bigger (so about 150cm long and deep enough) I could even put my 4k bluray player and av receiver in it too.)

Ideally, I want something in a dark brown/grey/black and for it to be quiet but have plenty of ventilation ( could use adjustable usb fans etc).

At the moment, this equipment is in my home cinema room in an Ikea cabinet (with a glass door) with a few holes cut in the back and fans installed. However, this just isn't big enough. It also has no noise cancellation as such. I've had it 5 years so it's served me well!

Is there anything suitable or would I need to spend ridiculous money? I'm looking for something cheap - like the Ikea cabinet was haha. But open to ideas.

Thank you!

[ik9000]

Cable monkey and broadband buyer website both used to have some of these kind of things. Could be worth a try as a starting point.

[Saracen999]

Ooooh, good question, Neon.

And, me too, though in my case, maybe a bit smaller than you need. Enough for 2x 4-bay NAS and a few switchy bits.

[Guy]

I know APC used to do a 'quiet' range of small cabinets. (Netshelter CX) Not cheap in the slightest though! Pretty much soundproof from memory and reasonably well ventilated. We had a couple in some locations where no dedicated rack/room was an option.

[blueball]

Cable monkey and broadband buyer website both used to have some of these kind of things. Could be worth a try as a starting point.

https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/store...inets/#content

[neonplanet40]

Look at those prices :O

[blueball]

Scroll down to see the price of the Netshelter CX if you think those are bad!!

[Apex]

You would cry if you looked at the price for the data centre cabs we get

[Apex]

https://www.startech.com/en-gb/server-management/racks

nom

https://www.startech.com/en-gb/serve...nt/rkwoodcab12

[neonplanet40]

That's just crazy money.... I was hoping there's be something cheapish and I could just add some holes and usb fans on the back

[Guy]

Ikea hacks?

Lack Rack?
https://wiki.eth0.nl/index.php/LackRack

May require a few modifications or other bits for the quiet part!

[Saracen999]

That's just crazy money.... I was hoping there's be something cheapish and I could just add some holes and usb fans on the back

That's pretty much where I'm coming from, except the styling isn't important. All I'm really want is to keep the dust off/out, and not have it cost too much. Trouble is, I suspect, as soon as you start talking about network cabinets, the number of home users wanting one is vanishingly small, and you're in "business equipment" territory .... and pricing.

If I was still working from home (with VAT reclaims, and tax write-offs) my thoughts on an acceptable price would be different. As it is, I'm thinking woodworking/DIY skills (nominal, in my case), the 12v lines from an old PC PSU, a few recycled fans and a PC case fan controller. Or, if I'm feeling fancy, maybe for the Mark 2, woodworking skills and a sheet or two of acrylic.

[neonplanet40]

Hmmm. let me know how you get on.... I currently have my bits and pieces in an Ikea cupboard with the glass door and a few holes in the back with usb fans. It's fine. But it lacks space in depth now that I've added a UPS. And the 10gbe switch is rather toasty. I'm about to add a second Synology 1821. So I really need some wmore room. if all else fails, I may need to move my stuff around a bit across multiple cabinets I have in the room.