Rack buying/building

[wiimike]

I couldn't really find a great place to post this.

I have some cisco equipment for a home lab. Right now I have three routers and a switch sitting on top of each other. I know heat is an issue (though these aren't high density monsters pumping out heat like little infernos) and I was thinking about buying or even perhaps building a rack for them.

Can anyone give me a good reference to a cheap, accessible rack for home use?

Has anyone here made their own rack? I would love some advice on it.

 

[mike160]

I myself am getting started with some used cisco stuff.
currently I have a couple 2501s that for now are just sittin' on my desk... at some point i'd like to migrate the routers and any other equipment i've procured to a skeletek rack.

the small version can be found for about $100, but they're stackable and expandable.

google "skeletek"

I also found this link

http://www.dantraknet.com/shop/prod...id=68&osCsid=e1b200230cb7d695083a9cc00cdc16f1

 

[wybnormal]

You can buy rails from anyone who supplies parts for DJs and people building portable mixing/amps etc. Build your own "rack" from 1x2s (or whatever) The rails are cheap like this:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--RAXRKRL

Here is a good place to start with the directions.

http://homerecording.com/make_rack.html

I did this very thing a few years ago and had the how thing mounted to a cheapo wireframe shelving unit from Costco

MikeS

http://www.packetattack.com

http://www.packetpress.net

Home of the book "Network Security Using Linux"

 

[loveroots]

Hi wiimike,

Which cisco exam are you studying for.well I want to purchase some equipment to build a lab so I can practise my ccna skills and be able to get a better senior role job. please advice

 

[BuckWeet]

you can buy chatsworth (CPI) racks for under 100 bucks at greybar.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

wiimike,

I was at a Cisco Networkers convention and saw the portable racks they have in a hardcase for taking router labs to the conventions - they are 19inch equipment racks built in a hardcase on wheels - I found out these were "DJ" cases like the kind used by the guys that do wedding etc. Did not get a model name until ........

I was looking for CCNA labs on eBay and found a lab in a SKB case - did not buy that "lab" but I did search eBay for SKB cases and found one for $150 that is 2 sided - I have about 20 routers and switches "racked" in this case and I have used it for demos at school - they work GREAT!

You can find them new at ZZ Sounds - link is in post above but they are not cheap new :-(

Check eBay - they make all different sizes, you can also find just regular 19 inch racks on eBay but watch the shipping. Check an electronics supply house like Graybar - they run from $75 to $200 depending on size and make. You can also get all sorts of different shelves as well as rack mounted power strips and rack mounted fans to keep the equipment cool

Make sure that you get the right size mounting screws to use on it to rack your equipment - you will also need "rack ears" for all your routers and switches - you can find those on eBay also!

Hope this helps!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[wiimike]

How much are you looking to spend loveroots? I am studying for the CCNA as well, but already have my home lab set up.

Ok so cool, I can buy a rack for 100 bucks'ish. I wonder how much I could build one for, hmmm.

 

[wiimike]

sounds great ciscoguy, I'll check that out