## Table of Contents

- [Purpose](#purpose)
- [Overall Structure](#overall-structure)
- [Dimensions](#dimensions)
- [Shelving Layout (Bottom → Top)](#shelving-layout-bottom-top)
- [Airflow & Cooling](#airflow-cooling)
- [Cable Management](#cable-management)
- [Power & Connectivity](#power-connectivity)
- [Mobility](#mobility)
- [Notes / Future Improvements](#notes-future-improvements)

# **Purpose**

* Modular, movable server rack for home lab / on-prem infrastructure  
* Designed for airflow, easy cable routing, and future expansion  
* Self-built to reduce costs and allow for customized dimensions

# **Overall Structure**

* **Construction**  
  * Built from **plywood and 2×4 framing**  
  * Open front and back (no permanent doors yet)  
  * Future plan: **plexiglass front doors** with standard hinges  
  * Bottom front and rear covered to prevent animals for accessing the power connections on bottom shelves  
* **Orientation**  
  * Vertical rack  
  * Total height: **\~7 feet**

# **Dimensions**

* **Exterior dimensions**  
  * Width: **27 inches**  
  * Depth: **32 inches**  
* **Sides**  
  * Solid plywood panels ¾ inch  
  * \~**2-inch air gap** between shelves and side walls for airflow and cable routing  
* ![][image1]

# **Shelving Layout (Bottom → Top)**

* **Total shelves:** 5  
1. **Bottom Shelf – Battery Compartment**  
   * Houses backup batteries  
   * Shelf cutouts:  
     * Two openings, approx. **6 × 10 inches each**  
     * Purpose: allow cool air intake from bottom  
2. **Second Shelf – UPS Electronics**  
   * Battery chargers  
   * Inverters  
   * Bus bars  
   * Fuses and electrical distribution components  
3. **Third Shelf – Servers**  
4. **Fourth Shelf – Servers**  
5. **Top Shelf – Network Equipment**  
   * Modems  
   * Routers  
   * Network hub / switch

# **Airflow & Cooling**

* **Passive \+ Active airflow design**  
* Bottom-up airflow path:  
  * Air enters from bottom shelf cutouts  
  * Moves vertically through rack  
  * Travels upward along side gaps  
* **Active exhaust**  
  * **Two 4-inch duct fans** mounted at the top  
  * Fans pull air from bottom → top and exhaust heat upward

# **Cable Management**

* **Vertical cable channel**  
  * \~2-inch gap between shelves and side wall  
  * Used for:  
    * Power cables  
    * Ethernet (Cat5/Cat6)  
    * Future wiring runs  
* **Entry point**  
  * Power cords and Ethernet enter **from the top**  
  * Routed down internally to devices

# **Power & Connectivity**

* **Power**  
  * Standard power cords run from top of rack  
  * Connected to wall outlets / power strips as needed  
* **Networking**  
  * Cat5/Cat6 Ethernet cables routed from top  
  * Network equipment consolidated on top shelf

# **Mobility**

* **Wheels**  
  * Mounted on bottom  
  * Heavy-duty / pneumatic-style wheels  
  * Allows rack to be repositioned easily for maintenance or reconfiguration

# **Notes / Future Improvements**

* Add plexiglass front doors for dust control while preserving visibility  
* Potential rear door or removable panel if needed  
* Optional fan control automation (thermostat or smart relay)

[image1]: assets/images/server-racks-image1.png