Network cabinets are crucial infrastructure components for businesses in Kenya, providing secure and organized housing for vital IT equipment. They protect servers, switches, routers, and other networking gear from environmental factors and unauthorized access. When selecting a Network Cabinets in Kenya, it’s essential to consider factors like size (U height), depth, cooling capabilities, and security features.
Here’s a look at some of the top network cabinet options available in Kenya, along with their general specifications, price ranges, and essential power management tips.
Top 5 Network Cabinets in Kenya
While specific brands may vary in availability and popularity, several manufacturers consistently offer reliable network cabinets in the Kenyan market. Based on common offerings and market presence, here are general descriptions of typical high-quality cabinets you’ll find:
Giganet Network Cabinets:
Specs: Giganet cabinets are widely available and come in various sizes, from small wall-mount units (e.g., 4U, 6U, 9U, 12U) to larger floor-standing models (e.g., 22U, 32U, 42U). They typically feature perforated front and rear doors for optimal airflow, removable side panels for easy access, and adjustable mounting rails. Depths commonly range from 450mm to 1000mm. Most include a basic cooling fan.
Prices:
4U wall-mount: KES 6,500 – KES 8,000
9U wall-mount: KES 12,500 – KES 17,500
22U floor-standing (600x600mm): KES 27,000 – KES 37,000
42U floor-standing (600x1000mm): KES 60,000 – KES 70,000
Why it’s popular: Giganet offers a good balance of quality, affordability, and availability, making them a common choice for small to medium businesses.
Easenet Network Cabinets:
Specs: Similar to Giganet, Easenet provides a comprehensive range of network cabinets, from wall-mount to free-standing. They often feature robust steel construction, lockable glass front doors (for smaller units) or perforated doors (for larger units), and often include accessories like a cooling fan, power distribution unit (PDU) mounting options, and castor wheels for floor-standing models.
Prices:
6U wall-mount: KES 8,500 – KES 10,000
15U wall-mount (600x600mm): KES 18,999 – KES 21,000
32U floor-standing (600x800mm): KES 39,000 – KES 45,000
Why it’s popular: Easenet is another well-established brand in Kenya, known for its reliable products and competitive pricing.
ACP Network Cabinets:
Specs: ACP network cabinets are designed for both standard networking and server applications. They usually come with strong, welded constructions, adjustable mounting rails, and efficient ventilation. Available in various U heights and depths, they cater to diverse infrastructure needs.
Prices: Prices are generally comparable to Giganet and Easenet, depending on the specific model and vendor. Expect similar price ranges for equivalent U sizes and depths.
Why it’s popular: ACP provides dependable solutions for businesses seeking robust and secure housing for their IT equipment.
Arnet Network Cabinets:
Specs: Arnet offers a range of data and server cabinets with features geared towards efficient space utilization and equipment protection. Key features often include cable management accessories, secure locking mechanisms, and options for enhanced airflow.
Prices: Arnet cabinets fall within the same competitive price bracket as other leading brands in Kenya.
Why it’s popular: Arnet is recognized for its functional designs and suitability for various networking setups.
Bolein Network Cabinets:
Specs: Bolein cabinets are known for their quality build and often offer greater depth options, making them suitable for deeper server equipment. They typically feature strong steel frames, excellent ventilation through perforated doors, and robust security features.
Prices: While some smaller Bolein units might be competitively priced, their larger, deeper server cabinets can be on the higher end due to their robust construction and larger capacity. For example, a 15U 600x800mm floor stand cabinet might be slightly more than comparable models.
Why it’s popular: Bolein is a good choice for businesses requiring more depth for their server infrastructure and demanding higher build quality.
Note on Prices: The prices provided are approximate and can vary significantly based on the vendor, current market conditions, specific features (e.g., type of door, number of fans, included PDUs), and ongoing promotions. It’s always recommended to get quotes from multiple suppliers in Kenya for the most accurate pricing.
Power Management Tips for Network Cabinets
Effective power management within network cabinets is crucial for equipment longevity, performance, and energy efficiency. Here are some key tips:
Use Quality Power Distribution Units (PDUs): Invest in reliable rack-mountable PDUs. These come in various configurations (basic, metered, switched, intelligent) and offer multiple outlets to power your equipment. Intelligent PDUs provide remote monitoring and control of power, enabling you to switch off unused ports or monitor power consumption.
Proper Cable Management: This is paramount. Use Velcro straps (instead of zip ties for flexibility), cable ties, and horizontal/vertical cable managers to route power cables neatly. Separate power cables from data cables to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improve airflow.
Load Balancing: Distribute the power load evenly across different PDUs or power circuits within the cabinet, especially in larger setups. This prevents overloading a single circuit and ensures system stability.
Implement UPS Systems: Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are essential for protecting equipment from power fluctuations, surges, and outages. Choose a UPS with sufficient capacity to power your critical equipment during a power interruption. Consider rack-mount UPS units for a cleaner setup.
Environmental Monitoring: Monitor temperature and humidity within the cabinet. Overheating can lead to equipment failure and increased power consumption. Utilize temperature sensors and ensure adequate airflow and cooling from the cabinet’s fans.
Regular Maintenance: Periodically inspect power cables for wear and tear, tighten loose connections, and clean dust from fans and equipment. Dust buildup can hinder cooling and potentially lead to electrical issues.
Consider Redundancy: For mission-critical applications, implement redundant power supplies in your equipment and connect them to separate PDUs, ideally on different power circuits, to ensure continuous operation even if one power path fails.
Power Budgeting: Before adding new equipment, calculate the total power draw of all devices in the cabinet. Ensure that your PDU and circuit capacity can handle the load, with some headroom for future expansion.
By implementing these power management strategies, businesses can enhance the reliability, efficiency, and safety of their network infrastructure housed within these cabinets. This also indirectly contributes to overall facility safety, complementing other critical systems like a commercial fire alarm system, which provides early detection and alerts in the event of a fire, ensuring the safety of personnel and assets.
About Data World
Data World is a leading provider of ICT services, with a rich history dating back to 1995 when our parent company was established in South Africa. Since 2006, Data World, India, has been an associate member, inheriting extensive experience and domain expertise, particularly in the Government and Public Sector. We specialize in the design, development, and integration of robust, web-enabled, multitier enterprise business solutions that seamlessly integrate into existing IT infrastructures. Our commitment is to deliver complex large-scale projects and applications on budget and on time, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for our clients across various sectors.
