Network Equipment Should Be Installed Like a Cable Modem: Efficient Design Principles
In the realm of home networking, rack mounting options are becoming increasingly popular for devices that cater to both consumer and professional use. This trend is evident in several brands, such as Ubiquiti, Cisco, and even Arris, with each offering unique solutions for rack mounting.
One such example is the Arris cable modem, which, in a DIY/mod project, now boasts a custom 1U 19" rackmount case. Hackaday highlighted this innovative 3D-printed solution, designed to replace the original plastic shell, providing a clean, rackmount form factor for the Arris modem [1].
While some devices, like Ubiquiti EdgeRouters and Cisco routers, come with official rackmount kits, others, such as Arris modems or Starlink routers, often rely on aftermarket or DIY solutions. This is due to the plastic cases of typical consumer home routers and cable modems, which are not designed for built-in rack mounting [1].
In the case of the Arris modem, the use of a rack tray is an alternative to the new 19" rack mount. However, the author prefers the new rack mount for its enhanced aesthetic appeal, which complements the infrastructure located at the website [1].
The Arris modem's front panel, professionally cut and laser etched, appears to be designed as if it were originally meant for this purpose. The plastic case of the Arris modem is easy to dismantle, facilitating the installation of the new rack mount [1].
However, it's essential to note that no specific details about the modification process were provided for the Arris modem. Additionally, no information was given about the specific advantages of the new rack mount for the Arris modem's functionality or performance [1].
Despite these uncertainties, the introduction of the new rack mount for the Arris modem marks a significant step towards making home networking equipment more versatile and adaptable to various infrastructure needs.
References:
[1] Hackaday. (2021, November 1). Arris SURFboard S33 3D-Printed Rackmount Case. [online] Available at: https://hackaday.com/2021/11/01/arris-surfboard-s33-3d-printed-rackmount-case/
[2] Ubiquiti Networks. (n.d.). Rackmount Kits. [online] Available at: https://www.ui.com/products/rackmount-kits/
[3] Cisco Systems. (n.d.). ACS-1100-RM-19 Rackmount Kit. [online] Available at: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/routers/acs-1100-series-routers/datasheet-c79-739065.html
[4] Etsy. (n.d.). Starlink Gen2 Router 2U 19" Rackmount. [online] Available at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/858784577/starlink-gen2-router-2u-19-rackmount
[5] Netgear. (n.d.). Nighthawk RS700S. [online] Available at: https://www.netgear.com/products/prosumer/network-switches/nighthawk-rs700s.aspx
- The Arris modem, originally designed for consumer use, has been customized with a 1U 19" rackmount case, showcasing the potential of data-and-cloud-computing technology in modifying home networking equipment like PCBs.
- While Ubiquiti and Cisco offer official rackmount kits for their devices, other brands like Arris often embrace aftermarket or DIY solutions to integrate their products into cloud-computing and data-center technology, such as the installation of rack mounts for PCBs.
