First steps in LAN transformation…

I have now taken the first step in the transformation of my local network, which is about robustness and 19'' rackmount form factor. 

To achieve this, I have ordered a rackmount UPS (APC smart-ups SUA 750). This UPS will help in protecting my data so that in case of a power loss I can do an automatic graceful shutdown instead of having a sudden power loss and risking inconsistency of the RAID array. The rack was a bit more difficult to get by. Racks for computer equipment are typically really expensive and they are usually cabinets with doors that require additional ventilation (= noise and power).

The breakpoint was when I realised that musicians also use 19'' rackmount. And.. as we all know musicians typically don't have a lot of money and indeed, rackmount storage for 19'' rackmount equipment is a lot cheaper. In addition, there are also a lot of open rackmount systems because musicians/DJs typically want to push all those buttons on their equipment. Finally, I ended up with a 100 EUR 16U 19'' rack. The only main difference with IT rackmount is that it is a bit less deep, but that should not be a problem because the equipment I intend to buy isn't that deep (e.g. not a Dell 1U rackmount server). 

The rack will house the UPS and through two rackmount shelves will house the existing server and addonics storage tower II. The next step will be an addonics 19'' storage rack so I can house all disks externally (including the VCR disk which is now inside the server). Also, it will provide additional space for a separate backup disk.