This article was machine-translated from French and is being reviewed. Prices are in Algerian dinars excl. VAT.
A network rack consolidates the building’s cable entry, switch, UPS and network equipment in one place. Well organized, it lets you locate a cable in seconds, test a port without disturbing an office, and add points without disassembling everything. To choose it, count the height units (U) you need, then add room for growth. Here’s the method.
In short
- Size. Count in U: patch panels, switches, cable guides, shelf, power strip, then add free space. 1U equals 44.45 mm.
- Minimal content. One patch panel, one switch, cable guides, short cords, a power strip and a UPS.
- UPS. Choose it based on wattage, accounting for PoE equipment powered by the switch.
- Documentation. A port diagram and labels at both ends of each cable are as important as the hardware.
Why a network rack instead of loose cables?
A rack is a cabinet with rails that hold 19‑inch equipment. What’s its purpose?
- Centralization. All wall outlet cables converge at the same place, on a patch panel. No more cables hanging between offices.
- Diagnostics. To test a port, unplug a cord in the rack without disturbing the user.
- Protected power. A central UPS keeps the network running during a short outage.
- Maintenance. Adding or moving a point means moving a cord, without touching the cable installed in walls.
- Evolution. We replace a switch with a larger model without rewiring.
Network rack: choose the size by counting U
A cabinet is chosen by useful U. Example calculation, with an assumption: a 1U cable guide above and below each patching equipment.
| Installation | Equipment | Total height |
|---|---|---|
| 24 points | 1 panel (1U) + 1 switch (1U) + 2 cable guides (2U) + 1 shelf (1U) + 1 power strip (1U) | 6U |
| 48 points | 2 panels (2U) + 2 switches (2U) + 4 cable guides (4U) + 1 shelf (1U) + 1 power strip (1U) | 10U |
In the first case, a 6U cabinet is full from day one and leaves no room for expansion. In the second, a 12U cabinet leaves 2U free (12 – 10) and a 15U cabinet leaves 5 (15 – 10). The UPS is counted separately if it sits on the floor or next to it.
Store cabinets, prices excluding tax as of 06/11/2026 (subject to availability):
| Cabinet | Store designation | Price in DA HT |
|---|---|---|
| 6U | 6U patch bay cabinet 400/450 D‑Link | 12 500 |
| 12U | 12U patch bay cabinet 600/600 D‑Link | 23 500 |
| 15U | 15U 600/600 D-Link patch panel | 23 500 |
The 12U and 15U cabinets are shown at the same price: if space allows, the 15U offers 3U more (15 – 12) at no extra cost. Check the useful dimensions on the spec sheet, especially depth, against your deepest equipment: switch, rack‑mount UPS.
Essential components of a rack
Prices listed below are ex‑tax, taken on 06/11/2026, subject to availability.
1. The patch panel
It is the heart of the rack. Each cable from a wall outlet ends on a numbered port, matching the outlet marker. A 24‑port panel occupies 1U. Its category (Cat6 or Cat6A) must match the cable: see the guide Cat6 or Cat6A.
2. The switch
It connects the panel ports, via cables, to other equipment. Two criteria matter: number of ports and, if it powers cameras, Wi‑Fi access points or phones, the total PoE budget. Example calculation: 300 W ÷ 24 ports = 12.5 W per port if all ports are used. Compare each device’s consumption, read from its spec sheet, to this budget.
| Switch | Ports (by designation) | Total PoE budget | Price in DA HT |
|---|---|---|---|
| GENATA Switch 8 ports Gigabit PoE | 8 Gigabit PoE ports and 2 uplink Gigabit ports | 120 W | 15 000 |
| GENATA Switch 24 ports Gigabit PoE | 24 Gigabit PoE ports, 2 SFP ports and 2 uplink Gigabit ports | 300 W | 58 000 |
| GENATA Switch 24 ports Gigabit PoE, manageable L2+ | 24 Gigabit PoE ports and 4 combo SFP / RJ45 ports | 300 W | 65 000 |
| D-Link DGS-1210-52MP, Smart | 48 Gigabit PoE / PoE+ ports and 4 combo ports | not specified | 110 000 |
A non‑managed switch suffices for a small simple network. Use a managed switch whenever you want to create VLANs (802.1Q), e.g., to separate cameras from offices. See the guide VLAN: segment your network. A firewall sits between the modem and the network: see why a SME needs a firewall.
3. Cable guides
A 19‑inch 1U cable guide costs 1,500 DA HT (store). It holds cables between the panel and the switch, preventing them from hanging in front of the ports.
4. Patch cables
Each port on the panel connected to a switch port requires a short cable. Choose the exact length: 0,5 m or 1 m suffices for nearby equipment. A cable that is too long creates loops that clutter the rack. The 0,5 m certified FTP Cat6e cable from Telesystem is listed at 180 to 250 DA HT depending on color. Colors serve as a code: for example, one color per zone or usage. Record this code in your documentation. Keep a few spare cables.
5. The shelf and the power strip
A 19‑inch 1U shelf (300 mm depth) holds the modem and router. Our quotes place it between 1,600 and 3,200 DA HT, median 2,200 DA HT (typical range seen in our quotes). A 19‑inch power strip supplies rack outlets: the Sigma 1U, 7 sockets with circuit breaker is listed at 4,300 DA HT, out of stock as of 06/11/2026.
6. The UPS
A UPS keeps the switch and router running during a power outage. Choose its capacity in watts (W), not VA: the useful power is active power. Add up each device’s consumption, as listed on its label or datasheet, including the PoE power the switch delivers to cameras and access points, then leave a margin. Autonomy depends on load and battery: read the manufacturer’s autonomy curve without assuming a duration.
| Model EAST UPS | Apparent power | Active power | Format | Price in DA HT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EA265 Pro | 650 VA | 390 W | tower | 10 500 |
| EA285 Pro | 850 VA | 510 W | tower | 13 500 |
| EA2100 Pro | 1,000 VA | 600 W | tower | 19 500 |
| EA2120P | 1,200 VA | 720 W | tower | 16 000 |
| EA2150R | 1,500 VA | 900 W | rack | 35 500 |
A tower‑form UPS does not mount on a 19‑inch rack: place it on a sturdy shelf or the floor. Example: a switch whose PoE budget of 300 W is fully used may already need more than 300 W before adding its own consumption, that of the router and modem. A 390 W UPS then has no margin, so a model of 600 W or more should be considered. The guide UPS: how to choose the power details the calculation.
7. Ventilation
The equipment generates heat. The store offers a Sigma ventilation kit with 4 fans at 14,000 DA HT: check the datasheet to ensure it fits your cabinet. Also verify each device’s maximum operating temperature.
Example layout of a 12U rack for 24 points
Adapt the example to your equipment. The heaviest goes at the bottom.
| Position (U1 at bottom) | Equipment |
|---|---|
| U11 and U12 | Free, for future expansion |
| U10 | 24‑port patch panel |
| U9 | Cable management guide |
| U8 | 24‑port PoE switch |
| U7 | Cable management guide |
| U6 | Shelf: modem and router or firewall |
| U5 | Power strip |
| U1 to U4 | Free: rack‑form UPS, or sturdy shelf for a tower UPS |
Installation steps
- Choose the location. An accessible, ventilated room, protected from humidity and sun, with space in front of and behind the rack.
- Plan the power supply. A dedicated circuit with its own breaker, installed by an electrician. If the cabling is shielded, the rack and panels are grounded.
- Secure the rack. On the floor or wall, depending on its weight and the support’s strength.
- Connect the cables. Each cable is labeled at both ends, with the same reference as on the panel, and follows the manufacturer’s bend radius. Tighten ties without crushing cables.
- Test. Check each point with a cable tester, or perform certification if the quote includes it. See the guide on the price of an RJ45 point.
- Document. Port diagram, color code and IP address list: this allows another technician to intervene.
Maintenance and evolution
- Dust the rack regularly: dust retains heat.
- Test the UPS. Batteries wear out, and heat accelerates their wear: follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement.
- Update the port plan with each change.
- Back up the configuration of manageable switches.
- Leave free space to add a panel or switch.
Regular maintenance prevents failures: see preventive or corrective maintenance.
Particularities in Algiers: outages and heat
- Power outages. Place the switch, router, modem and, if possible, the server on the UPS. See the guide server or NAS for an SME. PoE‑powered cameras also lose power without a UPS: see IP CCTV with PoE.
- Heat. A closed, unventilated room heats up quickly in summer. Provide ventilation or air conditioning, and check equipment operating temperatures.
- Humidity and dust. Avoid a damp room or one near construction sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rack needed for a small office?
Yes, as soon as several outlets converge. A 10‑outlet office (8 workstations, 1 server, 1 printer) benefits from grouping them in a box or cabinet rather than running a switch on the floor at the end of 10 cables. Calculate the height in U as above: a 6U box is a minimum, and it fills up quickly.
Do I need Cat6 or Cat6A for the cords and panel?
The category of panels, outlets and cords must match that of the cable installed: a lower‑category component downgrades the entire channel. Cat6A is only useful if you plan 10 Gb/s links. See the guide Cat6 or Cat6A.
How long does an UPS battery last?
Two durations must be distinguished. Autonomy during a power cut depends on the connected load and battery capacity: read the manufacturer’s curve. Battery life, however, is measured in years and decreases with heat and repeated discharges. Perform regular tests and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How much does a turnkey rack cost?
For 24 points, with the store prices as of 06/11/2026 (subject to availability) and our quotes, excluding tax: cabinet 12U 23,500 DA; switch 24‑port PoE 58,000 DA; UPS EA2120P 16,000 DA; 2 cable guides 2 × 1,500 = 3,000 DA; shelf 2,200 DA (median of our quotes); 24 cords 0.5 m at 250 DA each, i.e. 6,000 DA. Total equipment: 23,500 + 58,000 + 16,000 + 3,000 + 2,200 + 6,000 = 108,700 DA HT. This total does not include the patch panel, power strip, cables, sockets or installation, which are quoted after a site visit.
To size your rack, go through our page network and cabling and request a technical visit. Also read the guides price of an RJ45 point, Cat6 or Cat6A, fiber optic or copper and how many Wi‑Fi access points. For the UPS and server, see our page professional IT hardware. The equipment is in the network store.