Today's network engineers deploy solutions in a wide variety of environments, with a broad range of network elements. From physical requirements to geographic concerns and a variety of equipment, the potential variables are significant.

From a cursory glance, the equipment racks that hold telecommunications equipment might appear to be the same from location to location. However, not all racks are designed the same. Some are built to withstand earthquake-like conditions; others are engineered specifically for use in datacenter applications; others fit standard or metric dimensions only.

A Global Seismic Frame, however, provides a complete range of features to meet the requirements of mission-critical applications worldwide. Combining a robust physical design with detailed features that address the equipment requirements of different global markets, the Global Seismic Frame offers a single solution for multiple applications.

A COMPLETE SOLUTION

Several key features provide significant advantages for global applications:

Worldwide Compliance
Global Seismic Frames comply with EIA, Framework 2000 (Section 3 of GR-63-CORE) or ETSI standards for design and construction.

Standard Footprint
ETSI configurations are standard 600 mm width for traditional ETSI lineups. EIA racks are available for 19-inch or 23-inch equipment mounting, in a standard footprint. (See Figure 1 for details.) Additionally, 19-inch frames fit standard 24-inch raised computer floor applications.

Figure 1. Dimensions of EIA and ETSI Global Seismic Frames.

Additionally, different footprint depths are typically available to fit a variety of standards for lineups. Modular 300 mm deep ETSI racks can be placed back-to-back to maintain a 600 mm deep lineup, for example. Other standard depths include 450 mm, 600 mm or 750 mm.

Seismic Rated
Engineered to protect equipment in Zone 4 seismic areas, Global Seismic Frames provide the highest level of protection for all types of activities.

Robust Construction
Racks feature a unitized, welded frame. Uprights and verticals are composed of 10-gauge steel; the base is 7-gauge and 11-gauge steel.

Cable Management
Integrated into the Global Seismic Frame is an innovative cable ducting design with feed-through holes. (See Figure 2.) This allows for maximum cable capacity and simple wiring, as well as floor-to-ceiling cable feeds.

Figure 2. Basic Global Seismic Frame configuration. Note the cable ducting on the frame uprights for simple, effective cable management.

All Equipment Fits
Metric Global Seismic Frames feature ETSI hole spacing, with 5 cm rack units. Standard EIA frames feature 1.75-inch hole spacing. Either configuration is industry standard.

Enclosure Capabilities
With a Global Seismic Frame, converting a rack into a cabinet for additional security is simple. Compatible options include single or double door assemblies (optional windows or perforations for ventilation), cover kits, end panels and back panels, all of which can be installed simply to create a seismic-rated enclosure. (See Figure 3.) Latches and locks enhance security. Going forward, all enclosure surfaces can be removed for complete access to installed equipment.

               
Figure 3. Enclosure components for a Global Seismic Frame. At left is an enclosed cabinet.

Necessary Accessories
Seismic-rated anchor kits and isolation pads secure the frame to the floor and electrically isolate the rack itself. Other accessories include rack dolly assemblies for mobility, AC power kits, base covers and more.

Applications
Simply put, the “global” design of a Global Seismic Frame means that it is a good fit for virtually any application, on a worldwide scale. The robust design may be considered “over building” for certain applications. However, since the equipment rack is the foundation for nearly all telecommunications equipment installation, deploying a strong foundation is seldom a mistake.

Obviously, for EMEA applications, an ETSI frame will be utilized most often, compared to EIA frames in North America. In all cases, however, a Global Seismic Frame provides an additional layer of security to help ensure network performance and reliability in all realistic situations. Zone 4 seismic compatibility maximizes the reliability of the frame, which essentially is the most effective way of eliminating the rack as the weak point in an installation, no matter the location.

CONCLUSION
Although the equipment rack is often a low priority compared to other more costly equipment in a network deployment, choosing the right rack for the application is a key step in ensuring ongoing performance. Global Seismic Frames provide a compatible, versatile and durable solution for a comprehensive range of application worldwide, whether the installation calls for a rack or Seismic-rated enclosure.

About the Author
Grayling Love is product manger for equipment racks and cabinets for Telect, Inc., a Liberty Lake, Wash., supplier of connectivity equipment, racks, cable management, and other layer one infrastructure solutions for global communications networks. For more information, visit www.telect.com.

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