Telecommunications networks require physical components in addition to their software networks in order to be truly operational. While servers, switches, and fiber optics components handle the data, the protective enclosures also play an important role. Telecom cabinets are enclosures that act as the first line of protection to shield network equipment from environmental factors, unauthorized access and overheating.
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To choose the right enclosure, one needs to have insights on the possible deployment scenarios, the physical and chemical properties of the materials, and the relevant industry standards. This piece focuses on the different classes of materials and the industry standards that are relevant to these components.
Telecom Cabinets Types
Cabinets are classified based on their applications and their physical arrangement. The main differentiations are the indoor vs. outdoor use and the mounting configuration of the cabinets.
Indoor and Outdoor Classification
Telecom cabinets are engineered to provide protection and some manage access to their internal components. Outdoor cabinets offer the most engineering. These cabinets are designed to handle different environmental factors such as torrential rain, inclement winter weather, and summer heat. The locks on the cabinets are designed to withstand vandalism. On the other hand, Indoor cabinets offer less protection. Indoor cabinets provide protection from inclement temperatures, but are designed with more focus on providing airflow control and the internal components organization. These cabinets are found in the data centers and the central offices.
Mounting Options
Because of space limitations, wall-mount cabinets are great options for smaller network nodes and distribution point cabinets within a building. For larger network configurations, a floor-standing unit will be required.
When discussing internal capacity, vendors typically describe them in terms of “bays,” such as:
Single Bay: for smaller nodes and specific equipment clusters.
Triple Bay: best utilized for high-density configurations as it offers extensive racking for multiple servers and termination equipment.
Materials and Manufacturing
The reliability of a telecom enclosure is determined for the most part by the materials selected for manufacturing. The main factors are the materials’ durability, weight, and corrosion resistance.
Aluminum and Steel Construction
Aluminum is lightweight and has a high corrosion resistance, so it is a preferred material for many cabinets and racks that are located outdoors. Steel is also common for indoor applications where weight is not a consideration, and for heavy-duty outdoor cabinets that require maximum impact resistance.
Manufacturing Guidelines
The manufacturing origin determines the quality consistency of the enclosure. American-made products in the telecom enclosure industry are prized for their strict manufacturing standards of enclosure materials and fabrication quality. Advanced circuitry welding and cabinet finishing are vital for the cabinet’s structural integrity for decades of service.
Thermal Management and Mounting
Protecting equipment extends from barriers to managing the internal equipment’s environment and secure installation.
Heat Exchanger Considerations
The outdoor, sealed cabinets have electronics that generate heat from operation. This heat can damage other components if not properly managed. A common solution is to incorporate a heat exchanger. Unlike basic fans which draw in outside air (and dirt), a heat exchanger uses a covered system whereby internal heat is transferred to outside air while retaining the seal of the cabinet. This is essential for equipment longevity in broadband and telco applications.
Integration and Mounting
Mounting choices may differ from site to site. In addition to a wall-mounted option, cabinets can be pad-mounted (mounted on concrete) and pole-mounted. Inside the cabinet, equipment racks have to integrate with other network elements like power supplies, fiber management trays, and more. This integration is essential for the ease of network maintenance and access for technicians.
Cabinets Telecommunication
In order to ensure the safety and compatibility of the equipment used with the cabinets, specific industry standards must be followed with telecommunication cabinets and the most important of these in North America are the NEMA ratings.
NEMA RATING
NEMA, or the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, has set standards for some of the electrical enclosures and their corresponding grades. With regards to NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X, these are the standards in terms of outdoor telecommunications equipment.
NEMA 4: Must protect their enclosures against the falling dirt and dust that can be blown by the wind. Also, the enclosures of the cabinets must be watertight and protect against splashing and hose directed water.
NEMA 4X: The same protection as NEMA 4, but in addition to the protection, the enclosure must be protected against corrosion.
Following the standards is the best way to guarantee that the enclosure will adhere to the safety codes and guarantee that the enclosure will be effective in the most extreme weather.
Selection of Infrastructure Engineering
Telecommunications cabinets are not just boxes. They are sealed components, designed for the engineering of the network. They are meant to ensure the reliability of the network. In terms of the rural broadband expansions or the complex integrations of the data centers, these sealed components are critical to the maintenance and uptime of the network. With the right NEMA rating, high-quality materials such as aluminum, and thermal management, network operators will protect their infrastructure from all forms of physical and environmental hazards.
