Unifi System in a 10-inch Rack
The goal is to build a 10“ wall-mount cabinet rack to compare to the standard 19” cabinet build. There are not many hardware options in the 10“ form factor, so don't expect cost savings. 3D-printing fills a number of needs, at a price. A number of “modifications” are required, and it is a tight fit. There is no space for a UPS battery backup in the rack.
SPOILERS - After completing this project, I do not recommend it.
Project requirements:
small form factor locking cabinet
professional appearance
Unifi SOHO network suitable for a rental
2-3 wireless access points
really want a rack-mounted power conditioner
Project progress:
All major components sourced and assembly started
Heavy modifications to rack to allow installation of power conditioner
Purchased power cords with right-angle connectors
Fabricated metal spacers to make power conditioner fit
Assembled and tested
Did not install a patch panel in the rack - really cramped for space
Components
Rack
The Kenuco SOHO 6U Mini 10” rack with fan was selected for the project. The alternative was the Stalflex Rack Cabinet 10“ 6U, 300mm, Glass Door, Gray.
The options are limited. The Kenuco looks great, has a number of reviews on Amazon, so it was selected
Glass front door
With ventilation holes
Cable entry at bottom and top
Front door with lock
Removable side panels with locks
Solid rear panel
Maximum load weight: 30 kg
Maximum mounting depth: 185 mm
Comes with mounting anchors
Issues:
Power
AtlasIED AP-S15HR 15A Half Width Rack Power Conditioner
Issues:
Network
Unifi components were selected.
USG-3P - firewall/router/gateway
USW-Lite-16-PoE - lots or ports but limited 45W PoE power budget (first 8 ports are PoE ports)
UCK-G2 - user-friendly management, 5W power
2x U6-Lite-US - WiFi6 access points that can be “skinned” to various colors and designs, 12W power
The cable modem/DSL modem is expected to be placed in the bottom rear. The bottom 1U is open.
The USW-Lite-16P-PoE has just enough power for three U6-Lite access points (12W each) and the CloudKey (5W).
The USW-8-150W can provide more power for more access points (the latest and most powerful access points require more power). If you have PoE security cameras, go for the full 19“ rack with room for a UPS.
Rack Mount Brackets
Print3DSteve on Etsy produces quality 3D-printed rack mount brackets.
Patch Panel
1U patch panel - Houseuse 12-Port Keystone Blank Patch Panel RJ45, USB, HDMI, Cat5e Cat6 Rackmount Shielded 10 Inch
Don't need a shielded patch panel,
Ended up not installing the patch panel. Very cramped for space, and I do not recommend it.
Cooling
The rack is supposed to come with a (budget) cooling fan. Mine did not have the fan.
Expected to add a AC Infinity AXIAL LS1238, Quiet Muffin Fan, 120V AC 120mm x 38mm Low Speed fan
A variable speed fan is a plus
Misc Parts
90-degree power cord for switch
90-degree power cord for power conditioner
90-degree pigtails to plug into power conditioner
CAT6 keystone jacks for each data drop - did not use in the end
CAT6 patch cables to connect the components together
General Instructions and Notes
remove door, side panels, and shelves
measure for power conditioner mounting at top
remove left rail, notch to allow power conditioner to fit
drill holes to be able to insert mounting bolts for the power conditioner left side
replace left rail
cabinet installation, cabling run, power connection is available
install patch panel in second from top slot (U2) - ended up not using in the end
install power conditioner in top 1U (U1)
connect 2 90-degree pigtails (planned on using 3, but cramped for space)
connect 90-degree power cord
mount the power conditioner
connect to power main
install the switch in next (U3-4)
remove rubber “feet” strips from the switch
insert the switch in the mounting bracket
optionally secure the switch in the mounting bracket
install the bracket and switch
connect to power conditioner using 90-degree power cord and 90-degree pigtail
install the gateway and CloudKey next (U5)
insert the gateway in the bracket
optionally secure the switch in the mounting bracket
insert the cloudkey in the bracket
connect the provided patch cable to the cloudkey
install the bracket in the cabinet
Connect the USG to the power conditioner using a 90-degree pigtail
place cable modem in the rack
connect network cables
essential cables
connect USG LAN1 to switch port 16
connect cloudkey to switch port 15 (using the bracket port)
connect USG WAN1 to the cable modem (variety of ways to do this)
access points
connect the access points to the first switch ports by installing patch cables between the patch panel and the switch
connected wired data drops to the remaining switch ports by installing patch cables between the patch panel and the switch
install side panels
install door