Table of Contents

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:

Project progress:

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

Issues:

Power

AtlasIED AP-S15HR 15A Half Width Rack Power Conditioner

Issues:

Network

Unifi components were selected.

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

Tools

General Instructions and Notes

  1. remove door, side panels, and shelves
  2. measure for power conditioner mounting at top
  3. remove left rail, notch to allow power conditioner to fit
  4. drill holes to be able to insert mounting bolts for the power conditioner left side
  5. replace left rail
  6. cabinet installation, cabling run, power connection is available
  7. install patch panel in second from top slot (U2) - ended up not using in the end
    • terminate cabling in keystone jackets
    • insert keystone jacks in patch panel
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. place cable modem in the rack
    • place in bottom rear
    • connect to power conditioner using 90-degree pigtail
    • power on
  12. connect network cables
    1. 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)
    2. 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
  13. install side panels
  14. install door