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unifi_10_inch

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:

  • Manufacturing problems
    • inconsistent assembly
    • cheap/noisy fan, if it is even included in the box!
  • Not deep enough
    • you will need 90-degree power cables and pigtails
  • Unifi switches don't fit without massive modifications
    • not deep enough, requires 90-degree connector power cords
    • USW-8-150W is 1U but requires massive modifications
    • USW-Lite-16-PoE takes up 2U using a 3D printed mount
  • Requires modifications for a rack mounted power conditioner

Power

AtlasIED AP-S15HR 15A Half Width Rack Power Conditioner

  • half-width design
  • front switch
  • 4 switched outlets (rear)
  • 2 unswitched outlets (front, rear)

Issues:

  • designed for Atlas half-width rack, not 10” rack

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.

  • Unifi Switch Lite 16 PoE 10in Half Rack 2U
  • UniFi Security Gateway and Cloud Key gen2 10in Half Rack 1U Mount

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

Tools

  • PH2 phillips head screwdriver
  • Dremel tool with metal cutting wheel
  • center punch
  • drill and cutting oil

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
unifi_10_inch.txt · Last modified: 2022/03/30 02:52 by user