I think it would be fair to call the team experts in diagrams. Afterall, we make netTerrain — IT mapping/documentation software for networks (Logical) and data centers (DCIM) with an add-on module for fiber plants (OSP). One of the most frequently asked questions we get is, ‘hey, what’s the difference between your Logical and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) products?

The biggest difference between DCIM and Logical is that netTerrain DCIM includes rack diagrams.

What’s a Rack Diagram?

Rack diagrams…what exactly are they?

In a nutshell, a rack diagram (aka visual layouts show detailed rack elevations) is a graphical representation of your network’s rack or cabinets. You can see all the equipment within a rack, including adding a rack unit that indicate the space each piece of equipment occupies as you expand.

They help you track and manage a rack’s capacity in terms of its space, power, and weight availability. Organizations use these to help manage servers, other equipment within the rack – and track the cabling both inside and outside the rack(s). They also make it easy to see rack availability so you can control use of space and resources. Floorplan diagrams can show you multiple racks at once — and then you can zoom in for more detail. Read more about what rack diagrams are here.

What’s a ‘Server Rack Diagram’?

Rack diagrams are often called ‘server rack diagrams’.Why?

Servers are the main pieces of equipment in a rack, but for organizations documenting infrastructure, there’s more equipment that should be included in server diagrams, like switches, routers, and patch panels.

  • Switches are devices in a computer network that connects other devices together.
  • Routers connect to a switch that forwards data packets to enable communication between computer networks.
  • Patch panels contain jacks that connect to cables and direct them where to go.

Because you can include both servers and network equipment on diagrams, we prefer to just call them rack diagrams because this term represents rack layouts, servers, and network equipment.

Why DCIM for Rack Elevation Diagrams?

Are you thinking: “Ok, but I can create rack diagrams in Visio…so why do I need DCIM to visualize rack diagrams?’

If you’re happy with what you’re using (and it meets your needs), by all means: don’t switch. I’m not knocking it.

If, however, you need a tool to help manage your capacity, space, power, and weight, with dashboard reports, list of all assets, see what each device is connected to, and run searches to find information quickly, then it’s likely that you need a DCIM tool (like our software netTerrain). With software like netTerrain, you can automate your data and generate diagrams through network discovery and by pulling information from your existing data sources, like ServiceNow and Solarwinds (and you can also visualize your hybrid infrastructure, like AWS, Azure, and VMWare, etc).

What about a Rack Elevation Diagram with 3D Views?

Rack diagrams are usually drawn in a 2D elevation drawing showing the specific equipment on a rack and may include the front and the rear elevation of the rack layout (see below) for one rack or multiple ones.

rack-elevation-view-in-netTerrain-dcimExample of a 2D rack elevation diagram

I get this question a lot: ‘does netTerrain offer 3D views of rack diagrams?’

netTerrain doesn’t offer 3D views.

Why not?

3D views don’t help you manage rack and capacity. While 3D views do give you pretty pictures to show management for some ‘oohs and aahs’, the truth is that 3D views are not helpful at all (apart from showing air flow and heat maps) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) — click here to read more about our stance against 3D views in IT visualization software.

Beyond Rack Diagrams…

Having a visual representation of your IT equipment, both your server and network equipment, inside your data center or telecom rooms is essential in optimizing your network and data center.

IT documentation, of course, goes beyond just rack visuals.

Other areas that could benefit from documentation include:

  • Network topology
  • Cloud architecture
  • Hardware and software directories
  • IP address allocation

If you’d like to test-drive our software, netTerrain DCIM, click here now for a free trial.

For more reading on Rack Diagrams in DCIM software, check out these blogs:

About Fred Koh

As a seasoned sales executive, Fred Koh serves as Director of Sales and is responsible for Graphical Networks sales and channel partner program, marketing strategy, and operations.