SUPPLEMENT ENCLOSURE SOLUTIONS
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PORTABILITY AND DUR SERVER RACK DESIGN FOR
Reliable IT hardware is crucial in modern military and national security/intellig military perspective, IT hardware may be used in harsh battlefield environm
vessels. From a national security and intelligence perspective, agents may tra commercial aircraft. These types of environments are subject to shock, vibra In these scenarios, ensuring the integrity of critical IT infrastructure is vital, an protect servers, switches and other devices. Case design is key and can influ explains Michael Crumpler, VP of engineering and product management a
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n military and national security deployments, any equipment must withstand intense vibrations during transport, sudden shocks
from accidental drops, and exposure to water and dust in open or hostile terrains. Standard IT hardware is not built to withstand this stress, making robust protective measures necessary. Rugged cases can help by incorporating
advanced shock and vibration-dampening systems, and feature waterproof and dustproof seals that protect sensitive components, maintaining operational reliability regardless of the environment. Protection from water and dust ingress is key and can help the case become IP65-67 rated as well as other Mil-Std 810 environmental qualifications. There are also logistical and operational
constraints. Tactical deployments require quick and reliable transport of IT equipment, often in high-stakes situations. Rugged cases offer practicality, usually including integrated handles and wheels for rapid portability. These features allow military and security personnel to carry and deploy heavy cases with minimal effort, so the mission can proceed without delays.
THE SHIFT TO THE FIELD As military and national security operations increasingly depend on real-time data processing and secure commissions, IT hardware has become more important. There is increasing demand for edge computing solutions – deployable IT hardware that processes data locally, without reliance on remote servers or satellite connections. This shift has enabled faster decision-making, enhanced data security, and provided greater control over mission-critical systems, particularly in remote or contested areas. Adapting IT hardware for the field has brought its challenges. Servers and switches, for example, are traditionally suited to data centres and may not have the necessary structural integrity to weather, vibrations, or harsh temperatures. However, providing the design is suitable, these cases can ensure such devices are field-ready. Custom mounting brackets,
Feature
blade retention systems, and shock-absorbing features are just some solutions that can help commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment comply with stringent military standards.
DESIGN FEATURES When designing mobile cases and enclosures,
32 DESIGN SOLUTIONS - SUPPLEMENT APRIL 2025
such as Ultralife’s EL8000-MCS, durability is one of the main considerations. Aluminium is a common material choice because it is lightweight yet robust. Unlike plastics, which can crack or degrade under extreme conditions, it can also withstand impacts and be formed back into shape. As well as extending the
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