StarTech RK919WALLO 9U Wall-Mount Network Rack: specs and who it suits

The StarTech RK919WALLO is a 9U wall-mount rack with an open two-post frame. It holds standard 19-inch network, audio-visual and IT equipment such as switches, patch panels and shelves, and keeps it off the floor in a small office, closet or equipment room.

What 9U and two posts mean

A rack unit (U) is a standard height of 1.75 inches (44.45 mm), so 9U gives about 15.75 inches of vertical mounting space. The 19-inch width is the industry standard for rack-mount equipment. StarTech states that the rack complies with EIA/ECA-310, the specification that defines these dimensions and hole spacing, so equipment built to that standard should fit.

A two-post rack has two vertical rails rather than four. It suits light, shallow gear such as switches, patch panels, small routers and shelves. Deep servers usually need a four-post rack for support at the back.

Depth and weight capacity

StarTech lists a mounting depth of 17.1 inches (43.5 cm) and describes the rack as well suited to smaller spaces. Check the depth of each item you plan to fit, including cables at the back. The rack is made of SPCC cold-rolled steel, and StarTech says it supports up to 176lb (80kg) of equipment. The rack itself weighs about 21.8lb (9.9kg), and the listing gives package dimensions of about 18.0 x 21.7 x 21.3 inches.

Open frame and airflow

The open frame gives access from all sides, which makes patching and re-cabling easier. StarTech says it supports unobstructed airflow and passive cooling. An open rack has no doors or side panels, so it also offers no dust protection or lock.

Setup and hardware

The rack ships fully assembled, so installation means fixing it to the wall. StarTech says its mounting holes are spaced 16 inches apart, which matches common stud spacing in many wall frames. Wall type and fixings are your responsibility, and a fully loaded rack should be anchored to studs or masonry as the manual advises, with suitable fasteners.

A set of M6 square cage nuts and M6 screws comes included, along with hook-and-loop ties for cable management, so you can mount equipment straight away.

Support

StarTech says the rack has a five-year warranty and free lifetime technical assistance, available 24/5 in several languages.

Who it suits

It suits home labs, small offices, AV closets and server rooms that need tidy mounting for a switch, patch panel and a few devices, without taking up floor space.

What to check before you buy

• Equipment depth: the mounting depth is 17.1 inches, so check your deepest device and cable bends.
• Total weight: add up everything you plan to mount and stay within the 176lb limit.
• Wall: confirm the wall can carry the load, and find studs 16 inches apart, or use masonry anchors.
• Rack units: add up the U height of your equipment and leave a little spare room.
• Dust and security: an open frame has no doors, so consider the room it sits in.

The short version

• A 2-post, 9U, 19-inch open-frame wall-mount rack, model RK919WALLO.
• EIA/ECA-310 compliant, with a 17.1-inch mounting depth.
• Steel build with a stated capacity of up to 176lb (80kg).
• Ships fully assembled, with M6 cage nuts and screws included.
• Five-year warranty and lifetime technical assistance, per StarTech.

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