Where to Put the Network Closet?

Did you know that According to Gartner, around 80% of IT projects fail, often due to poor planning — including overlooked essentials like the network closet?  That stat alone should make any office manager or IT lead sit up. At 1Wire, we are proud to be Utah’s trusted experts in business connectivity, and we know that the network closet is the heartbeat of your office’s connectivity, linking every workstation, conference room, and device. For a deeper dive into how to optimize your Utah office setup, check out our network cabling solutions page and see how we can help.

Key Takeaways:

• The network closet is the backbone of your office IT.

• Central location minimizes signal loss and cable length.

• You need space for racks, servers, routers, and patch panels.

• Proper cooling, ventilation, and power are non-negotiable.

• Security is critical to protect business data.

• Without proper planning, the network closet can quickly become overwhelming.

• Hiring Utah-based experts like 1Wire saves time, reduces stress, and ensures future-proof setups.

What Is the Best Location for a Network Closet?

Simply put, the network closet, or the telecom closet, should be in a central location within your office. This means placing it somewhere that minimizes long cable runs, reduces signal loss, and allows for future scalability. But it’s not just about where to put it — it’s about how to equip it. Picture this: racks packed with switches, routers, patch panels, maybe even servers, all needing cooling, power, and security. For more on the foundational elements behind this, check out our guide on why businesses need a strong IT infrastructure. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of details, and that’s exactly why Utah businesses turn to 1Wire to manage the heavy lifting with local expertise.

What You Need to Consider When Setting Up a Network Closet

Here’s a checklist of what you need to plan for — and why each of these elements matters. Many Utah offices underestimate the sheer complexity that goes into setting up a network closet, thinking it’s just a matter of placing a few devices on a shelf. But every decision you make here affects the stability, scalability, and security of your network. By breaking down these components, you’ll see how space planning, power requirements, cooling strategies, and physical security all come together to create a well-functioning, future-ready network environment.

• Centrality: A centrally located ethernet closet ensures equal access across all office zones.

• Space: Even small setups need at least 4×4 feet, while larger offices may need a dedicated data closet or IT closet with space for racks, overhead trays, and cabling.

• Cooling & Ventilation: All that equipment generates heat. Without dedicated cooling or ventilation, you risk a messy network closet that overheats and shuts down your systems. Consider the value of managed firewall solutions to secure and monitor network performance alongside cooling.

• Power Needs: Don’t just plug into the nearest outlet. You need surge protection, UPS units, and future-ready capacity.

• Security: This is not just a storage room. Your networking room houses sensitive equipment and data, so lock it up and control access.

• Cable Management: Poor network closet cable management leads to spaghetti-like tangles that complicate troubleshooting and upgrades. Our on-site cabling services can ensure your setup is clean, efficient, and scalable.

What Equipment Should You Plan For?

Before jumping into the specific equipment, it’s important to understand why these components matter and how they shape the physical requirements of your network closet. Each piece plays a role in the overall performance, efficiency, and scalability of your office network, and knowing the space and placement needs ahead of time can prevent costly rework and downtime. At 1Wire, we’ve helped countless businesses across Utah navigate these decisions with confidence.

• Network Closet Rack: Holds switches, patch panels, and sometimes small servers.

• Closet Server: If you’re running on-premise services.

• WiFi Router in Closet / Router in Closet: Needs space, power, and ventilation.

• PBX: If you’re also housing voice infrastructure. Consider Unified communications‘ instead for cost savings

• Wiring Closet: Structured cabling, including fiber or Cat6, terminated cleanly.

• Computer Closet: End-point device support, especially in hybrid setups.

• Home Networking Closet: For small businesses or remote setups.

Suitable Office Spaces

Before we break down the types of office spaces that can house a network closet, it’s worth noting that each option comes with its own set of strengths and challenges. Choosing the right location isn’t just about finding an empty room — it’s about evaluating the demands of your network, the future growth of your company, and the physical infrastructure of your building. By understanding the pros and cons of each setup, you can make informed decisions that set your Utah office up for long-term success. Here’s a closer look at the most common options you might consider.

• Repurposed utility closets or storage closets: These are often small rooms averaging 4×4 to 6×6 feet, typically located near the center of the office or along interior walls. They work well for small businesses needing a basic network closet setup but must be retrofitted with proper cooling, power, and security.

• Dedicated IT rooms: For medium-sized offices, an IT room averages 8×10 to 10×12 feet and is best located near the data backbone or central office areas. These rooms allow for more equipment, such as multiple racks, improved network closet cable management, and better airflow solutions.

• Full-fledged server room closets for larger floors or enterprises: These are often 12×20 feet or larger and are usually located in a secure, climate-controlled part of the building like a basement or a purpose-built room on a main floor. These spaces accommodate full server racks, robust cooling systems, redundant power, and high-capacity cabling, making them ideal for companies with complex data needs and high-volume traffic.

FAQs

Can I put my WiFi router in the closet?

Yes, but ensure there’s adequate ventilation and no signal-blocking materials like thick walls or metal doors.

How big should my network closet be?

A: Small setups can work in a 4×4 ft space, but larger businesses should plan for a dedicated room.

What equipment goes into a network closet?

Switches, patch panels, routers, UPS units, and sometimes servers or voice equipment.

Do I really need dedicated cooling?

Yes! Overheating is one of the biggest risks for network downtime.

Can 1Wire help set up my network closet?

Absolutely. We specialize in tailored network solutions for businesses across Utah.