Replies

1. 
   bones | May 15, 2006 06:20pm | #1

   I work with Cisco switches and I am not familiar with the design of the Link sys, but heat will be a huge issue. Look at the design Is airflow designed to move front to back or left to right. Secondly, will dust be an issue. For switches it can be deadly.  Get the model of the switch and download from their site the requirements which would be in the manual.  If you are not going to provide active airflow via a fan mechanism, just follow the manufacturers instructions.  I would be sure those two issues are dealt with and build accordingly.  Some switches have high temperature tolerances, but at the upper end of the range, the life of the switch would be impacted.  If you build it with proper airflow and some type of dust filter, you should be fine.  I have used commercial cabinets with Plexiglas covers that work fine.  Is noise the concern or is the real concern secured access to the box itself? 

1. 
   BryanSayer | May 16, 2006 05:39pm | #3

   Noise is the issue. No one around to mess with the switch. It's the Linksys SR2024, 24 port Gigabyte switch. It can be rack mounted or it has little rubber feet for shelf usage.There is also the piles of cables in the distribution box. Along with Ethernet there is phone, cable and speakers. So my wife wants something that will hide everything. I'm thinking box with an open back, some louvers and maybe a fan. Some sort of baffles to deaden the noise.

1. 
   bones | May 16, 2006 07:22pm | #6

   Ok, I went a looked at the data  sheet on this model.  The operating spec  for heat is 32 - 122. It's pretty hardy it looks like. Unfourtunately it did not have a diagram to show the fan placement i.e. top to bottom or side to side. Since it's rack mountable, I will assume it's side-to-side.  With the cables coming out the front, I would build a square cabinet out of ply with a shelf in the middle. Leave enough space between the front of the switch that you don't put a bind on the on the cables when you shut a door. If it were me, I would build the door with a plexiglass piece wrapped in wood with a magnetic catch to keep it closed.  That's just so I could easily see the LED's which would quickly help me see issues. If  that's not desired, put a solid door.  Leave some space at the back, and on the sides as well so air can move. Have a vent area at the intake side and the exhaust side.  Unless you are in a hot area  i.e. attic or something I don't think you would need a fan. As long as air can circulate and move it will probably be ok.  I would add a little porus material to the intake area to keep dust out.  If it gets coated in dust the dust will act as a nice blanket.  Those things are pretty tough. The only noise is the fan.  I did notice that cisco had acquired linksys. Pretty interesting.  If you build the ply cabinet and it's still to loud, you could add some egg shell type material, but I think you will find that's enough to get the level down.  Good luck. 

   Edited 5/16/2006 12:52 pm ET by bones

2. 
   a_Furnitologist | May 15, 2006 06:34pm | #2

   Go with those excellent air flow suggestions provided and for the sound issue you'll find sound proofing materials at  http://www.markertek.com

   Neil   http://www.furnitology.com

1. 
   BryanSayer | May 16, 2006 05:40pm | #4

   Thanks for the link. Do you deal with them regularly?

1. 
   a_Furnitologist | May 16, 2006 08:00pm | #7

   Yes, I've dealt with them on numerous occasions without issue. I usually order over the phone with the catalog in front of me.  I not smart enough to deal with all those items on a web site, give me a catalog and a chance to ask a question.

   Hope this helps......sounds.....(no pun intended) that you are getting into an interesting project. COOL!!!!

   Neil

3. 
   HowardAcheson | May 16, 2006 06:00pm | #5

   Go here for what is the best all round info on soundproofing.

   http://www.soundproofing.org/

   It will give you info on soundproofing anything.

   Howie.........