8h ago

How can I make my small server less disruptive to housemates (for cleaning etc)?

I have an SSD bay (left), an ARM computer (Center) and a plug board (right). They’re wired together as well as to the router above. The problem is that it’s hard to clean the floor.

Is there a way to improve the setup so it’s less obtrusive? Every time we move the stuff to clean the floor the server goes down and needs a reboot. It’s such a pain.

Edit: thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'm going to swap the plug board for a double adapter. That way, they can be plugged in behind the locker leaving one less thing to deal with.

I'll either put the remaining stuff on the locker or else get a raised platform / stool for underneath.

9 comments

Move it off the floor. To a shelf for instance
- I think that's the way to go. I'll replace the extension lead with a double adapter so the devices can be plugged straight in behind the locker. Then the other stuff can either go on a raised level or on the locker itself. Thanks.
- A shelf + brackets will cost maybe $2 at Home Depot. You could (if you wanted) literally just have the shelf a foot off the floor, still under the table. Use drywall anchors.
- Find a little baby rack you can mount perhaps.
  
  maybe something like https://a.co/d/9eG6erY

I had a similar network appliance "nest". I got a rolling kitchen island from IKEA because it has shelves that encourage ventilation and it also fit my printer, UPC, and HTPC/server. Now I have one network appliance cart. Everything is always a few inches off of the floor. All the cords are contained and tied off where necessary to keep the cart's contents from spilling out in the way. When it's time to clean around it, it can be wheeled away from the wall or corner. The only cords still connected to the wall are one for power and one for Internet. I can even disconnect it entirely from the wall briefly without too much fuss, just a short time without internet but with the wifi intact.
The cart would be overkill in your case, but the idea of it would still have value. You could probably fit everything you've got into an empty milk crate. That crate could be on wheels and most crates are pretty well ventilated.

I put all the guts to my server in an old pc case. Find a micro case, maybe wire up the case fan to usb so you don't overheat anything.

If it's not too much of an eyesore or hindrance, everything on the table?
- I thought it would be an eyesore initially, but I'm going to swap the plug board for a double adapter. That way only the disk caddy and ARM machine need to go up top. Thanks for the idea.

9 comments