I’m looking in to upgrading my home lab setup with a rack and a rack mount case. I live in EU so it would be nice if you can give any input on where to buy networking equipment/supplies, case and a rack.
I don’t want to buy of Amazon but any input is appreciated.
I bought my StarTech full size frame rack on Amazon, since it was cheap and disassemblable. Ditto for network wall rack in the basement, made in Poland. There is a type of music rack on casters which is also good for short equipment, also Amazon. Apart from that it’s eBay and local used equipment sites. Mikrotik is cheap enough to buy new.
What are your specific needs? Mine are low-power and low-noise or passively cooled for 24/7/365 stuff. Everything else is free game, since it never runs long enough to matter much.
I bought most of my equipment on the local classifieds website. If you’re patient, there are always companies closing down branch offices or something, selling racks and stuff for cheap if you come pick it up.
In case of Germany: Take a look on eBay Kleinanzeigen
In case of not Germany: Local craigslist or whatever the equivalent to it is for you.
