There are several reasons why you might need to block radio frequency (RF) signals emanating from IT equipment. One is security — cybercriminals can intercept and analyze RF signals and other spurious emissions to steal data and gain access to systems. You might also need to block RF signals to test wireless devices.
When building an RF shielded enclosure, it’s important to choose the right materials to attenuate RF frequencies. Of course, an enclosure is more than a Faraday cage — you need to get power, cooling, and network connectivity into the cabinet. Every opening must be shielded to limit RF signal leakage and outside interference.
Enconnex worked through this process when designing our DefenseShield™ Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Hardened Enclosure. We selected the highest quality materials and manufactured the enclosure within precise tolerances to provide military-grade performance.
Three materials are commonly used for RF shielding:
When choosing RF shielding materials, several factors will come into play, including the frequencies to be attenuated, the environment as relates to corrosion, and the size and shape of the enclosure.
The RF shielded enclosures on the market today vary widely in their features and capabilities. Some use metal plating and are difficult to install and move due to their weight. Others are designed for industrial use and provide only minimal electromagnetic attenuation.
The enclosure must have a means of dissipating the heat generated by IT equipment and ideally will have a footprint that allows it to be integrated into the data center environment. Flexible options for shelving, power, and connectivity increase the functionality of the cabinet.
Enconnex has developed an RF shielded cabinet that checks all the boxes in terms of price, performance, and flexibility. Starting with our high-quality 42U rack (customizable), we use aerospace-grade shielded aluminum and copper-nickel gaskets to seal all seams and penetrations for maximum RF shielding. DefenseShield provides 85dB of attenuation for frequencies ranging from 1MHz to 10GHz.
Other features include:
If you’re looking for an RF shielded rack that delivers everything you need in one cost-efficient unit, look no further than Enconnex. Learn more about the DefenseShield EMC Hardened Enclosure here.