ToR switches introduce a significant number of network cables within each cabinet, increasing the possibility of airflow blockages and decreasing airflow efficiency. Technicians can maintain preferred switch orientation without impeding front-to-back airflow and containment. Install add-on hardware such as Geist SwitchAir® in front of switches to redirect airflow orientation from front to back. As a result, switch fans will draw in the warm air expelled from servers, which collects at the rear of the rack. Technicians often mount switches backward to keep connectors at the rear, which inhibits front-to-back airflow. Position sensors at the top and rear of the racks to track temperature and identify hotspots immediately. ToR switches are mounted at the top, and often the rear, of racks, where temperatures are highest. Maximize the value of your switches by maintaining them with the following factors in mind: While affordability and small footprint make ToR switches ideal for most modern data centers, their low total cost of ownership is at risk of being offset by the high cost of downtime. Top-of-Rack (ToR) network switches very rarely fail but are prone to causing downtime when they do - one failed switch can take an entire rack offline.

Tor switch rack mounting