The Ultimate Colocation Cage Buyer’s Checklist for 2025

If you're responsible for securing data infrastructure, you know that colocation cages aren’t just about wire and locks – they’re about trust, uptime, and accountability. Whether outfitting a new data center or upgrading your current facility, having a clear checklist can help you avoid mistakes and make wise decisions.

At WireCrafters, we’ve built secure, custom-fit colocation cages for companies nationwide. Here’s what you should keep in mind before making your next investment.

Start with the Layout

Think through the layout of your space before anything else. Are you building a single-client cage or setting up a multi-tenant row? Walk the space and consider:

• Access points (how many doors do you need, and where should they be?)
• Ceiling height (do you need a ceiling for added security?)
• Cable management (Will you run cables overhead or under the floor?)
• HVAC flow (your cage shouldn't block airflow)

We offer modular designs, so if your needs change, your layout can, too. We can create single-tenant cages or multi-bay setups with shared or private aisles.

Choose the Right Material

Your cage has one job: security. Ensure it's built with welded or woven wire mesh that is strong enough to deter unauthorized access. Powder-coated or galvanized finishes add durability, especially in humid or high-traffic environments.

We recommend our 840 Woven Wire Partition system. It’s the industry standard for colocation cages, known for its strength, adaptability, and clean finish.

Plan for Compliance

Data centers are often subject to industry-specific regulations. Whether it's HIPAA, PCI, or SOC 2, your cage needs to support those compliance efforts with:

• Limited access control
• Complete enclosures (including ceiling panels)
• Secure hardware (no exposed bolts or easy-to-remove parts)

Our cages can be outfitted with custom lock options, including keyed, keyless, biometric, and integration-ready locks compatible with your existing security system.

Think About Future Scalability

Too often, companies buy cages that fit now but not next year. Ask yourself:

• Will I need to expand the cage later?
• Can I add more panels without a complete teardown?
• Will I want to repurpose this space if our needs change?

Our partition systems are fully modular, so you can reconfigure or expand without starting from scratch.

Review Door Options

Doors are often an afterthought, but they shouldn’t be. You’ll want to think about:

• Hinge or sliding? Sliding saves space but may limit access width.
• Width of equipment entering the cage
• Lock hardware (manual, keypad, or integrated with building access control?)

We offer hinged and sliding doors with various locking mechanisms and sizes to fit your access requirements.

Add the Right Accessories

Your cage doesn’t operate alone. Consider:

• Cable troughs
• Power/data separation requirements
• Lighting inside the cage
• Signage or custom identification plates
• Access control systems

We can integrate accessories or provide designs that support third-party systems, keeping your build clean and compliant.

Get a Quote That Reflects Your Real Needs

Don’t settle for a basic estimate. A good quote should include:

• Custom dimensions
• Lock hardware options
• Ceiling panel details
• Delivery and lead times
• Installation options (DIY or professional install)

Our team works closely with end users, contractors, and data center managers to ensure every quote is accurate, fast, and specific.

Ready to Build?

A colocation cage is more than just a physical barrier; it’s part of your promise to protect client data and infrastructure. We have been manufacturing high-quality wire partitions for more than 50 years, and our systems are trusted by some of the country’s largest data centers.

Need help getting started? Our team can walk you through design, quoting, and delivery, step by step. Let's build your colocation solution together. Visit wirecrafters.com to request a quote or speak with one of our team members today.