Understanding airflow patterns in the data center environment requires knowledge of several different airflow areas. The typical hot- and cold-aisle airflow configuration adopted several years ago, and still commonplace in data centers today, usually consists of an airflow pattern under the raised floor, above the raised floor, and through the racks themselves. Precisely controlling and reducing airflow patterns through the racks drastically improves the cooling and overall efficiency of a data center. Rittal’s White Paper 509: Inner-Rack Airflow Patterns & Data Center Efficiency aims to assist designers and users by explaining the patterns that can exist inside the rack and the steps that can be taken to minimize them including the use of common accessories such as blanking panels and brush-type baffles.