Archives for December 2022

Happy Monday! The countdown to Christmas is on – are you ready? Wishing you a productive week ahead!

In This Issue: CK Giving Day 1 | Rack Adapter | All about Cisco 2960-X Series Switches | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – CK Giving Day 1, Autism Acres

We’re kicking off our first day of highlighting our CK Giving efforts for 2023! We’ve invited each member of our team to advance our giving efforts and provide us with an organization they are passionate about to donate $500 to. Enjoy Brooke Lucas’ story below on the organization they selected.

This year, I am giving to Autism Acres. My best friend and her husband started this organization to provide a free place for parents of special needs kids to play in a judgment-free zone. They have tailored their play areas to kids with special needs and only allow a small number of people at a time so it doesn’t become overwhelming for the kids. They have 3 autistic boys, so their hearts are big on giving to families like theirs and making them feel wanted, loved, and heard. They host playdates, birthday parties, and field trips. Learn more about Autism Acres here.

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Rack adapters are used to mount standard 19″ computer and networking equipment into (not so standard) 23″ equipment racks. With these 1RU adapters, you can attach a 19″ wide piece of equipment to a 23″ rack. These rack adapters are made for 1 rack unit about 1.75″ tall. Made of 12 gauge steel these adapters can hold even the heaviest equipment.

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Learning Center Article – All about Cisco 2960-X Series Switches

The pace of technology refuses to slow down. At this point, you have lived through multiple technological revolutions, and every few years, average computer devices continue to multiply their capabilities.

Development is intense and relentless, and it means that businesses across all industries are in a perpetual arms race to keep up. You need the latest technology to provide services that match the competition, but constant technological expansion is expensive.

How are small and medium-sized businesses supposed to manage?

The key is to find powerful technology that is specifically designed with affordability in mind. You want devices and resources that are similar to the Cisco 2960-X series.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Japanese lunar exploration company ispace began its long-anticipated first mission on Sunday, with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launching the venture’s lunar lander.
• NASA’s Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja Mexico on Sunday, completing the agency’s Artemis 1 mission.
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had no trouble staying atop the box office chart in its fifth weekend, earning $11.1 million to become only the third film of 2022 so far to leap past the $400 million mark at the domestic box office.
• Several diplomatic talks about support for Ukraine were being held with leaders of the Group of 7 nations and European Union foreign ministers meeting to shore up military and humanitarian support.

Happy Christmas Card Day! Today is your reminder to get your stamps, envelopes, and card together so you can share holiday cheer this year!

In This Issue: CK Giving! | CAT6A Shielded (STP) Ethernet Patch Cables | All About Aruba 2930F Series Switches | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – CK Giving!

Good morning CK family!

At CablesAndKits we strive to make an impact on the community in any way we can. Throughout our many years in business, giving back to individuals and organizations in our community has stood true in defining who we are today.

The call that we feel to give comes from our faith and also our mission as an organization. We believe in ministry through business. We are driven by the idea of furthering the mission that we’re passionate about through the resources entrusted to us.

This year we are excited to bring back our CK Giving efforts with our team. We’ve invited each member of our team to advance our giving efforts and provide us with an organization they are passionate about donating $500 to. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight each of the organizations our team members are giving to in the CK Daily.

We are so grateful for this season of giving and that we are able to give back to the communities that our team serves. We hope that you know that your purchases are instrumental in allowing us to give back to the community.

We look forward to sharing!

CK Family

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Product Spotlights & Updates

We just saved you a ton of time and made managing your network cabling a whole lot easier! Introducing our EASYboot ethernet patch cables. These snagless Cat6a patch cords have skinnier cable boots to make it easier to connect and disconnect the cable, as well as to prevent the cable from catching when pulled through tight spaces. Built to last, our high-quality Ethernet cables are pure copper for maximum throughput and reliability. Individually bagged and labeled in retail packaging, these Cat6 cables are easy to store and the length and type are easily identifiable.

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Learning Center Article – All About Aruba 2930F Series Switches

You want your network to be fast. You want it to be secure and reliable, but you don’t want to spend countless hours fighting with it and tinkering in order to actually take advantage of its performance capabilities.

In the modern world, when every network seems to require large-scale wireless access, it’s difficult to find hardware that can give you everything you really need.

The Aruba 2930F series provides solutions that can defy your expectations. These switches are fast, stackable, and built on Layer 3 networking, allowing them to bridge the gap between fast and reliable wired connections and the wireless demands of the modern era.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Google is rolling out two new Chrome performance settings to save memory and battery power. If you’re on a laptop and your battery level reaches 20%, Chrome will go into Energy Saver mode, which will prolong battery life. Memory Saver mode means Chrome will use up to 30% less memory to make for a faster browsing experience.
• Morgan Stanley analysts reduced their Apple iPhone shipment forecast by an additional 3 million units to account for slower production in China for the December quarter.
• Here’s how NASA will recover the Artemis I Orion capsule in the Pacific Ocean.
• The Federal Trade Commission sued Microsoft Corp. to block its planned $75 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc.

Happy National Crossword Solvers Day! Solving crossword puzzles is a favorite pastime for many across the globe. Are you a crossword lover? What’s your favorite puzzle to solve?

In This Issue: Christmas Movies | Meraki Access Point | Benefits of Cisco 3850 Switches | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Christmas Movies

Happy Thursday!

This month is absolutely flying by already. This Christmas season seems weird or different, maybe it is because I have been so busy and it just doesn’t “feel” like Christmas time yet. Lots to do between now and then.

One thing I always enjoy doing in December is watching all of the iconic Christmas movies. We got into a debate about which Christmas movies were the best the other day, then I came across a meme/post on social this week and I figured I would throw it out there to all of you as well.

And before you say it, yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie…haha! IMDb has a ranking of the Top 100 Christmas movies of all time based on their research. I would say for me it would have to be 1, 6, and 7. (Die Hard is def up there for me.)

So which 3 of those Christmas movies are your favorite or do you have one that isn’t on there? Let me know.

Have a great rest of the week and maybe watch a Christmas movie this weekend!

Jason

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Meraki MR42 is a four-radio, cloud-managed 3×3 MU-MIMO 802.11ac Wave 2 access point. The MR42 provides a maximum 1.9 Gbps frame rate with concurrent 802.11ac Wave 2 and 802.11n 3×3:3 MIMO radios. A dedicated third radio provides real-time WIDS/WIPS with automated RF optimization. In addition, an integrated fourth radio delivers Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scanning and Beaconing functionality.

The MR42 access point is an ideal cloud-managed solution for offices, schools, hospitals, shops, and hotels. It provides high-level performance, enterprise-grade security, and is simple to manage.

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Learning Center Article – Benefits of Cisco 3850 Switches

Sometimes, designing a network is complicated. You’re trying to squeeze power and resources out of what you have while minimizing costs and maximizing reliability. It’s an equation with constantly changing variables, and it’s enough to keep network engineers and administrators busy for their entire careers.

Other times, things are a lot simpler. You want as much networking power as you can possibly get while still supporting your existing systems.

In other words, you need to push Ethernet and traditional wireless beyond what they normally do. The goal is straightforward, and that makes a solution easy to find. For such a project, you need Cisco 3850 switches.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• GameStop reported its fiscal third quarter sales declined and its cash pile sharply dwindled, as the brick-and-mortar retailer has been working to expand its digital presence.
• Wholesale prices of used vehicles reached their lowest level in more than a year last month, as retail sales decline amid interest rate hikes, rising new vehicle availability and recessionary fears.
• WNBA star Brittney Griner is free Thursday after the Biden administration negotiated her release from a Russian penal colony in exchange for an arms dealer.
• Apple announced that it plans to encrypt additional iCloud data on its servers, including full backups, photos and notes.

Happy National Cotton Candy Day! Today we celebrate the spun sugar treat that delights candy fans of all ages. Did you know cotton candy is also called candy floss or fairy floss?

In This Issue: Holiday Traditions | Blank Keystone Panel | Throughput vs DRAM and Flash Specs | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Holiday Traditions

Good morning!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far! We’re getting so close to Christmas and the end of the year. Who’s ready?

This year, my family and I drew names for each other which is always fun. I always think it’s so fun to be able to spoil one person. Does your family draw names?

The thing I’m looking forward to the most is our new tradition of playing Bunko and doing a white elephant gift with our entire family! It’s such a fun time! We used to do gingerbread competitions but decided to turn it into a massive family game night.

What family traditions are you looking forward to for the upcoming holiday?

Ashley

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Our blank keystone panels bring versatility to your installation. With the option of mixing and matching keystone jacks, you can install BNC, Ethernet, fiber, and other ports as needed.

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Learning Center Article – Throughput vs DRAM and Flash Specs

When it comes to designing and managing networks, there is an endless challenge of trying to improve performance. Inevitably, that includes upgrading and replacing hardware. When you research hardware for upgrades and replacements, you’ll see a lot of different tech specs listed in the descriptions.

Two common terms that come up are throughput and bandwidth. You’ll see bandwidth more in advertising spaces, and you’ll see throughput more when you look up real-world tests of the hardware. Why is throughput so important? Why don’t you see more about flash specs?

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• BuzzFeed announced plans to cut its workforce by nearly 12%, or around 180 staffers.
• Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that Apple will buy U.S.-made microchips. The chip factories will be owned and operated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the biggest foundry company with over half of the global market share.
• Apple announced a new karaoke service called Apple Music Sing that will be available to subscribers later this month.
• Critics, journalists, and more are back from their first visit to Pandora in over a decade, and they have plenty to say in their first reactions to Avatar: The Way of Water. The film is James Cameron’s long-awaited return to the world he built in the highest-grossing film of all time, and it looks to set the groundwork for a potential franchise based around Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and their family’s exploits on the foreign planet.

Happy Tuesday & Happy National Trick Shot Day! Today’s the perfect day to showcase your most impressive shot. Good luck!

In This Issue: Running & Recipes | Yealink Wi-Fi USB Dongle WF40 | How to future-proof your network with Cisco 8800 series phones | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Running & Recipes

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday!

Hope everyone is having a great start to the week! It was a fantastic weekend around here. I’m in the middle of training for a marathon and it just so happened that the training plan I’m following called for a 13-mile run this weekend AND there was a half marathon being held in my town, so I made a last-minute decision to sign up for it and use it as a “test” to see where I’m at. Was definitely pleased with the results as I finished in 1:43:41 which was about 7 minutes faster than I predicted so, all in all, it was a good race! I spent the rest of the day watching football and cooking! I had my family over to watch the Georgia game which was so much fun! That was an incredible game with some wild plays!

On Sunday I spent a lot of time cooking, and testing out recipes that I may bring to our family Christmas eve dinner. Two of my favorites were sausage balls made with the Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix (don’t sleep on it!) and mini pecan pies!

Do you have any favorite recipes that you bring to your family gatherings? Let me know if you’ve got one that’s sure to be a hit!

Rebecca

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Product Spotlights & Updates

WF40 Wifi USB Dongle is a dynamic plug-and-play USB device to achieve wireless networks for IP Phones. Reinforced with a solid transmission rate of 150 Mbps, the solution is able to quickly and reliably establish Wi-Fi connectivity so that users can optimally communicate, collaborate, access pertinent documents and resources, and more. The WF40 Wifi USB Dongle assures users flexibility and optimal user experience.

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Learning Center Article – How to future-proof your network with Cisco 8800 series phones

Technology is constantly evolving and advancing, and the world of VoIP phones is no exception. Voice-over-IP technology has come a long way since it was first introduced in the 1990s, and many businesses, small and large, are adopting IP phones as replacements for old analog technologies. If you are in the market for a VoIP phone, it’s critical that you maximize your investment by choosing equipment that will meet the needs of today as well as those of tomorrow.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Homeland Security has delayed the full enforcement of Real ID security standards until May 2025.
• PepsiCo is eliminating hundreds of corporate jobs in North America.
• Microsoft President Brad Smith said the company offered Sony a 10-year contract to make each new release of the Call of Duty available on Sony’s PlayStation console at the same time as the Xbox.
• Two explosions at major Russian military bases, including the Dyagilevo base near Ryazan just 150 miles from Moscow, mean the war in Ukraine has come right to Vladimir Putin’s doorstep.

Happy Monday! We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and you are looking forward to the week ahead. If there is anything we can be praying for, please let us know!

In This Issue: The Perfect Checklist | Cisco 3800 Series Router | Choosing the Right Network Card | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – The Perfect Checklist

Happy Monday!

Only 20 more days until Christmas! If you’re like me, you’re in a slight state of controlled panic, haha. We’ve been in high gear in our household getting ready for the day, and we found a checklist is helpful to make sure we don’t miss anything or anyone – from gifts to Christmas cards, to planning out the day. A checklist helps us keep our sanity and not stress out as much. Christmas isn’t supposed to be about stress right?!

Speaking of checklists, we’re working on an IT project purchase checklist to help our customers at CK. We get calls and emails all of the time requesting all kinds of things that often get missed during or after a project. These commonly missed items include SFPs, Cable Management, Power Cords, Rack Mount Kits, and Shelves. A lot of times we’re focused on the big-ticket items, like Switches, Routers, and Racks, and miss the little things, and this could lead to costly delays in rollouts. That’s where a checklist can come in handy, to reduce stress and help make projects easier. This checklist aligns with our Vision statement which is to enable customers to complete 100% of IT projects on time. What are some things that you think are a must-have for an IT project purchase checklist?

I hope you have a great and productive week!

Cris

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Cisco builds on its industry-standard line of Integrated Services Routers with the 3800 series. These routers offer superior scalability and investment protection through their built-in modular design. Application Layer functions, intelligent network services, and converged communications provide a truly seamless, robust, intelligent routing solution. With added support for over 90 new and existing modules, the Cisco 3800 series will lower your TCO (total cost of ownership) while providing a voice, data, and security backbone for today’s growing business network infrastructure needs.

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Learning Center Article – Choosing the Right Network Card

When you think about networking, there’s a lot of focus on switches, panels, racks, cables, and the backbone infrastructure that makes it all work.

It’s easy to forget about devices that enable individual networking components to function. One such case is a network interface card (NIC). They allow your computerized devices to connect to the network, so they’re absolutely essential. Many devices have NICs built into them, which is why they are easy to overlook. But, there are times when you need to purchase NICs. When that happens, this guide will help you choose the right option.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• With no suspects or motive announced, the FBI is joining the investigation into power outages in a North Carolina county believed to have been caused by “intentional” and “targeted” attacks on substations that left around 40,000 customers in the dark Saturday night, prompting a curfew and emergency declaration.
• A child was killed and the body of a woman was found after the wreckage of a small airplane was discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. Crews were still searching for another person who may have been the pilot.
• OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei’s new startup wants to launch smartphones in the U.S. to take on Apple.
• Another Google service will soon join the company’s graveyard of apps. The search giant quietly announced this week it is shutting down Duplex on the Web.