Archives for September 2024

Ahoy, mateys! Wishing ye all a Happy Thursday and an even merrier Talk Like a Pirate Day! 🏴‍☠️ Whether ye be swabbin’ the decks or settin’ sail on new adventures, may your day be filled with treasure and smooth seas ahead.

In This Issue: Grateful Hearts | Deal of the Day | Cisco 3750X/3850 Stack Power Cable, 150CM | FAQ: MDF vs IDF | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Grateful Hearts

Happy Thursday! We hope you’re having a great week.

Gratitude is about recognizing and appreciating the good things in life, but we all know there are times when it’s hard to find those positives. Whether we’re dealing with stress, challenges, or just an off day, practicing gratitude can help us shift our focus. Even on difficult days, there are still moments—big or small—that can remind us of the good around us.

We asked you all as well as our team what you’re grateful for. Here are some of the responses:

• Finally getting a good night of sleep last night after a long stretch of rough nights/interrupted sleep!
• Some sunshine this morning and the cool weather this season is bringing.
• Soup season!!!!
• For our people and culture at CK. That absolutely everyone works hard to do their part to make / keep this company awesome!
• Successfully finding my favorite seasonal energy drink at the store yesterday (it’s like going on a treasure hunt to find it) so I will be well caffeinated today!
• My ideas are being implemented at work.
• I got to do some fishing this week!
• I’m going to go horseback riding soon in the mountains when the leaves are changing colors.
• For my family and friends! Life is so much better when sharing it with people you love.

Even when it’s hard, taking a moment to reflect on the positives can make a world of difference. We’re grateful for you!

The CK Team

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cisco 150cm Stack Power Cable connects multiple switches with StackPower technology in order to share power between them. Switches with StackPower Technology allow for power supplies to be stacked as a shared and common resource. By using this StackPower cable, you can connect switches with the StackPower technologies.

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Learning Center Article – FAQ: MDF vs IDF

In the world of IT, acronyms are everywhere. It can be hard to keep up, so sometimes, you need to break down the acronyms to solidify what they mean and why they matter.

Applying that idea, today, we’re going to talk about MDF and IDF. These are key areas in large-scale networks, and while they sound similar in name (and appear similar in function), the key distinctions between them mean everything.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• The WNBA is adding its 15th team in Portland. It is the league’s third new franchise as part of its most recent expansion effort. The team, which is yet to be named, will begin play in the 2026 season.
• YouTube announced artificial intelligence features for creators on its Shorts platform that tap into Google’s DeepMind video-generation model.
• Amazon is increasing wages for U.S. warehouse workers to more than $22 an hour. It is also adding a new employee perk that will give them a free Prime subscription.
• Engineers at NASA have successfully fired up a set of thrusters Voyager 1 hasn’t used in decades to solve an issue that could keep the 47-year-old spacecraft from communicating with Earth from billions of miles away.

Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway through the week and we hope it’s been a good one so far. If we can be praying for you this week, please let us know!

In This Issue: What are you grateful for? | Deal of the Day | HP BladeSystem 10GBase-SR SFP+ | NaaS (Networking as a Service) | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – What are you grateful for?

Happy Wednesday!

I’ll be honest, I don’t have lots to share today. For the past few weeks, I’ve been updating you on our grand travels. They were great, but I couldn’t be happier to be home. Last week we spent the week in the beautiful Florida Keys. I’ll always be grateful to know this place and admire it’s beauty. It’s a true blessing that my great-grandmother lived here for so many years and established all that she did for us to be able to enjoy.

It’s a big rainy here today, but I sure am soaking up the cooler temps. It was SCORCHING hot last week…like I’m talking 106-108 degrees. And the humidity was unreal. Anyway, here are a few things I’m grateful for this week:
New furniture that’s making this place start to feel like home.
Our little man! Life with him lately is just so unreal. The development over the last few months is actually shocking. And boy is walking a game changer. But…I wouldn’t want it any other way.
The falling leaves. There’s just nothing more beautiful than that start of leaves changing colors and falling…plus it brings all things apples and pumpkins and I’m a big fan.
Your turn! What are you grateful for this week?

Ashley

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The HPE 455883-B21 is an SFP+ transceiver module that provides 10GBase-SR connectivity using multi-mode fiber (MMF). The 455883-B21 module feautres duplex LC connectors and operates on an 850nm wavelength. This easy to install module is also hot-swappable so it can be switched out with ease.

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Learning Center Article – NaaS (Networking as a Service)

Networking can prove challenging, especially when your business and networking needs grow. It takes a lot of expertise, not to mention time, money, and energy to design, build, and maintain a professional network.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Krispy Kreme took the lead this year in terms of pumpkin spice season, launching their beloved Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte on a record early August 12
• Nerds is adding two new products to its lineup, and candy lovers are excited to try them out! The confection brand has announced the release of two limited-time Gummy Clusters flavors just in time for football season: Grape Strawberry Blitz and Berry Punch Rush.
• The Golden Arches is offering a golden deal for one day only. On National Cheeseburger Day, Sept. 18, McDonald’s customers who order using McDonald’s app can score a 50-cent Double Cheeseburger.
• Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines can go through with their planned merger, but they must maintain the value of their airline reward systems and preserve several key routes.

Happy Tuesday & Happy National IT Professionals Day! Today honors the venerable geeks of the world we all rely on to keep us connected. IT Pros…we love ya!

In This Issue: Taking the Stairs | Deal of the Day | 6U LINIER Fixed Wall Mount Cabinets | 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switches | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Taking the Stairs

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I know Ashley often shares what she’s reading in the CK Daily, so today I’m following her lead and talking about what I’m currently into! And by “reading,” I mean listening—because let’s be honest, audiobooks are so convenient!

I’ve been listening to “Take the Stairs” by Rory Vaden, and it’s really made me think about how I approach challenges. The book dives deep into the value of discipline and doing the hard things now to make life easier in the long run. Vaden emphasizes that successful people are the ones willing to do what others won’t in the short term so they can have what others can’t in the long term.

The idea of “taking the stairs” is a great metaphor for choosing the harder, but ultimately more rewarding, path. It’s been a helpful reminder that while shortcuts might seem appealing, they often lead to mediocre results. Real success is built on consistent effort and facing the tasks we’d rather avoid.

While I’m all for books on discipline and hard work, I also believe in working smarter, not harder. It’s important to push through discomfort, but we should also be seeking out more efficient ways to get things done. My takeaway so far is that both discipline and smart strategies play a key role in achieving success!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The 6U LINIER Fixed Wall Mount Cabinet with a vented door is a wall-mounted equipment enclosure used for securely mounting your network equipment, servers and cabling. The cabinet features a rack depth of 22.5 inches with a space for 6 Rack units. The cage nut style rails allow an adjustment of 1 inch to fit in equipment of various depths. Moreover, extra rails are available for devices that require 4-point mounting.

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Learning Center Article – 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switches

In today’s tech-driven world, a reliable network is crucial for businesses of all sizes. 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switches are essential for expanding network capacity and boosting performance. It ensures seamless communication and data transfer. With so many options available, choosing the right switch can be overwhelming.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• A full moon on Tuesday will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse, giving people in North America, South America, Africa and Europe a chance to see part of the moon’s surface obscured by Earth’s shadow.
• Amazon is using generative AI to drive more same-day shipping using smarter robots and better routes.
• Airbus Ventures, one of the most prolific investors in space startups, has raised a $155 million fund that it plans to deploy across the burgeoning space sector, as well as the broader “deep tech” ecosystem.
• Jordan Chiles appeals to Swiss supreme court to reclaim Olympic bronze medal.

Happy Monday! We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Did you do anything exciting? We’d love to hear about it!

In This Issue: Oreo Coke…Did you give it a try? | Deal of the Day | HDMI to DVI-D Cable w/ Latched Gold Plated Connectors | The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Client-Server Networks | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Oreo Coke…Did you give it a try?

Happy Monday!

I tried the new Oreo flavored Coke so you don’t have to. Surprisingly the Oreo flavor stands out pretty decently, but I still found this particular flavor to be a little weird. It’s like they mixed vanilla coke with a little bit of artificial chocolate. It’s better than some of the other coke flavors, but it doesn’t hit like the classic flavor, at least that’s my opinion of it.

Other than that, I had a very quiet weekend of house cleaning and watching the Pokémon TCG Baltimore regional championships. My daughter went to a Gwinnett Braves game with her Grandmother and came home with a baseball in hand. A foul ball was hit in her direction and a kind man gave her the baseball when she wasn’t able to catch it. Definitely a solid memory of hers for sure! Looking forward to cooler weather this week and some fall festivities coming up.

I hope you have a great day and a wonderful week!

Cris

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

HDMI to DVI-D cables provide an interface between any HDMI-enabled audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, and A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor or projector.

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Learning Center Article – Understanding Client-Server Networks

In today’s digitally interconnected world, client-server networks have become the backbone of modern businesses. Whether you’re streaming your favorite show on Netflix or accessing critical data in the cloud, client-server networks are at work behind the scenes, ensuring the seamless flow of information. But what exactly are client-server networks, and why are they essential for businesses?

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Disney and DirecTV reached an agreement to end a blackout in time for college football on Saturday.
• The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of a Tesla Semi crash and fire that closed an artery of California’s Interstate 80 last month for 15 hours. In a preliminary report, the NTSB said it took CAL Fire 50,000 gallons of water to extinguish the flames.
• More than 30,000 Boeing workers, members of the company’s biggest unionized group, walked off the job early Friday after staff rejected a new labor contract and approved a strike with a 96% vote.
• Pfizer said its experimental drug for a common, life-threatening condition that causes cancer patients to lose their appetite and weight showed positive results in a midstage trial. Patients with the condition, called cancer cachexia, who took Pfizer’s treatment saw improvements in body weight, muscle mass, quality of life and physical function.

Happy Friday! Whether you’re wrapping up the workweek or gearing up for a weekend adventure, remember to take a moment to enjoy the little things that bring you joy. Cheers to a fantastic Friday and an even better weekend ahead!

In This Issue: Navigate Recovery: A Cause Close to Our Hearts | Deal of the Day | Kendall Howard Desktop CPU Wall Mount Shelf | Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Guide | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Navigate Recovery: A Cause Close to Our Hearts

Happy Friday!

At CablesAndKits, we believe in supporting our community and uplifting those who need it most. That’s why we are proud to support Navigate Recovery Gwinnett, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families impacted by addiction. Their mission is to provide hope and support through peer-led recovery coaching, resource navigation, and educational programs, all designed to foster a path to long-term recovery.

Tomorrow they are hosting a 5k. You can find more info here if you’re interested in participating. What nonprofits do you and/or your team support?

We hope you have a wonderful weekend!

The CK Team

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Kendall Howard’s Desktop/Tower Wall Mount CPU Brackets are designed to get the computer off the floor and the desktop. The brackets make it easy to secure and mount any desktop PC to the wall or side of the desk. The included velcro strap secures the PC to the bracket.

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Learning Center Article – Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Guide

As technology advances, the choice between single mode and multimode fiber optics is becoming crucial for businesses in 2024. While single mode excels in specific applications, the multimode also offers unique advantages appealing to diverse networking needs.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• As we approach soup season, the Campbell Soup Company is dropping the soup. On Sept. 10, the Campbell Soup Company held its Investor Day in New York City and, in addition to discussing its progress up to this point, the company’s management team spoke about its next era — which includes a new name.
• A pair of rare Amur tiger cubs are making their public debut at the Minnesota Zoo, raising hopes for preserving an endangered species that’s native to far eastern Russia and northern China.
• United Airlines will start testing Starlink’s satellite Wi-Fi on its flights early next year.
• The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday it has approved a piece of software that will transform the latest model of Apple’s AirPods Pro earbuds into over-the-counter hearing aids.

Happy Thursday & Happy National Day of Encouragement! This day is dedicated to uplifting people around us and making a positive impact. How can you leave a positive impact on someone today?

In This Issue: The Evolution of Network Cables! | Deal of the Day | HDMI High Speed AOC Cable, 4K | What Is An Optical Transceiver? Types And Benefits | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – The Evolution of Network Cables!

Happy Thursday!

Who remembers the early days of networking when Cat5 cables were the ultimate solution for every setup? Those were the days of dial-up internet, chunky desktop computers, and the thrill of connecting to the web at lightning-fast speeds—by 1990s standards, of course! As we look back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come.

Fast forward to today, and we’re all about Cat6, Cat6a, and even the mighty Cat8 cables, not to mention fiber optics that send data flying across the world in the blink of an eye. With each evolution, we’ve embraced faster speeds, better performance, and smarter networks. And CablesAndKits has been here through every twist and turn, helping you keep up with the ever-changing world of connectivity.

Feeling nostalgic for those classic days of Cat5? Or maybe you’re eager to explore the future with our in-stock selection of cutting-edge cables? Whatever your network needs, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get IT done—yesterday, today, and into the future!

The CK Team

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Get the ultimate in quality and compatibility with this Ultra High Definition Shielded Plenum HDMI AOC Cable. It transmits audio and video signals at high speeds and supports up to 4K @ 60Hz. Unlike traditional copper cables, this AOC cable boasts a thin and lightweight design with increased flexibility and an extremely tight bend radius of 5mm. It’s perfect for a wide range of uses from AV installation to home theaters and more!

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Learning Center Article – What Is An Optical Transceiver? Types And Benefits

Ever wondered what makes high-speed internet and data centers work so efficiently? At the heart of these operations are optical transceivers, small devices crucial for modern communication networks. They convert electrical signals into optical signals, enabling fast and reliable data transmission over fiber optic cables.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• The 40th MTV Video Music Awards were chock-full of performances and peppered with memories of the award show’s storied four-decade history. Read more here.
• Four private citizens orbiting Earth in a SpaceX capsule made history Thursday by completing the world’s first all-civilian spacewalk.
• A new Happy Meal collaboration is coming to McDonald’s — and this one should fit just right. The Chicago-based burger chain announced Wednesday that beginning next week, it will launch a Crocs Happy Meal for a limited time.
• General Motors and Hyundai Motor said they have entered into an agreement to explore “future collaboration across key strategic areas” in an effort to reduce capital spending and increase efficiencies.