CablesAndKits Blog

Happy Friday, everyone! It’s time to kick off those work shoes and slide into a relaxing weekend. Whether you’re planning adventures or simply enjoying some well-deserved rest, may your weekend be filled with laughter, joy, and cherished moments.

In This Issue: Free Return Shipping | CAT8 Ethernet Cable | Advantages of Multi-Gigabit Switches in Business | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – Free Return Shipping

Happy Friday, folks! My wife & I recently visited the small town of Dahlonega, GA. It’s a neat town with some great places to eat. We also shopped in the small shops there. I remember walking into a store there (it might have been a consignment-style shop), and the store had signage all over the place saying “”no returns or exchanges.”” I immediately thought, I better know that I need something in here if I’m going to buy it.

That experience is rare for your brick & mortar stores now. However, when buying online, returns and exchanges are offered but most sites. What isn’t covered by most stores, though, is Free Return Shipping! Even Amazon now wants me to take my return back to a UPS Drop Off location or a Kohl’s.

Here at CablesAndKits, we know it can be challenging to project exactly what you need for a project. Or maybe you’re new to our list and still testing the waters. We get it (and we get IT). Just buy some extra cables or transceivers. We’ll give you a free return shipping label to send back the extra! 🚚

What stores have you purchased from that wowed you with their shipping or returns process?

Have a great weekend!

Chris

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

Our S/FTP (Each pair Foil shielded / 4 Pair Braid Shield) Booted Category 8 (Cat8) Ethernet Patch Cables are the newest addition to the network cabling family and have hit the ground running ! With the ability for 40gb and 2GHz bandwidth transmission over 20 meters, these network data cables are a Data Center Manager’s dream to handle the speeds that their network and users need. These patch cables are backward compatible with both Cat6 and Cat5e, and all previous categories.

---

Learning Center Article – Advantages of Multi-Gigabit Switches in Business

When it comes to computer systems and servers, you have a lot of data to manage. It’s normal to want robust backups so that you never lose important information. At the same time, backups are costly, and they can slow down server systems.

In order to find the best options for various goals, you can manage storage disks in a number of different ways, and one of the most trusted and popular options is to implement RAID.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Electric truck maker Nikola said on Friday that its CEO, Michael Lohscheller, will step down effective immediately due to a “family health matter.”
• Electric vehicle startup Fisker on Friday reported a second-quarter loss that was narrower than expected.
• Travelers are increasingly opting for destinations abroad at the expense of dometic trips.
• Laptops and tablets are among a handful of electronics that will require a license to be imported into India, according to a government notice published Thursday.

Happy Thursday & Happy National Watermelon Day! Watermelon is the perfect refreshing summertime treat, and since watermelon is 92% water, it is very satisfying in the summer heat. Enjoy! 🍉

In This Issue: Peace on the Lake | Cisco 3850 Accessory Kit | What is a RAID? | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – Peace on the Lake

Happy Thursday!

A few weeks back, I went on a relaxing tandem kayaking excursion on a lake. It was a day marked by harmony with nature and inner tranquility. I love connecting with nature. Being out in the water with nothing around us but sun and wildlife was exactly what I needed. While paddling through the water, my fiance and I found a serene spot in the shade and I lost myself in the pages of a book. The story blended seamlessly with the soothing background of lapping waves, birds, and a gentle breeze. I finally found the solace needed to unwind from a long week. It reminded me of the true power of nature and the beauty of this wonderful planet God created for us.

This experience will always serve as a timeless memory, proving that amidst life’s chaos, nature’s simple offerings can provide the much-needed balm for the soul. I find myself longing to go back for another relaxing day.

Joi

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cisco 3850 Accessory Kit provides all the necessary components for a basic installation and setup of a Cisco Catalyst 3850 switches. The kit includes a 19-inch rackmount, a power cord and a Usb console cable. Additional components such as network cables and transceivers may be required depending on the specific installation requirements.

---

Learning Center Article – What is a RAID?

When it comes to computer systems and servers, you have a lot of data to manage. It’s normal to want robust backups so that you never lose important information. At the same time, backups are costly, and they can slow down server systems.

In order to find the best options for various goals, you can manage storage disks in a number of different ways, and one of the most trusted and popular options is to implement RAID.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• ESPN has held talks with the NBA, NFL, MLB and the NHL on being minority partners in the network.
• The Writers Guild of America told striking screenwriters that Carol Lombardini, the studio negotiator, requested to talk Friday about the possibility of resuming negotiations with the guild.
• Qualcomm reported third-quarter earnings on Wednesday that beat Wall Street expectations, but revenue and guidance for the fourth quarter came up short.
• India is an important market for AMD to keep up with the growing demand for its products, the firm’s CTO told CNBC in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

Happy Wednesday! We’ve reached the midweek mark. Take a moment to acknowledge your progress and give yourself a pat on the back. Wishing you a happy Hump Day filled with productivity and a smooth journey towards the weekend. You’ve got this!

In This Issue: 17 of 26 and counting! 📖 | Cisco Meraki MX64 Security Appliance | What Is an SSD? | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – 17 of 26 and counting! 📖

Good morning, Happy Wednesday, & Happy August CK family! What a week.
As each new month arrives, I often find myself reflecting on my goal of reading 26 books this year. I used to read ALL the time until I went to grad school. Then, my joy of reading really fell off the deep end because I spent so much time reading textbooks, research papers, etc. But lately, I’ve been sparking the love that I used to have and lately, I’m on a role.

I’ve officially read 17 books. 9 more to go to reach my goal, and I’m feeling good about it. I’ve been keeping a running list of what I’ve read so far – here are my top 3 reccomendations:

The Tattooist of Aushwitz by Heather Morris
Don’t Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

Lately, I’ve also been really enjoying listening to audio books. I found myself spending more time than I wanted watching Netflix in the background while doing various things and decided that instead of doing that, I’d give audiobooks a try. I’ve enjoyed doing this! Do you like listening to audio books? If you’re anything like my husband, you might feel like you’re listening to a lecture but I think if you find a good one – they are fun to listen to!

I’m hoping I can continue to keep on track with completing my goal while welcoming a little one into the world – I’ll keep you updated as we approach the end of 2023.

Do you have a goal you’re working towards achieve by the end of the year?
Hope you have a wonderful week!

Ashley

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

The MX is 100% cloud-managed, so installation and remote management is truly zero touch, making it ideal for distributed branches, campuses, and data center locations. Natively integrated with a comprehensive suite of secure network and assurance capabilities, the MXeliminates the need for multiple appliances. These capabilities include application-based firewalling, content filtering, web search filtering, SNORT®-based intrusion detection and prevention, Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), site-to-site Auto VPN, client VPN, WAN and cellular failover, dynamic path selection, web application health, VoIP health, and more.

---

Learning Center Article – What Is an SSD?

When it comes to IT spending and getting the right hardware, it’s always a matter of knowledge. When you truly understand the risks and rewards of each purchasing decision, you can optimize your spending and get the most value out of your limited budget.

There are countless comparisons to make in this regard, which is why it’s always easier to break things down one concept at a time.
Today, we’re going to cover solid-state storage, or SSDs

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• CVS Health on Wednesday reported second-quarter earnings and revenue that beat expectations.
  Starbucks’ quarterly earnings topped Wall Street estimates, but the company’s sales were weaker than expected.
• Walmart is pushing into in-store advertising to capitalize on its huge reach and chase growth in higher-margin businesses.
• Amazon internal information is finding its way onto messaging apps such as Telegram, where brokers are selling data to third-party sellers.
• Google announced a reorganization within its Assistant unit as the company races to prioritize advancements in artificial intelligence, according to internal emails.

Happy Tuesday & Happy 1st Day of August! Can you believe it’s already August?! Time is flying by. What do you hope to accomplish this month?

In This Issue: Tis the Season? | Cisco Compatible Console Cable | Benefits of Cisco 3850 Switches | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – Tis the Season?

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday!

Hope everyone is off to a great start this week! It’s hard to believe we’ve already made it to August! I love the summertime and know we have many more weeks of hot temperatures to go, but it’s a fun time of year to start dreaming of Fall and, of course, college football season being right around the corner!

I went to Hobby Lobby over the weekend for the first time in a while and they have got SO MANY Christmas decorations out already! Like, what in the Mariah Carey is going on!? It’s hard for me to even think about Christmas when the heat index is over 100! I never remember seeing holiday items in stores in July until maybe a year or two ago. Apparently this practice of putting these items out earlier and earlier in the year is known as “Christmas creep,” and it’s not a new thing. Stores have been pushing Christmas sales earlier in the year for decades, but it seems like the “creep” became a “leap” in recent years due to being exacerbated by the pandemic.

I don’t know about you, but I just can’t get into the Christmas spirit in July! It seems like others must feel the same way because those aisles were empty over the weekend. Makes me wonder if retailers are about to find that the “line” for when to put this stuff out has been crossed and it’s time to move it back a little… or, on the flip side, if we’re all just weeks away from hearing “All I Want for Christmas is You” over the loudspeakers in stores!? It’s anybody’s guess!

Rebecca

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

Upgrade your network with our brand new 6 foot, Cisco Compatible Light Blue USB A to RJ45 Rollover Console Cable. These cables will console your IT network by helping you communicate and configure a networking device. Console cable utilizes USB 2.0 to facilitate the console function. The USB A portion attaches to the USB port of your computer or laptop and the RJ45 attaches to the device. This type of one piece cable replaces older “kits” that contained multiple cables and adapters. This newer type of console cable is compatible with most Cisco equipment.

---

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.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Combined, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” have grossed more than $1 billion globally.
  A $2 billion mega-deal between cannabis multistate operators Cresco Labs and Columbia Care has gone up in smoke more than a year after the companies announced the acquisition.
• The U.S. National Institutes of Health said it launched mid-stage clinical trials to test at least four treatments, including Pfizer’s antiviral Covid-19 pill Paxlovid, as potential therapies for long Covid.
• Apple’s iPhone 15 will reportedly feature some major changes.
• Elon Musk’s X Corp., formerly known as Twitter, erected a giant lighted X sign on the roof of its headquarters Friday.

Rise and shine, it’s Monday! Cheers to a week full of possibilities, opportunities, and full pots of coffee. Have a great week! ☕

In This Issue: End of Summer! | Yealink WH63 Convertible DECT Wireless Convertible Headset | How to use DAC Cables | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – End of Summer!

Happy Monday!

Summer’s coming to an end for my daughter, and she’ll be starting school this week. She’s excited to be going back, mostly excited about seeing all of her friends. It’s a little bittersweet for me, it’s a reminder that another year has passed, and another summer has ended, and I’m growing older and she’s growing older, and the world keeps turning and turning.

Sometimes I just want to stop time, stop her from growing up, but I know that’s part of life. That’s why it’s so important to not to take for granted the little things in life. The moments with your loved one. Didn’t mean to get too sentimental, but I think I feel this fleeting feeling at the start of every school year. One thing I am looking forward to along with the end of summer is the end of this scorching heat! I know many of you are in the same boat or even a worse boat, haha. Well I hope that the end of summer will bring you relief from the heat and that you have a great week!

Cris

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

The Yealink WH63 is an entry-level convertible DECT wireless headset that works seamlessly with major UC platforms. Additionally, it is Microsoft Teams certified. This plug-and-play headset provides crystal-clear audio thanks to the Yealink Super Wideband HQ Audio Technology and the Acoustic Shield Technology.

---

Learning Center Article – How to use DAC Cables

Fiber optic networking runs the world, but designing and maintaining a network is not a simple task. You’ll have to compare a lot of different equipment choices, and considering the power and equipment demands, it can be easy to go over your budget.

Finding ways to save money without sacrificing performance is essential, and one tool that can help you with this is the DAC cable.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• A bipartisan push in Washington to clamp down on credit card fees is pitting retailers like Walmart against network payment processors such as Visa.
• Meta users have less than one month left to apply for their share of a $725 million settlement over Facebook privacy violations.
• Meta now has an in-house studio dubbed Ouro Interactive that’s focused on making first-party VR games for Horizon Worlds.
• X, formerly known as Twitter, has officially retired its famous blue and white bird logo.

Happy Friday & Happy National Milk Chocolate Day! It’s the perfect day to indulge in the velvety smoothness of this beloved treat. Whether you prefer it in bars, truffles, or as a delightful coating, milk chocolate is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

In This Issue: Summer Memories! | Meraki 4/7 dBi Dual-Band Omni Antenna | What Is SD-WAN? | News to Start Your Day

---

The CK Daily – Summer Memories!

Happy Friday, folks! It’s the end of July, and we’re approaching the start of a new school year in our house! While we’re ready for the routine that comes with a school year, we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer. 🌞

We made many memories this summer and are already planning for next summer! We don’t typically go out further than a year to make plans. Do you plan out further than a year? Do you have a big trip planned?

I also like to take some time at the end of each season (or quarter) to think about the memories we made during that time. I always find that brings a sense of gratitude. What memories did you make this summer? Did you go somewhere for the first time? I’d love to hear about your summer!

Have a great weekend!

Chris

---

Product Spotlights & Updates

The Meraki MA-ANT-20 antenna is a multi-band, omnidirectional antenna designed for use with Meraki APs that have N-type connectors. Itis a versatile antenna and is suitable for a broad range of applications. Sold in sets of 2.

---

Learning Center Article – What Is SD-WAN?

Networking is already a vast topic, but when you’re trying to build a large network that doesn’t really fit into a single, centralized location, things get even more complicated.

To help you get ahead of the curve, this quick guide is going to discuss SD-WAN. It’s a powerful way to approach network design and management, and after you learn about it, it could save you a lot of time and money. It could also help you reimagine your whole network to great effect.

---

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• McDonald’s teased a new spinoff restaurant brand it’s creating. The company will test CosMc’s in a handful of sites in “a limited geography” in early 2024. CosMc is an alien from outer space who craves McDonald’s food and appeared in its advertisements decades ago.
• WhatsApp is making your conversations more fun with a new feature called instant video messages. It lets you record and send short video messages directly from the chat, similar to audio recordings. These videos can be up to 60 seconds long and appear circular in the chat.
• SpaceX was set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket and then a Falcon Heavy rocket from Florida as little as 45 minutes apart on Thursday evening. But SpaceX postponed the Falcon Heavy launch. Space. Force noted that the pair of SpaceX launches would have broken a record set by the Gemini 11 mission in September 1966.
• Ever since Apple introduced AirTags back in 2021 and disrupted the Bluetooth tracking market, there have been serious concerns about bad actors using them to invade others’ privacy. And although Apple devices receive alerts when an unknown AirTag is following them, Android users do not have such a feature. Now, in an effort to combat this issue, Google is finally rolling out the “unknown tracker alerts” feature, which aims to protect users from potential stalking attempts or unlawful activities involving Bluetooth tracking devices, including Apple AirTags.