CablesAndKits Blog

Starting the week with a nostalgic classic. National Tootsie Roll Day celebrates one of America’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for over 130 years. Whether you grew up with them in your candy stash or still grab one now and then, it is a fun reminder of simple childhood favorites. Do you remember the last time you had a Tootsie Roll?

In This Issue: Big Kicks and Bigger Wins | Deal of the Day | AC Power Cord (L5-15P to L5-15R) | PC vs UPC vs APC | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Big Kicks and Bigger Wins

Happy Monday!

This weekend was a busy one. On Saturday my daughter had another belt test in karate. She was a little nervous going into it, but she pushed through and passed. It’s been really neat watching her overcome challenges in real time. For this test she had to break a board with a kick, and she nailed it on the first try. I was definitely a proud dad in that moment.

I can’t believe the Olympics are already over. It felt like they just started. I tried to catch as many events as I could and will probably go back and watch a few replays. The USA did a great job overall, and it’s always inspiring to see the level of dedication those athletes bring to their sport.

On Sunday I attended a Pokémon Symposium for judges. I recently became a Pokémon Professor and have been enjoying judging and helping organize local tournaments. The symposium was a six-hour session where we got to meet other judges in the region, exchange ideas, and ask questions to more seasoned folks. Afterwards about half of our group of 50 went out for Korean BBQ, which was a great way to wrap up the day. I have a feeling I’ll keep diving deeper into this hobby. More adventures to come on that later.

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

This heavy-duty NEMA L5-15P to L5-15R power extension cord is designed for IT, industrial, commercial, and non-domestic equipment applications. It extends the length of an existing power connection to provide greater installation flexibility.

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Learning Center Article – How to Choose the Right Fiber Connector: PC vs UPC vs APC

When joining fiber optic cables, connectors are everything. These highly sensitive networks live or die by how cleanly and efficiently the cables join inside of the connector. Because of that, there are many different connector designs, each catering to different uses and design philosophies.

One common philosophy is to focus on physical contact between the fibers. To combat that and the signal disruption that comes with air gaps, three types of physical contact connectors are used in a wide range of systems. These are PC, UPC, and APC connectors.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• OpenAI deepens partnerships with consulting giants to push enterprise AI beyond pilot. 
• Tech companies are making their robots cute to try to win over humans.
• ​Chinese engineers create robotic hands capable of performing delicate tasks like humans.

We are wrapping up the week with a reminder to slow down. National Comfy Day is all about getting cozy, taking a break, and giving yourself a moment to recharge. Whether that means comfy clothes, a warm drink, or a quiet night in, comfort counts. What is your favorite way to get comfy?

In This Issue: A Little Tradition from My Town | Deal of the Day | OM4 LC-LC Fiber Patch Cable | Do I Need the Latest Server? | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Little Tradition from My Town

TGIF! Hopefully you are almost done with your weekly tasks.

This week here in our area, we celebrated a festival called Boling-Boling. It is an old tradition that has been practiced since the time of our ancestors in Catanauan. The celebration runs from Sunday to Tuesday, and the next day is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season.

The word “Boling” means dirt. It may sound funny at first, but it actually has a deeper meaning. It reminds us that we are imperfect, that we make mistakes, and that we need to repent and spiritually cleanse ourselves as we prepare for Lent.

During Boling-Boling, the town feels like one big carnival. You will see people wearing colorful outfits, some dressed like clowns, and they throw powder as part of the tradition. Others walk around town in different costumes, and some even imitate personalities they want to poke fun at. It is lively, a little chaotic, and very much part of our local culture.

It is always interesting to witness how traditions like this are passed down from generation to generation.

Do you enjoy watching events like this? Here are some photos from the celebration.

Have a restful and enjoyable weekend!

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This laser-optimized OM4 50/125 multimode duplex fiber patch cable is built for high-speed 10G/40G networks and can support up to 100G in select applications. It features industry-standard LC duplex connectors with UPC polish and precision zirconia ferrules for durable, low-loss performance. The OFNR flame-retardant jacket makes it ideal for riser, backbone, and vertical installations.

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Learning Center Article – Do I Need the Latest Server?

Data centers aren’t cheap. Just the cost of power requirements for keeping your equipment running can be staggering. Adding the cost of new servers can often feel like too much. If you have high demands and a tight budget, you need a way to get more power and performance for every dollar spent. For most applications, the easiest way to do this is to look at refurbished servers and parts.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Amazon reports $716.9B in 2025 sales, edging out Walmart. 
• ​US economy slowed sharply in the fourth quarter, expanding at a rate of just 1.4%.
• AI job fears may be triggering a new mental health crisis, researchers warn.

We are nearly at the finish line for the week. Whether you are powering through your to-do list or taking things one step at a time, we hope today treats you well. What has been the best part of your week so far?

In This Issue: Season of Love | Deal of the Day | AC Power Cord (5-15-P to 5-15R) | Switch Stacking | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Season of Love

Good morning!

I hope you had a lovely Valentine’s Day, I know I did! Alex and I met up with his parents and grandparents for a quick brunch at a small Southern breakfast spot. It was a little in the middle of nowhere, but a delicious and great way to start the day.

After brunch, we took some time to just relax together before making an early steak dinner. UGA has a “meat sale” every Friday run by the College of Agricultural Sciences, and it’s one of the coolest things. Students are involved throughout the whole process, it supports the university, and the prices are better than the grocery store for fresh, local meat. We always take advantage of it when we’re in the mood to cook something special.

Dinner was delicious, and once we cleaned up, we ran out for dessert — Andy’s custard (although Culver’s will always be my number one 😉). The rest of the night was simple and exactly what we needed: watching Married at First Sight, staying off our computers, and just enjoying being present with each other.

Life can get so busy with school and work, but nights like that remind me how important it is to slow down and appreciate restful moments. We keep things simple, meaningful, and save fancy dinners for the future.

Here’s to the season of love!

Rachel

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This AC Power Cord is a compact and reliable power solution designed for various electronic devices. Featuring a 5-15R connector on one end and a 5-15P plug on the other, constructed with 16 AWG wire, this AC Power Cord ensures efficient power delivery and is suitable for a wide range of electronics. The 4-feet length provides a short and manageable extension, ideal for reducing cable clutter and maintaining an organized workspace.

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Learning Center Article – What is Switch Stacking & Why is it Important?

Switch stacking is commonly used in high-end networking, but many small and medium businesses are missing out on the technique. Taking a minute to learn more about it could reveal a better way to run your network that saves time and money while improving network functionality.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• ​eBay forecasts upbeat revenue, buys Depop to boost fashion presence. 
• Silicon Valley is building a shadow power grid for data centers across the US.
• DoorDash shares jump as delivery demand fuels growth forecast.

Midweek brings an important observance for many. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season for Christians and takes place 46 days before Easter. It is often a day of reflection, prayer, and setting intentions for the season ahead. Have a blessed Ash Wednesday. 🙏🏻

In This Issue: A CK Love Story | Deal of the Day | SC to SC Multimode Duplex Cable | Navigating Power Cord Attributes and Terminology | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A CK Love Story

Howdy, everyone! Ready for Part 2 of the love story I shared yesterday?

When our team met Angelina at the airport in 2018, they said it felt like connecting with a sister. There was instant camaraderie, shared jokes, and an easy understanding between them. They traveled together for nearly two weeks, sharing meals and experiences, and by the end of the trip, it was clear this was more than just a professional partnership.

After the team returned to the US, the group kept a chat going. From the outside, it was fascinating to see how quickly they had bonded. According to Craig, it was pretty obvious that Rod, one of our team members, and Angelina had formed a special connection. Group chats slowly turned into one-on-one conversations, and before long, a romantic relationship began to grow.

Rod and Angelina were married in the US in the fall of 2019, followed by a Chinese wedding in early 2020. Their first Lunar New Year in China was spent with Angelina’s parents in her hometown, and then COVID hit. What would normally have been a short visit turned into nearly a month together. Newlyweds. New country for Rod. Extended time with the in-laws. Can you imagine?

Their story gave me a deeper appreciation for what Lunar New Year typically represents: extended time off, traveling home, slowing down, and being with family.

In our nearly 25 years in business, we’ve seen so many life-changing moments within our team: friendships, weddings, babies. Rod and Angelina’s story is one of my favorites. Today they have a daughter, Annie, and we are always grateful when we get to see them. Now we love Annie just as much as we love and appreciate them.

I’m so glad we get to call this a “CK Love Story”.

[NOTE: This story and their pictures have been shared with permission.]

Christin

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

OM4 patch cables take all the benefits of OM3 fiber and increase the transmission bandwidth up to 40gbs, and in some cases 100gbs. OM4, like, OM3, is laser-optimized to give optimum performance and reliability. Unlike other old fiber types, OM4 has a higher attenuation that helps create lower losses over greater distances.

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Learning Center Article – Navigating Power Cord Attributes and Terminology

Navigating the jungle of terminology, acronyms, and part numbers can be daunting in the field of telecommunications. Anyone attempting to determine and buy cabling can attest to this. Improper data cabling will cause a logical error. With power cables, using the wrong type can cause physical failure such as fires and electrical shock.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Microsoft pledges $50 billion to tackle AI inequality as it warns of a ‘growing divide’. 
• ​Japan-built gas plant touted by Trump would be largest in the US.
• Ford to follow Tesla Cybertruck with electrical tech in new EV pickup.

Today highlights a humble but versatile ingredient. National Cabbage Day celebrates this garden staple that shows up in everything from hearty soups to classic corned beef and cabbage. Do you have a favorite cabbage recipe you would like to share?

In This Issue: Love and Lunar New Year | Deal of the Day | AC Power Cord | DVI Connectors | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Love and Lunar New Year

Happy Tuesday, friends! Coming off Valentine’s weekend, I wanted to share a fun CK love story with you.

Picture it: Georgia, 2018. (Golden Girls, anyone?) Craig, our CEO, and two members of our sourcing team are planning a trip to China. Somewhere a little late in the planning process, they realize they’ll need an interpreter to travel with them. Through a connection, they’re introduced to Angelina, a Chinese-born, English-speaking interpreter who works in translation and interpretation across several fields.

Angelina agrees to meet our team at the airport and travel with them. What they didn’t know yet was that this trip would become a turning point for one member of our sourcing team…

Before I tell you the rest of that story, there’s one more piece that connects to all of this: Lunar New Year.

Years ago, before we had suppliers in Asian countries, Lunar New Year wasn’t something that was really on my radar. I may have seen parades with big dragons or noticed Zodiac signs printed on placemats at my local Chinese restaurant, but I didn’t fully understand the traditions or how much it impacts the world.

Today, Lunar New Year impacts us in many ways. We plan around supplier shutdowns during celebrations, we have team members in the Philippines who celebrate, and we have dear friends living everyday life in China. Lunar New Year 2026 runs from February 17 to March 3, and during that time some of our team members will share how they celebrate in their country. I’m excited to learn more about their traditions!

Next time, I’ll tell you what happened when our team met Angelina at the airport…

Christin

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

With its universal compatibility, the AC Power Cord effortlessly connects to a wide range of devices. The space-saving design, featuring a C13 right-angle connector, ensures efficient placement even in tight spaces. Rest assured, its safety certified to meet rigorous standards, providing protection for your valuable equipment.

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Learning Center Article – Difference in DVI Connectors

The DVI connector usually contains pins to pass the DVI-native digital video signals. The DVI port on a device determines how it interfaces with various displays, making it essential to choose the correct connector. In the case of dual-link systems, additional pins are provided for the second set of data signals.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• SpaceX alumni raise $50 million for data center optical tech. 
• ​Data centers spark concerns over water, electricity costs.​
• China unveils low-cost electric SUV with 440-mile range, advanced driver-assist tech.

Starting the week with a national holiday. Presidents Day is observed on the third Monday in February. While it once honored Washington’s birthday specifically, it is now a day to reflect on U.S. presidents and the history they shaped. How are you spending Presidents Day this year?

In This Issue: Living That Soccer Life | Deal of the Day | Cisco Switch Bundle | SFP-10G-SR | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Living That Soccer Life

Good morning and happy Monday! Life is in full swing around here right now. It’s work plus full-on soccer life ⚽

Our son is playing high school soccer, and our daughter is juggling middle school soccer and club soccer. That means weeknights spent crisscrossing town for different practices and games, and weekends packed with travel across the Southeast for our daughter’s club matches. On top of all that, our son will be busy refereeing on the weekends too. He loves earning his own money and saving it, and I love watching him grow into that responsibility. It’s one of those funny joys of parenthood that I never imagined!

Right now, life really is work + soccer, but in April, things will finally slow down a bit, and I’m already counting down to warmer weather.

Mandy

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This Cisco Catalyst 9200L deployment kit delivers enterprise-class performance and scalability in one convenient package. It includes (1) C9200L-48P-4G-E 48-port PoE+ switch, (4) GLC-SX-MMD SFP transceiver modules, and (1) C9200L-STACK-KIT for seamless stacking and network expansion, making it ideal for secure and reliable access-layer deployments.

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Learning Center Article – What is the SFP-10G-SR?

The SFP-10G-SR is a 10G Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver which plugs into a network switch and provides 10 Gigabits of uplink capability. The “SR” in the model number stands for “short range”. These optics use multimode fiber over shorter distances, up to 300m.

Does the SFP-10G-SR include Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)?

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• ​Amazon now owns shares of Wall Street’s hottest quantum computing stock. 
• ​Trump reviews potential entry of Chinese automakers with US auto industry.
• Warner Bros weighs reopening sale talks with Paramount.