CablesAndKits Blog

Today celebrates a simple classic. National Shortbread Day honors the buttery Scottish treat that has been enjoyed around the world for generations. Whether paired with coffee or enjoyed on its own, it is a reminder that sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying. Do you prefer shortbread plain or with a twist?

In This Issue: Grateful for 2025, Ready for 2026 | Deal of the Day | Mini DisplayPort Adapter | Cat7 Ethernet | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Grateful for 2025, Ready for 2026

Good Morning, happy Tuesday, & Happy New Year! I can hardly believe we are now in 2026, but I’m not mad about it!

Truthfully, 2025 was a surprisingly wonderful year for me. It started out with a lot of uncertainty and exhaustion, but as it went on, it turned into one of the best years I’ve had. It was the year that I met Josh, which was a wonderful surprise. It brought a steadiness and support to my life that I didn’t even realize I was missing!

If I had to pick a word that defined 2025, it would probably be clarifying. It was a year that brought a lot of things into focus for me, from my relationship with Josh, to family, and even to friends. I was able to realign my life around my priorities, which honestly meant choosing a calmer, quieter pace than I’ve had in the past. It’s been different for sure, but in a good way!

I’m excited as we head into 2026. I feel thankful for all the blessings the last year brought and look forward to being intentional in the new year!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

The latest MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air models feature a Mini DisplayPort, giving you the flexibility to connect an external display or projector with the help of an adapter. Whether you’re looking to extend your desktop for increased productivity, use an external display as your main workspace, or mirror your screen for presentations, this feature makes it easy to get the most out of your Mac’s display capabilities.

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Learning Center Article – Cat7 Ethernet: Beginning & End

Cat7 Ethernet has been a staple in networking for decades. When copper cables can provide enough throughput, they tend to be much cheaper and easier to use than other connection types. Ethernet is the king of simplicity, and that’s a major part of why it is so popular.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Tesla rival Lucid unveils self-driving car for Uber robotaxi service. 
• ​Radar cameras in this state can now give you a ticket, no cops involved.
• ​​​​​Alaska Airlines’ Starlink rollout is moving faster than originally expected.

The first Monday of the new year is here, and today invites us to lean into a fresh start. National Thank God It’s Monday Day is all about bringing energy, optimism, and a positive mindset into the week ahead. What is one thing you are looking forward to as the year gets underway?

In This Issue: Back to Basics for the New Year | Deal of the Day | Active Optical Cable | Do Ethernet Couplers Reduce Speed? | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Back to Basics for the New Year

Happy Monday, and welcome to the New Year!

As we step into a new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to approach it. Instead of making big, sweeping New Year’s resolutions that tend to fizzle out after a few weeks, I’m focusing on a simple theme for the year: back to basics. For me, that means taking a closer look at my habits and goals and breaking them down to their roots. I want to be more intentional and really question whether the steps I’m taking are necessary or actually helping me move in the right direction. It’s less about adding new things and more about simplifying and refining what’s already there. I already have so many habits and things I do on the daily, it’s time to trim and optimize.

This feels more like a mental shift than a checklist, and I think that approach will be more sustainable in the long run. Instead of measuring success by how much I change, I’m hoping to measure it by how consistently I show up and make thoughtful choices throughout the year. I think it’ll be less discouraging than setting up a big lofty goal and just ending up forgetting about it or failing big at it after month 2.

So as we kick things off, I’m curious. What is your theme for the year?

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 Cisco®-compatible 25GBASE SFP28 solution delivers high-density, low-power 25 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for data center and high-performance computing applications. Built on the SFP28 form factor and tested for compatibility with Cisco SFP28 ports, it supports flexible rack-to-rack configurations and high-bandwidth network deployments.

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Learning Center Article – Do Ethernet Couplers Reduce Speed?

An Ethernet coupler is a fairly simple device. It allows you to connect two Ethernet cables together, end-to-end. The basic idea is that you can extend the length of a cable, since splicing two Ethernet cables together doesn’t really work.

A coupler has a female RJ45 port on both sides, so you simply plug your two cables into the coupler, and they can now run the same signal and connection. That’s all it takes.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day

• OpenAI may buy Pinterest — and it could change how we search, shop and scroll. 
• ​Major airline expands passenger test that holds flights to help prevent missed connections.
• This robotic surgery stock could be a $1M payoff for patient holders.

The first Friday of 2026 has arrived, bringing a fresh start and plenty of possibilities. Whether you are easing back into routine or jumping into new goals, today is a great time to set the tone for the year ahead. What are you most looking forward to in 2026?

In This Issue: New Light, New Year | Deal of the Day | DB9 Serial Cable | Guide to Fixture Joint Termination | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – New Light, New Year

Welcome to the first Friday of the new year!

This Christmas looked a little different for us this year, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. We spent our first unconventional family Christmas in Chattanooga, just me, my wife, and the kids. No routines, no usual distractions, just new sights and time together. Being fully present with the people I love most filled a part of me I didn’t even realize was running low.

The Aquarium was our first stop, and it was massive, way bigger than I expected. Everywhere we turned there were incredible displays and some of the most beautiful fish I’ve ever seen. It felt peaceful and awe-inspiring at the same time. Next up was the Zoo. It may not have completely blown us away, but it was still worth the visit. The red pandas absolutely stole the show and ended up being the highlight of the day.

One of the most memorable nights was visiting the Christmas lights at Rock City. The Fairytale Caverns were unreal. Every turn revealed childhood fairy tales glowing under blacklights, bringing a wave of nostalgia in the coolest way. The SkyBridge was a whole different story. It was terrifying, but standing there and looking out over Chattanooga at night somehow made every shaky step worth it.

Then there was Ruby Falls. Walking through the cave system to get there made the experience even better. When we finally reached the waterfall, it stopped us in our tracks. One of those moments where you don’t say much, you just stand there and take it all in.

Eventually, it was back to reality, back to work, and back to the everyday rhythm. But those memories came with me and helped ease us back into routine. We wrapped it all up by ringing in the New Year with friends and family, grateful for what was and hopeful for what’s ahead.

2025 brought new friends and new light into our lives. I’m praying that 2026 brings all of that, and even more.

Matthew

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Ensure reliable data transfer with this DB9 male to female serial cable, designed for connecting compatible devices and equipment. The 6 ft length provides flexible reach, making it ideal for configuring, managing, or maintaining serial-based systems.

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Learning Center Article – Step-by-Step Guide to Fixture Joint Termination

When it comes to electrical work or networking installations, knowing how to properly terminate fixture joints is essential. Not only does it ensure everything runs smoothly, but it also keeps you safe and helps avoid costly mistakes down the road. In this guide, we will learn the step-by-step process of fixture joint termination, covering the tools you need, the methods you can use, and some common mistakes to avoid.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• 2026 is coming for big tech and AI with a battery of new laws. 
• ​Quantum computing finally works, now the stocks must prove it.
• ​​​​​​BYD overtakes Tesla as China reshapes the global EV race.

Wishing you a happy New Year filled with joy and fresh beginnings. Please note that our office will be closed on January 1st as we celebrate the holiday. We look forward to connecting with you in the new year! 🎉

In This Issue: A Sweet Christmas and a Gentle Shift to the New Year | Deal of the Day | Surge Protector Power Strip | Interconnect and Cross Connect Basics | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – A Sweet Christmas and a Gentle Shift to the New Year

Good Morning & Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is enjoying a little time relaxing during this last week of the year!

I had a really sweet Christmas this year. I got to have my nieces over for a few days before Christmas and we tried to make the most of our time. We did some shopping, lots of eating, and enjoyed some Christmas festivities in a neighboring town. On Christmas Eve we did our traditional family gathering where we eat a breakfast dinner and open presents. It’s always such a joy to watch the kids open their things and see the pure joy and excitement on their faces!

Christmas day was pretty low key for us. Normally we get together with my extended family, but it just didn’t work out this year so we opted for a small, casual family gathering at my house instead. I made sliders and some finger food… nothing special but it was nice to all be together! I’ll admit, though, that I was very tired when all was said and done!

It’s kind of funny how, for all the build up to Christmas, it seems to end so abruptly. I’m already taking down the decorations and starting to shift my focus to the new year. I’ll certainly miss the holiday season, but I’m genuinely excited for what 2026 has in store!

Rebecca

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

Protect your devices with this compact surge protector power strip featuring six 15A outlets for reliable power distribution. The 3ft cord offers flexible placement, making it ideal for home, office, or workstation setups while safeguarding electronics from power spikes.

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Learning Center Article – Interconnect and Cross Connect Basics for Data Centers

Designing a data center is no easy task. Large numbers of very powerful devices need to be able to communicate freely and securely. There’s a lot to consider. That said, you can break the total design down into smaller elements to make the task more manageable. One way to do that is to learn about connection techniques that can help equipment groups communicate effectively.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• 50M Hulu users hit with ‘auto-cancel’ deadline as Disney absorbs platform. 
• ​US approves license for Samsung and SK Hynix to send chipmaking tools to China in 2026.
• ​​​​​​Meta buys AI startup Manus, adding millions of paying users.

The last Monday of 2025 is here, offering a moment to pause and look back before the new year begins. Whether you are tying up loose ends, setting intentions, or simply enjoying a slower pace, today is a natural checkpoint. How are your preparations for the New Year coming along?

In This Issue: Grateful for the Season and Hopeful for What’s Next | Deal of the Day | Yealink Conference Phone | Campus LAN Switch | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Grateful for the Season and Hopeful for What’s Next

Happy Monday!

We’ve had a really great Christmas break and have enjoyed slowing down a bit as a family. One of our favorite simple things to do has been driving around neighborhoods and checking out everyone’s Christmas lights. It’s one of those traditions that never gets old.

Christmas itself was wonderful. My oldest has been talking about 3D printing since the beginning of the school year, so she was completely shocked and thrilled when she opened a 3D printer on Christmas morning. We’ve been printing things all week and learning firsthand that not every print comes out perfectly. That’s part of the fun though, figuring things out as you go.

The kids also get the joy of celebrating Christmas multiple times. We had celebrations with grandparents, one with a close family friend, and we still have another one coming up. I don’t think they’re complaining about that at all.

I’ve also been doing a bit of reflecting on the year and mentally preparing for 2026. It still sounds like we’re living in the future, but with all the AI and robotics technology coming out, it really does feel that way. On the day after Christmas, our church officially passed its final inspections and received its certificate of occupancy. That was a huge moment. We’ve been working toward this building for about four years, and while there are still a few finishing touches, it’s finally ready to be used. It’s an exciting season for us.

As we head into the new year, I’m feeling really optimistic. 2026 is shaping up to be a great year.

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

The Yealink CP925 is a touch-enabled HD conference phone for small to medium meeting rooms, offering clear, natural audio with 7 built-in microphones. Its sleek, spill-resistant design and fingerprint-resistant display provide easy, professional meeting control, while Bluetooth connectivity supports seamless hybrid UC conferencing.

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Learning Center Article – What is a Campus LAN Switch & How are They Used?

Designing a campus network is not a small task. Just browsing campus LAN switches can feel like a lot of work. There is so much variety that it becomes difficult to pick which devices are really right for your network.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be so hard. When you think about campus LAN switches in terms of where they fit in the greater network, it’s easier to filter search results and find the right product.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Blizzard warnings active as snowstorm barrels across northern US. 
• ​​​​​Bluebird 6: World’s largest commercial comms satellite launched by Starlink rival.​
• ​​​​​Intel completes $5 billion private share sale to Nvidia.

Friday is here, and today is National Thank-You Note Day, a reminder of the time-honored tradition of expressing gratitude for gifts, hospitality, and generosity. We want to take this moment to sincerely thank our readers and customers for your continued support and trust. That support is the best gift we receive every day, and we are truly grateful to have you as part of our community.

In This Issue: Finding Joy Despite It All | Deal of the Day | Wall Mount Bracket | 5 Common Network Switch Configuration Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) | News to Start Your Day

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The CK Daily – Finding Joy Despite It All

Happy last Friday of 2025, everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas spent with your families.

As for me, Christmas did not go exactly as planned. A situation came up that led us to cancel our Christmas party with our extended family on my mom’s side. It was disappointing, but it did not stop us from celebrating. We pushed through and still gathered on Christmas Day, December 25, with our immediate family, just without that one person.

We ended up spending Christmas at a nearby pool resort, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves since there were no other guests. The kids had a blast with the mini games I prepared, and the adults joined in too so everyone had a chance to win gifts. We even rented a karaoke machine for extra fun, since almost everyone in my family loves to sing, except me. 😄

By the time we got home, we were completely exhausted and sore, but our hearts were full. The memories we made, especially the smiles we shared that day, made everything worth it. I thank God for allowing us to still enjoy Christmas despite what happened the night before.

So, how was your Christmas?

Kat

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Deal of the Day

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Product Spotlights & Updates

This sturdy, universal wall mount solution will take nearly any 1RU (1.75″) device and safely secure it to the wall. With the 10 gauge steel construction and the included heavy-duty wall anchors, this device will handle just about anything you can throw at it or put on it. This is perfect for keeping network switches, power strips, patch panels, and other network devices safe from heat and damage, as well as helping you save space with its flush mount design.

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Learning Center Article – 5 Common Network Switch Configuration Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

When implementing network switches, seemingly minor configuration oversights can lead to significant performance issues, security vulnerabilities, or even complete network failures. Understanding these common pitfalls isn’t just about preventing problems – it’s about building a robust and efficient network that can scale with your organization’s needs. Let’s explore the five most common configuration mistakes that network administrators make when setting up switches, and provide practical solutions to avoid them.

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Today’s News to Start Your Day:

• Times Square to feature patriotic ball drop for New Year’s Eve, kicking off US’s 250th birthday. 
• Amazon wants more capacity but USPS auction could end $6 billion partnership​.
• ​​​​​Major airline is using AI to hold flights for passengers facing tight connections — but they’ll only wait for so long.