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CK Daily – 05.24.2021

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In This Issue:Cisco 2960-X Series 24 Port Lan Lite Switch | What is Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing Technology? | News to Start Your Day

Happy Monday and Happy National Scavenger Hunt Day! Today is a great day to adventure out and find random items all in the name of good fun. What’s one of the most exciting things you’ve found on a grand scavenger hunt? We’d love to hear about it!

The CK Daily – Healing Power of Water

Happy, Happy Monday, CK Fam!!

From anywhere in the midwest to the east coast, the last few days and upcoming week are providing some very hot weather. Many  of us wish away the cold weather in the winter, get about 2-3 weeks of nice 60s-70s and then it becomes scorched plains 80s and 90s with high humidity and we begin to wish away the heat. Personally, I love having the four seasons and fluctuating weather, always trying to turn lemons into lemonade on those rough weather days.

When it gets very hot, like it was this weekend and upcoming week will be – I always try to remind myself of the healing power of water. This USA Today article really sums it up well: 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2017/11/13/blue-mind/857903001/

Being in, on, near, or under water benefits the mind and body. So on these scorching days, get to a body of water, a river, lake, pond, pool, or beach- and give yourself the mental or physically break (or both) you need to reset.

Have a blessed and wonderful Monday,

Corey 

Product Spotlights & Updates:

Happy Monday! Today we are spotlighting the Cisco 2960-X Series 24 Port Lan Lite Switch, WS-C2960X-24TS-LL and it’s 15% off this week! This beast of a switch has 24 ports with two 1 Gig SFP ports with LAN Lite software.

Cisco has always done an amazing job with catering to small and medium-sized business. The Cisco 2960-X series is another generation that was added to the already popular 2960 and 2960S series that will enable the typical small to medium-sized business to function at an enterprise level without the enterprise budget. The 2960-X series switches offer a fixed configuration of Ethernet switches that are not only Gigabit, but also stackable in most cases. The 2960-X was specifically designed for easy deployment and operational efficiency. These switches are also energy cautious and have a large range of IOS software features.

Within the 2960-X family, the switches come in either 24 or 48 variations and have gigabit Small Form Factor (SFP) or 10G SFP+ uplinks. Each switch is equipped with FlexStack Plus. This enables the switch to be stacked up to eight switches and can produce 80 Gbps of stack throughput. Along with stacking, each unit will feature USB and Ethernet managed interfaces, LAN Base or LAN Lite, and energy management features. Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) is available on most models.

Switching capacity on the 2960-X series come in twenty-two percent higher than the 2960-S units as they have a total capacity of 216 Gbps. Each switch will offer either two 10 gig uplinks or four 1 gig uplinks and zero-touch configuration as well as IOS software updates when you are deploying the 2960-X switch.

What is Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing Technology? – CK Learning Center

No matter what kind of network you maintain, you always have the same demands: more speed, less cost, and larger capacity. For any network with heavy demands on data and/or distance, this always results in implementing fiber optics. This is technology that grows and shifts every day, and it can be exhausting to stay on top of the mountains of information out there. To help with that, a few simple explanations of popular fiber optic tech can make your life a lot easier. In that effort, today’s lesson is on CWDM technology. It’s one of several fiber optic cable choices, and it can fill many roles.

What Is CWDM?

The acronym stands for Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing. As the name states, it is a form of multiplexed fiber optics, so CWDM networks can send simultaneous, two-way communication. The term “coarse” refers to the wavelength spacing between channels. CWDM utilizes laser signals that differ in increments of 20 nm. A total of 18 different channels are available — with a wavelength range from 1610 nm to 1270 nm — and 8 can be utilized in a single system. Since each channel is capable of data rates of 3.125 Gbps, the aggregate ability is 10 Gbps for any CWDM cable.

Sometimes, it’s easier to understand the value of a piece of technology by comparing it to alternatives. In wavelength division multiplexing, DWDM (Dense WDM) is the other popular choice. DWDM has a wavelength spacing of 0.4 nm. That enables a denser packing of signals (hence the name) and can produce much higher data rates — up to 100 Gbps. The primary difference between CWDM and DWDM is that chromatic spacing. While DWDM can send and receive more information, the smaller differences reduce the tolerance of the signal and require far more precision in the laser design. This is why DWDM is much costlier per foot of cable than DWDM.

Where Is CWDM Best Used?

With high data rates, a low cost and good transmission range (up to 60 km), CWDM shines in many instances. It’s best at city-level applications. Many broadband internet providers build the bulk of their infrastructure on CWDM lines. Large campuses and data centers also benefit from integrating CWDM.

One of the often overlooked advantages of coarse WDM is its compatibility with both GBIC and SFP connections. This makes it ideal for upgrading legacy systems that still use the older interface.

To summarize, CWDM is ideal for fast and long networks that don’t need more expensive speeds. It’s also ideal for a gradual upgrade of older systems.

The most important thing to remember is that you never have to marry a cable choice. Networks are living animals, and you’ll always find various niches within the design. CWDM can be your flexible line that keeps your options open, but you can still utilize other cable designs where the need arises.

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, active COVID cases are on a decline and are reported at 5,790,408.
  • Covid cases in the U.S. have dropped to their lowest level in nearly a year, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The declining cases come as many Americans plan to travel, spend days at the beach and gather with friends and family over the summer. 
  • NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover took this 360-degree panoramawhile atop “Mont Mercou,” a rock formation that offered a view into Gale Crater below. The panorama is stitched together from 132 individual images taken on April 15, 2021, the 3,090th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. The panorama has been white-balanced so that the colors of the rock materials resemble how they would appear under daytime lighting conditions on Earth.
  • Phil Mickelson, 50, wins the PGA Championship to become the oldest major champion in golf history.
  • Virgin Galactic took a step closer to completing development of its space tourism system on Saturday, successfully flying its first spaceflight in more than two years. The company’s spacecraft, named VSS Unity, was carried up to an altitude of about 44,000 feet by a carrier aircraft called VMS Eve. The aircraft then released the spacecraft, which fired its rocket engine and accelerated to more than three times the speed of sound.

CK Daily – 05.21.2021

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In This Issue: 50ft, CAT5e Ethernet Patch Cable, Half-Moon, Booted | 7 Ways to Build Greatness | News to Start Your Day

Happy Friday and Happy National Pizza Party Day! Whether you’re in the office or still working from home, today is a day to extoll all the qualities of pizza! What are your favorite pizza toppings? 

The CK Daily – How do you manage your day?

Hey there folks! Another week has passed, and this one FLEW by! Even though this week has gone by in a blur, I know that I made progress on a few big things. Until a few years ago, I didn’t have a weekly routine to define priorities for the coming week. The weeks flew by then as well, and I wasn’t always sure that I had invested my time into the highest impact things. It was easy to say “yes” to whatever request came my way. You ever felt like this?

Then I learned about the Full Focus Planner (no, I’m not getting paid to put this here). The critical thing the planner has taught me was to take one hour EVERY week and review the last week and pick the one to three things that I must move forward this week. I find the review time immensely valuable now! I think about the wins from the past week and also think about the areas I could improve. And I have a unique set of post-it notes that I only write the one to three things on that must move forward this week. This post-it note gets put in a prominent place on my desk so that it’s easy to see!

What ways have you found to improve your focus and productivity?

Chris

Product Spotlights & Updates:

Friday is finally here and today we are highlighting the 50ft, CAT5e Ethernet Patch Cable, Half-Moon, PC5-YL-50.

Our Snagless CAT5e Ethernet cables are made with the highest quality copper wire construction to support networking Gigabit Ethernet speeds (up to 1000 Mbps) over short distances. This makes these patch cables perfect for general use, and are the most popular network cable for home or office networking.

The molded half-moon boots, referred to as “Standard boots”, on our CAT5e cables are specifically designed to prevent catching when being manipulated in hard-to-reach areas. 

CablesAndKits’ ethernet cables are individually bagged and labeled in clean, clear packaging, which makes them easy to store and the length and type is easily identifiable.

This week, enjoy 15% off! Grab one while you can!

7 Ways to Build Greatness – The Jon Gordon Blog

Today’s encouragement is from Jon Gordon’s blog. You can read the full post here.

1) Design Your Masterpiece – In order to build something, you must first design it. You must know what you want to build. You must have a vision of the masterpiece you are creating. If you can see it, you can create it. If you have a vision you also have the power to make it happen. The key is to be intentional and decide what you truly want to build and create.

2) Work Your Craft – You don’t master your craft or build a masterpiece overnight. It takes a lot of years, hard work, sweat, and tears. It’s why Michelangelo said, “If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.” It’s a process that requires you to continuously work at your craft in order to improve and grow. A great example of this is Pablo Casals, the famous cellist, who was asked at the age of 90 why he continued to practice. He said, “Because I think I’m making progress.” If you want to master your craft you have to be willing to show up each day and do the work that greatness requires.

3) Build With Optimism – When a craftswoman is building something, she is so focused on creating her vision and masterpiece that she is filled with optimism and belief about what she is building. While there are challenges during the building process the craftswoman uses those challenges as opportunities to innovate and adapt. You must believe in what you are building and find a way to get it done. What you believe determines what you create. So, make sure you maintain your belief and optimism as you build greatness.

4) Love It – The famous opera singer Luciano Pavarotti was asked about his exceptional discipline to continuously work on his craft. He said, “People think it’s discipline but it’s not discipline. It’s devotion.” As a craftsman, it’s your love and devotion that will drive your discipline. Your love for what you do will drive you to build greatness. If you don’t love it you’ll never work to be great at it. This means if you want to become a master of your craft then make sure you choose a craft you love. If you love it you’ll be more likely to invest the time to work your craft and be devoted to it.

5) Care More – The difference between just showing up to build something and intentionally creating a masterpiece is reflected in the heart, soul, passion, and care that you put into what you are building. If you care more you will do more, give more and create more. To build something great you must care more about what you are building than all of the distractions vying for your attention. Distractions are the enemy of greatness and if you care about your craft you won’t let these distractions get in the way of your growth.

6) Create Inside-Out – A craftsman creates from the inside out. From their spirit, heart, soul, and essence inside them, they create the masterpieces we see in the world. It’s the same way with your life or anything you create. What you see in your outer world is a reflection of your inner world. There’s a word called Meraki. It means to do something with love, creativity, and soul; to leave a piece of yourself in your work; to leave something behind. Being a craftsman/craftswoman is all about Meraki. Put your love and soul into it. Leave a piece of yourself in whatever it is you are building. Leave something behind. Create a masterpiece that reflects the essence of your love, energy, effort, and craft.

7) Take on New Challenges – A craftsman always wants to make their next work their best work and they’re willing to take on new challenges in order to grow. I read a piece by Charles Killian where he shares the story of Donatello rejecting a three-ton block of marble stone because it had too many flaws and cracks in it. The haulers decided to bring it to Michelangelo to see if he wanted the stone. Michelangelo inspected the stone and discovered the flaws and cracks in it as well. But he decided to do something with it. He thought it would be a challenge to his craftsmanship. From that flawed block of marble, he would go on to create the statue of David, the greatest art treasure in the world.

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, active COVID cases are on a decline and are reported at 5,871,914.
  • You can now take a ride in Jeff Bezos’ rocket ship for $2.8 million. Online bidding for the coveted inaugural spot about Blue Origin’s New Shepard will continue until June 19th 
  • Amazon will discontinue its standalone Prime Now app and website by the end of this year. The service launched in 2014 as a way for Prime members to get one- or two-hour delivery on a range of goods, from household essentials and books to toys or groceries. Shoppers will still be able to get fast delivery on the Amazon app or site.
  • The U.S. government has seized almost 70 big cats from an Oklahoma animal park operated by a star of “Tiger King.” Sixty-eight lions, tigers and lion-tiger hybrids, and one jaguar, were taken from Tiger King Park in Thackerville, which is run by Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe.
  • Snap announced a new version of its Spectacles smart glasses. These augmented reality glasses allow you to overlay digital objects on the real world. The Spectacles include two cameras, four microphones, a touchpad, and buttons for controls. Users can also give audio commands to the device by saying, “Hey Snapchat.” The new Spectacles are equipped with 30 minutes of battery life.

CK Daily – 05.20.2021

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In This Issue: HDMI to DVI-D Cable w/ Latched Gold Plated Connectors, 3 ft. | Deals of the Week | What are Shielded Ethernet Cables? | News to Start Your Day

Happy National Rescue Dog Day! Today we recognize all the benefits of allowing a four-legged friend to adopt you into their immeasurably lovable life! Do you have a rescue pup? We’d love for you to share a photo with us!

The CK Daily – Be Anxious for Nothing

“Be anxious for nothing”…That is a lot of times easier to say or read than it is to do. We all have things that we get anxious about. It could be tests, finances, flying, public speaking, weather, etc. For me…it is health stuff. I haven’t talked about this a lot in a LONG time and generally don’t discuss it. It took me a long time to come to grips with the fact that I deal with hypochondria. By the way, did y’all know they changed this to Illness Anxiety Disorder?? I guess that sounds more official. (???)

It has been a very long time since I have dealt with a major episode of IAD, but I think my body and mind figured now was the perfect time with the new house, moving, work, and other family things going on. Why not, throw that into the mix as well. The past week has been a rough one dealing with the mental and emotional side of it but as a result of the body’s reaction to anxiety, I have had a lot of physical issues pop up. If you deal with IAD, you understand the pains and muscle soreness I am talking about. They can be just as debilitating as dealing with full-blown symptoms of an illness.

Overall, the biggest part of the battle with this is in the mind. I have to work at getting my thoughts right (and to stay in the right direction), get around people that will encourage and help me walk through it, and constantly keep encouraging scriptures, quotes, and stuff in front of me. This doesn’t immediately take the pain, soreness, and anxiety away, but over time it helps to get me out of the mental hole and get my feet back on solid ground. Two of my favorite scriptures and quotes that I cling to during these times are:

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

If you are dealing with anxiety of any type today, just know you are not alone and it will get better and you will be ok. I know it is hard to accept that or let that sink in (Trust me…I am going through this right now myself), but you (we) will get through it. If you deal with IAD or any type of anxiety, let me know. I will be praying for you.

Have a great day!

Jason

Product Spotlights & Updates:

They may be small, but they sure are mighty! Today, we’re spotlighting the 3ft, HDMI to DVI-D Cable with Latched Gold Plated Connectors, CBDVIHDMI-03. This cable connects DVI devices to HDMI devices going both ways. Used for DVD, satellite receivers, LCD, projectors, plasma, and HDTVs.

There’s not much to say about these things, but they have some stellar reviews! Below are a few we’d love to share!

Phillip K. wrote, “My old laptop used a VGA cable to connect to my Dell monitor and my new one did not have a VGA port. The Dell monitor did have DVI-D and HDMI ports so I ordered a new cable to allow me to use the existing monitor and now the digital input.

Worked perfectly, shipping was fast and the price was a third of the local Best Buy.”

Steven T. said, “These are very good cables. They come in handy if you have mismatched monitor/PC video ports.”

Mittlbar noted, “I received my cable very quickly. The quality of the cable is very good and the price is excellent.”

What are Shielded Ethernet Cables? – CK Learning Center

Currently, the use of high bandwidth applications has been on the rise, and network systems have started venturing into factory environments which have called for the use of shielded cables. In this new installation sector, the cable is used in areas with high electromagnetic interference (EMI). Even with improved ability to reject noise and handle gigabit Ethernet, these cables will not function properly in areas where there is high EMI if not properly shielded. A shielded cable will help in these high EMI installations ensuring safe and efficient data transfer.

STP and S/STP

These are the two basic types of shielded ethernet cables. STP cables with an overall generic shield whereas S/STP cables have a shield for each pair and an overall outer shield. The Shield of STP cables can either be a foil or a braid, but for additional strength, some cables can comprise of a foil shield and an outer braid shield.

STP and FTP

Cables that have an overall foil are known as FTP, whereas those with a braid are known as STP. STP is the generic name given to all shielded cables. At times, there arises confusion where FTP cables are assumed to be unshielded or that they are significantly different in terms of performance. In practice, the STP and FTP cables can be used interchangeably, and there is no apparent difference in their performance.

S/STP

The second type of cable is one that has each of the individual pair shielded and then there is an overall outer shield. This type of cable is referred to as S/STP. The purpose of having an inner shield is to ensure that there is no internal cross-talk between the pairs. This will help in ensuring that the cables meet the specifications of the Alien Cross Talk parameter which is significantly difficult to achieve with CAT6a and CAT7 systems. However, Alien Cross Talk is not a requirement when it comes to CAT6, CAT5e, and CATS systems. Additionally, it does not significantly contribute to the overall resilience of the cable when it comes to resisting external RF noise such as the one made at the mains-induced spikes. The physical construction comprises of a foil on both the inner and overall outer shield. Additionally, there can be a braid that will improve the cable’s strength and also simplify the connection to the metal shields which are around the connectors.

Proper Ground Connection

It is worth noting that all the shielded Ethernet cables should have a ground connection for their shields. In case your cable has an incorrect ground connection, then chances are there will be ground loop currents and also the associated interference to the Ethernet signal. In the worst-case scenario, where the grounding is poor, the shield can end up acting like antennas; broadcasting high-frequency signals from the cable to the outer environment. This will interfere with the delicate co-located electronic equipment and also allow external detection of the Ethernet data.

What is the Drain Wire in Shielded Cables?

Every shielded Ethernet cable should have a wire that stretches from the insulated wires to the shield. This is commonly known as the drain wire. Normally, the shield is connected to a specific pin in one end, which can even be the chassis. The connector shells are not connected anywhere and consequently, connecting the drain wire to pin 1 puts the entire cable at the potential of that pin. No current will be flowing, but the cable screening will be effective.

Bottom line on Shielded Patch Cables

Ethernet cables should be shielded which helps increase the cables’ resilience and also makes them stronger. As such, when going for Ethernet cables, consider going for ones that are shielded to ensure safety and longevity.

Check out CablesAndKits’ wide selection of Shielded Ethernet Patch Cables to find the length and color in Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a that is right for your network.

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, active COVID cases are reported to be 5,901,405.
  • After pausing the launch because of the coronavirus pandemic, IHOP plans to open its first Flip’d by IHOP location this summer. Flip’d is a fast-casual spinoff of the pancake chain, with a menu formulated to appeal to on-the-go consumers.
  • Panera Bread unveiled its latest restaurant design, featuring double drive-thru lanes, added technology, and a renewed focus on the dine-in experience. Panera’s new design puts the bakery ovens out in the open, so customers can smell and see the bread and pastries bake. Check out an image of the exterior here!
  • Microsoft announced that it’s starting to roll out the latest update to its Windows 10 operating system. This update focuses on quality improvements rather than offering a bunch of new features for users to learn.
  • TuSimple, a driverless tech company, tested its trucks by hauling fresh watermelons along a 951-mile route from Nogales, Arizona, to Oklahoma City. The job, which normally takes over 24 hours, took only 14 hours and six minutes, the company said. A human driver worked on the pick-up and delivery of the produce. But during the long middle segment of the drive — from Tucson, Arizona, to Dallas, Texas — TuSimple’s vehicle drove itself with a human safety driver on board.

CK Daily – 05.19.2021

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In This Issue: LC/UPC to SC/APC Singlemode Duplex OS2 Fiber Patch Cable | Deals of the Week | Reasons to buy a Refurbished Server | News to Start Your Day

May 19th is National Devil’s Food Cake Day! This day is for you chocolate cake lovers. Here is a delicious recipe for you to make and enjoy at home!

The CK Daily – Seize the Day!

Happy Wednesday! 

A few weeks ago, I mentioned my excitement in celebrating my upcoming birthday and y’all gave me some great suggestions on what traditions you and your family have. Well, my big day has come and gone. I always find it so interesting how quickly a long-awaited day comes and goes. We spend so much time anticipating the day for it to go by in a mere 24 hours. 

In my new age, I have spent a lot of time thinking of how I can seize the day and enjoy every little moment. Nowadays, we are so used to the fast pace life and lately, I have found it so rewarding to just sit down and enjoy whatever is going on around me. 

How do you make sure you are seizing the day? I will love to learn from you!

Shanyce 

Product Spotlights & Updates:

Happy Hump-Day! Today’s product spotlight is the LC/UPC to SC/APC Singlemode Duplex OS2 Fiber Patch Cable, FSD9-LCSCA-05 and it’s 20% off!

OS2 fiber patch cables are known for their outdoor use and for their loose-tube construction, compared to OS1’s tightly-buffered design and indoor use, this allows OS2 fiber to transmit over longer distances. This also makes OS2 fiber cords best for use with underground and burial applications.

Fiber optic cabling is the medium of choice for longer distance and challenging cabling runs. These cables are thinner than copper patch cords and immune to EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) making them perfect for riser runs and uplink cables.

There are two basic types of fiber cabling, single-mode and multi-mode. The cables listed here are single mode. Inside these cables, you will find three basic layers. Starting from the inside, you have the core which is surrounded by the cladding. Both are protected with the jacket on the outside. Single mode cables have a thinner “core size”. The core size is simply the thickness of the optical fiber inside the cladding. The cladding is material that surrounds that core which basically serves as the boundary for the signal, keeping the light refined to the core and not allowing it to escape. The thicker the core size, the more refraction the signal exhibits, the more signal degradation that occurs and the shorter the distance an intelligible signal can transmit. 

In addition, single mode cables are more “stable” as they are only thick enough to carry one wave of light. This eliminates distortion caused by overlapping light signals making them ideal for applications that require couplers or other branching devices.

Reasons to buy a Refurbished Server – CK Learning Center

As your company’s IT manager, you are required to make many decisions when it comes to selecting which technology you will utilize to best fit the needs of your company. One of the decisions you will be faced with is selecting a server that fits your needs for both price and performance. When it comes to shopping for servers, the options and price ranges are nearly endless. You might become overwhelmed and begin to think that you will have to sacrifice either price or performance, however, we’ve got good news. You can have the best of both worlds by going with a refurbished server. Here are some reasons this might be the best choice you could possibly make!

Price

Of course, price is an important factor to consider when you are working within a tight budget. Although new servers may have ever-so-slight advantages over refurbished ones in term of performance, most often the differences in performance are minor but the price difference is great. Buying a refurbished server can see you save 10, 20, or even 50 percent per unit. As a smart shopper, you want to get the most out of each dollar and buying a refurbished server allows you to do just that, which means you have more money left over for other IT needs.

Performance

There is a misconception that the refurbished servers’ performance is inferior to new ones. The truth is that the performance of a server is based on the configuration (drives, memory, processors, etc) of the particular server. A new server with the same configuration as a refurbished server should perform exactly the same.

Most IT departments replace their servers, not because they are damaged but because of schedules that they follow or agreements with manufacturers. Consequently, it is possible to get a refurbished server that in excellent shape and can be used for another 5 to 10 years without any issues. Next time you need to replace your server, contact us for a refurbished server that may even see you achieve better performance, and for a fraction of the price.

Maintenance

Maintenance cost is an important consideration when buying a new or refurbished server. One major benefit of going with a server that is one or two generations behind the new ones is the availability of spare parts. Getting replacement parts for refurbished servers can be easy and affordable, reducing maintenance cost and stress that comes with trying to find the correct replacement parts.

Warranty

Many people go for new servers because they trust the brand of the server and they feel confident that they can rely on the warranty (assuming one is provided). However, most warranties offered by other companies are limited to 2-3 years and, in many cases, they even cost you extra money. We’ve got your back, though. Here at CK we offer an industry-best lifetime warranty on all of our servers. That means that if you experience trouble with the server or components in the server, we will make it right!

Check out our servers here!

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, active COVID cases are reported to be 5,944,794.
  • Another cheesy one bites the dust as Taco Bell fans are mourning the removal of a cult-favorite menu item. After making its long-awaited return earlier this year, the fast-food giant announced that the Quesalupa will no longer be available.  Fans are encouraged to satisfy their Quesalupa craving before it leaves the menu. But judging by internet outrage, it seems that the beloved crunchy item has already been removed from the menu at Taco Bell locations across the country.
  • Burger King will enter the chicken sandwich wars on June 3 with the Ch’King. The burger chain is trying to set itself apart from the pack by hand breading its chicken. To celebrate the nationwide launch, customers who order the Ch’King on the Burger King app or online will receive a free Whopper in addition to the chicken sandwich.
  • Google IO 2021 is its first developer conference in two years. Though there were not big announcements, the company dropped several updates and expansions to products ranging from AI to shopping aimed at Amazon. Read more here!
  • With more than 1.9 billion drinks served every day, Coca-Cola is one of the world’s largest beverage companies. With U.S. soda consumption on the decline, the soft drink maker has been forced to pivot. Coke recently launched Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, marking its first move into alcoholic beverages on its home turf after a four-decade-long hiatus. The company has also recently invested in the sports performance drink category with BodyArmor and it purchased U.K. coffee maker Costa in 2019.

CK Daily – 05.18.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco Aironet 3700 Series Access Point | Deals of the Week | What is OM5 fiber and how is it different than OM4 & OM3? | News to Start Your Day

Each day we take a dish out of the cupboard, dirty it, wash it and put it back in the cupboard. Today is National No Dirty Dishes Day, so the madness of washing dishes is put on pause! Enjoy a meal out, use disposable dishware, or eat something pre-packaged – enjoy a day free of dishwashing! 

The CK Daily – Stepping out of Your Comfort Zone

Happy Tuesday!

When I first started writing for the CK Daily, I mentioned that in my free time you can most likely find me running or hiking. A few weeks ago a friend convinced me to sign up for a 5.5 mile trail race that she was doing and, although I had never done any trail running before, I was game to give it a try! There were definitely some nerves from not knowing what to expect. How much would being on a trail slow my pace? What would the hills be like? Would I be able to run them? Would there be tons of roots and rocks? Would I fall and bust it at some point in the race?

Generally speaking, I really don’t love the “unknown”. By nature, I’m a planner and a processor. I like to know what to expect in pretty much all situations so that I can be prepared. But, in this case, the stakes were low, and sometimes trial by fire is the best teacher anyway, so I went for it! The race was on Saturday and I must admit, it was so much fun! It really was the perfect combination of my two favorite activities which left me wondering why in the world I had never tried it before!  I’ll definitely be signing up for more of these races! I guess it goes to show that stepping out of your comfort zone and “going for it” can really pay off sometimes! So, if you are on the fence about doing something just outside of your comfort zone… consider this your sign and go for it!

Rebecca

Product Spotlights & Updates:

Today’s product spotlight is the Cisco Aironet 3700 Series Access Point, AIR-CAP3702E-A-K9 and it is 20% OFF this week!  This ready-to-install, easy-to-manage access point offers high capacity, high security, enterprise-class features to deliver wireless LAN access with a low total cost of ownership. Designed for coverage in offices and similar RF environments, this unobtrusive access point features integrated antennas and dual IEEE 802.11a/g/n/ac radios for comprehensive and predictable coverage, providing a combined capacity of 450 Mbps.

What is OM5 fiber and how is it different than OM4 & OM3? – CK Learning Center

Designing fiber optic networks was never easy, but over time, the challenges have shifted. There are more tools than ever to help you optimize every corner of your network. At the same time, increasing options make it more difficult to find satisfaction with the choices you make. That holds true with selecting your fiber cables. So far, the options between singlemode and multimode networks were self-selecting. As for multimode systems, the somewhat narrow range of variety made that selection a little easier as well. Now, OM5 is on the rise, and it brings with it a new niche combination of performance and cost-effectiveness. Is it right for your systems? A quick read will help you determine the answer.

What is OM5 Fiber? 

As the name suggests, OM5 is a multimode fiber cable. It’s fairly new to the industry, and it is designed specifically for high bandwidth and short to medium-range applications. What makes it more than just the next iteration of OM cable is the new take on multiplexing. OM5 is the first approved as WBMMF (Wide Band Multimode Fiber) is designed to specifically handle high-speed data center applications with using two fibers to transmit from 40GBs up to 100GBs and is powered by shortwave wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM). This multiplexing design allows OM5 to dramatically reduce parallel fiber counts. Operating in the 850 to 950 nm range, OM5 can provide 100 GB data streams with just one pair of parallel fibers.

With fewer fibers comes reduced crosstalk and overall lower loss. What’s more is that OM5 can utilize four separate wavelengths in its range, and channel loss is consistent across each frequency.

Comparing OM3 & OM4

For those familiar with the previous iterations, OM3 and OM4 offered substantial bandwidth increases over their predecessors. By switching to laser signaling, they were able to boost performance substantially without sacrificing multimode advantages. They may cost more than their LED counterparts, but OM3 and OM4 have been competitive fiber options for data centers.

OM5 aims to raise the competition. It is capable of notably faster data transmissions, and when running at the same speed as OM3 and OM4, OM5 can provide longer connections without significant loss.

Applications for OM5

OM5 does once again raise the cost per foot of cable over its predecessors, but it offers performance that many data centers are now demanding. The longer transmission lengths help with expandability. In fact, the specs on OM5 make it perfectly suited for the next generation of data centers. It will maintain steadily increasing speed demands without costing as much as singlemode alternatives.

Speaking of singlemode fiber, it still remains the champion for the highest speeds and longest distances. You’ll find that singlemode cables are still the clear choice for outdoor and long-range networking. However, when cost matters and OM5 can meet performance needs, it’s a clear favorite for high-demand indoor networking.

OM5 doesn’t redefine networking in all aspects. Instead, it takes a niche that has been served by OM3 and OM4 and raises the bar on performance. It fits very nicely between the older cables and more expensive singlemode options. Any data center that wants to clearly raise data speeds without replacing your entire infrastructure with substantially more expensive and less convenient equipment now has a perfect cable.

Be sure to check out our new Corning LSZH Fiber cables today.

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, active COVID cases are reported to be 5,944,794.
  • Jaden Smith is continuing his fight against homelessness by opening a restaurant to help provide free meals to those in need. The rapper/actor is expanding his I Love You food truck initiative into a full-blown restaurant to feed the homeless.
  • McDonald’s recently announced a salary increase for employees of its restaurants in the United States. This measure would serve to increase hiring and retain workers. The fast-food chain explained that over the next few months, the salary of more than 36,500 workers will increase by an average of 10%. Until now, salaries for general staff were $12 dollars per hour and between $16 and $18 dollars for supervisors. With the increase, staff members will earn $11 to $17 an hour, while supervisors will earn $15 to $20 an hour, depending on the location of the restaurant.
  • Italian supercar maker Lamborghini has announced that it will launch a fully electric car by 2030. Lamborghini laid out “a roadmap to the decarbonization of future Lamborghini models and of the Sant’Agata Bolognese site.” Over the next 10 years, the company will transition to hybrid models before fully launching an electric car. 
  • The coronavirus variant that first emerged in India could become the dominant strain of the virus in the U.K. in a matter of days and could pose unknown dangers.

CK Daily – 05.17.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco 2960S Series Switch | Deals of the Week | PoE vs PoE+ vs UPoE | News to Start Your Day

Today is National “Do Something Good for Your Neighbor” Day. So get together with your neighbors to celebrate this day by spreading love and happiness in your neighborhood!

The CK Daily – Admiring Others

Happiest of Mondays Friends and CK Fam!! 

Today is going to be a bit heavy, but in a good way. Hopefully it starts your week off right!  

Throughout life, we ALL go through ups and downs. Some are just less severe and difficult/fortunate than others. What we can learn and experience through them, can really help us grow and appreciate their existence, and in turn our own. 

Met a good friend’s fiancée this weekend for the first time, and they have a six month old baby. Little did I know, that 10 weeks into the pregnancy, this young lady had a seizure in the middle of the night, and a tumor that had never been an issue her whole life grew against her brain due to the hormones the pregnancy had brought upon her. Her doctors immediately suggested an abortion to reduce the hormones. She refused and went into emergency brain surgery to remove the tumor. 

Fast forward to this weekend, a perfect baby boy and healthy mom. The strength it took to make a decision 99% of us will never have to face is so impressive to me. A story I’ll never forget and I hope you can apply it to remember to smell the flowers today, and everyday for the blessings we too often take for granted. 

Thank you all – have a great Monday!!! 

Corey

Product Spotlights & Updates:

Today’s product spotlight is the Cisco 2960S Series 48 Port Switch, WS-C2960S-48TS-L and it is 15% OFF this week! 

The Cisco Catalyst 2960-S Series Switches with LAN Base provide the performance and availability that today’s small businesses demand, as well as the intelligence to support business applications and security services. Switches are a key component of your network foundation and can improve the availability of critical applications while protecting business information. The Cisco Catalyst 2960-S Series Switches are specifically designed for growing businesses that need to accommodate expanding services, and optimize network bandwidth and to assure the fast and reliable delivery of applications and services.  

PoE vs PoE+ vs UPoE – CK Learning Center

If you’re new to networking, you might be wondering what in the world is the difference between PoE, PoE+ and UPoE switches. And, why should I care? 

With numerous variations of series, port counts, sizes, and types of switches out there, it’s challenging for the non-technical elite to make sense of it all. So, we’ve rounded up some knowledge and insights to help you understand what a PoE switch is and how the three main versions differ. By the time you finish this post, you’ll be mentally sparring with the best CTO’s out there. 

Power-over-Ethernet, often referred to as PoE, is a system used to distribute data and power to a targeted network of devices via safe Ethernet cabling. It uses basic copper cables and a switch to send power to the network. Recently, PoE+ has also become popular by boosting the amount of power that can run through the system. Additionally, UPoE was developed by Cisco to make another jump in power delivery through PoE networks. Use this guide to help you determine which one best meets your needs. 

What is PoE? 

PoE uses 802.3af, which is the IEEE standard. The 15.4W/port is compatible with Gigabit Ethernet but not with Cisco inline power since its power negotiation process is different. PoE, as a designation, is the first form of power through ethernet lines that was commercially available. It is the base line, and it is often less expensive than its more powerful counterparts. 

Where To Use PoE 

PoE provides enough power for most wireless access points, surveillance cameras, and IP phones. It is most often used in places where it isn’t sustainable to use universal serial buses or AC power due to inconvenience or expenses. Another benefit of using PoE is that the power transfers over more cable than what USB can handle. 

Benefits of Choosing PoE 

PoE is the simple choice for those who need an easy setup for basic networking. It uses standard copper Ethernet cables, making it as easy as setting up a regular network. The only special equipment you’ll need is a switch that is PoE-compliant. By powering multiple devices over a single network, you eliminate the need for separate cables and AC/DC converters for each device, which makes the entire system easier to maintain. PoE is flexible in that you can install it anywhere you need to and even move entire systems as your needs change. The system is highly reliable, allowing for constant availability. Finally, using PoE allows you to save money on network installation and energy management. 

What Is PoE+? 

Like PoE, PoE+ is a method used to transfer power and data over an Ethernet cable. However, as indicated by the plus sign, this Power-over-Ethernet option is more powerful to accommodate changing technology used by businesses. PoE+ uses the standard IEEE802.3at and has a maximum wattage of 25.5W, making it much more accommodating for devices like WLAN access points, VoIP phones. and security or web cameras that offer additional functions such as tilt, pan or zoom capabilities. 

When to Use PoE+ 

Use PoE+ when you need better efficiency. Some of its benefits include optimized power distribution, allocation of dynamic power and better utilization of the power supply. Typically, PoE+ is best for anybody running a business while PoE is sufficient for home networks. 

Whether you choose a basic PoE switch and cabling for use in your home office or you need a much more powerful PoE+ setup for your business, these systems are sure to make your space more efficient and easier to use. 

What Is UPoE? 

We have made it to the third standard in Power over Ethernet. UPoE is another escalation in power distribution. It stands for Universal Power over Ethernet (and is sometimes also called PoE++). UPoE pushes power draw capacity up to 60W, while still working with Cat5e cables. Since this doubles the PoE+ standard, it’s great for power-hungry setups. It was developed by Cisco to open up even more networking options and can help with transitions into larger and/or smarter networks. 

When to Use UPoE 

UPoE shines when you need more power delivered across your system. Virtual desktop terminals are a great example. The terminals use less power than a dedicated desktop computer, but they use much more than your average networking device. 

Building management gateways and compact switches are other common devices that need more power than you can supply with PoE+. UPoE can also power larger strings of low-power divides — giving it a popular place in Internet of Things networks as well. 

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • As of this morning, in the US, active COVID cases continue to drop, 5,979,982. 
  • Starbucks and Target won’t require fully vaccinated customers to wear masks inside stores except when required by law. The change in policy comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance on mask-wearing. Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s are also allowing customers to shop without mask if they are fully vaccinated. 
  • The Biden administration announced Monday that about 39 million families will begin receiving monthly child tax credit payments for the first time starting July 15. The payments, which are part of the expanded child tax credit program in the American Rescue Plan, are expected to dramatically reduce child poverty, administration officials said. 
  • Long working hours are killing hundreds of thousands of people around the world every year, according to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and ILO, the International Labour Organization. In joint research by the global public health and employment bodies, they estimated there were 745,000 deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease in 2016, marking a 29% increase since 2000. 
  • ATT is preparing to spin off its entertainment business, WarnerMedia, and merge it with competitor Discovery, Bloomberg reported yesterday. If the deal pans out—and it could be announced as soon as today—that’s a pretty compelling content catalog to stand up against streaming heavyweights Netflix and Disney+, which boast 200+ million and 100+ million subscribers, respectively. Combined, WarnerMedia and Discovery would be worth $150 billion, the Financial Times estimates.