Ethernet

Real-time Inventory with Expert Sourcing

June 30, 2015 by Shanyce Watkins

You were just asked to order a long grocery list of products for your IT network that have a wide variety of functions. As the person responsible for keeping your business or organization’s network up and running, you probably have days where you have to procure everything from cabling to network equipment. From new builds, upgrades, to changing out broken equipment, availability is key to any IT person’s network.

Buying equipment or accessories is not always as simple as going to a website and choosing one item of many from a page. When you are in the purchasing process, you look for reviews and advice from others on what you should buy. Important questions need to be asked: will your network increase in size? Will you be adding devices to your network?

We understand that product selection and availability are essential to serving you well, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to ensure we always have the products you need, whenever you need them. And, to make things even easier, our real-time inventory system lets you know exactly what’s in stock before you order. If we don’t have what you need on hand, or you need more than shown, we’ll do everything we can to have those products to you as quickly as possible with our expert sourcing. We’ve got what you need, as well as great turnaround time on those hard to find products.

As you enter into the last phase of your buying process, the thought of shipping comes to mind. Will it be expensive? How long will it take to get to you? When placing an order, you will be presented with several shipping options. You will also be pleasantly surprised that we offer same-day shipping. Yup, you read that correctly! All expedited orders placed with CablesAndKits by 8:00 pm EST will ship the same day. We understand the value in having the needed products in stock and delivering them to you in a timely fashion.

When you don’t have access to the products you need to keep your business up and running, it can cost hours of time and productivity. The CablesAndKits team is committed to providing the largest possible selection of Cisco equipment and accessories for your business.

Detangling the mystery of network cabling

October 21, 2014 by Jason Gazaway

Even in light of this seemingly wireless-everything world in which we live, network cables still have a place—and a rather important one at that. Whether you are the administrator of a large corporate network or simply in charge of your own home network cabling kingdom, you will be faced with the task of selecting cables.

Because there are different types of cables with specific benefits tied to specific situations, it is important to get a good understanding of what’s available to help you make the right choice the first time.

Who let the CAT’s out?

If you’ve spent any time at all looking for Ethernet cables, whether in-store or online, you’ll no doubt have seen a lot of mention of cats. Choosing Cat 5, Cat 6 or versions thereof should be the first order of business when cable shopping.

Cat 5

You can consider this the slow cooker of cables not just because it is slow but because it’s so on its way out that you may only find it in your grandmother’s house and the old-fashioned corner barbershop owned and operated by Art (who has owned and operated it for the past 60 years).

Ok, well maybe it’s not that almost-obsolete but it’s getting there. What you need to know about Cat 5 cables is that they provided Ethernet and Fast Ethernet compatibility and, while once the golden standard for speed and reliability these are likely the cables you will now be replacing. Fortunately, newer versions are backward compatible with these.

Cat 5e

Cat 5e moved cable speed from the slow cooker to the stovetop and added compatibility for up to 1 Gigabit Ethernet transmissions over short distances. The advent of Cat 5e offers [Read more…] about Detangling the mystery of network cabling

What’s your network’s personality?

March 11, 2014 by Jason Gazaway

Have you ever wondered what the personality of your network is? If not, should you? It is something to ponder. I mean think about it…

Is your network calm?

Is your network crazy?

Is your network energetic?

Is your network romantic?

Or maybe your network has a split personality…

Seriously, the personality traits of your network could go on and on. It would probably be in your best interest to nail down what its personality and mindset is so you can better support it, or change it!

Well, this is where we are here to help! We have broken down what all the colors mean as it pertains to your network. So let’s take a deep psychological look at what the color of your Ethernet cabling means for your network (or at least humor us in our feeble attempt at some lightheartedness). Don’t forget to let us know what personality your network has.

(click images below to enlarge)

Our AWESOME Week in Review 3.7.2014

March 7, 2014 by Jason Gazaway

We have some awesome new little friends in the Marketing / Technology area here at the office. We have a fish tank now where we have 4 friends living. Their names are G-Bic, Router, Shin, and Redd. As you can see we took advantage of the area to continue showcasing our fascination of Legos – Aquaman and Merman are hanging with them in the shipwreck. Say hello to our little friends!

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This week we had our Q2 planning session. I must say, the view and environment at the place we had the meeting this time around were outstanding! We met in the boardroom at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center. This was probably one of the most [Read more…] about Our AWESOME Week in Review 3.7.2014

Cisco Equipment 101 Guide

March 29, 2013 by Jason Gazaway

Top Five Things You Need to Start Your Computer Network

It can seem overwhelming to start a computer network. Whether you’re looking to create a network for your small business, home office, or the bunker in your back yard, it’s still intimidating.

But, if you break it down it’s actually much more manageable than it may appear. If you have the right tools, equipment and guidebook, it’s possible.

Let’s start with the basics. Why do you even need a computer network? Setting up a network is a good way to get more use out of your computers and peripherals. A single network allows you to use one Internet connection for all your devices. It also makes it easier to share files, printers and resources. Sounds useful, huh?

So, take a deep breath and let’s get started!

Cisco Networking Equipment

What equipment do you need when starting a computer network? Believe it or not, it involves a little more than just plugging in the monitor, closing your eyes, and crossing your fingers! Although that does help from time to time when dealing with technology.

Understanding what basic equipment you will need to set-up a computer network will make the process much easier. Don’t attempt to create a network until you’ve purchased all the equipment and accessories you may need, because all this will create is a huge headache and we don’t sell aspirin. (But, maybe we should….hmmm new business plan!)

With just a little effort and our awesome guidance, you’ll be up and running before you know it:

The top five things you will need to start your computer network include:

Cisco routers
Cisco security devices
Ethernet network cables
Cisco switches
Wireless access points

[Read more…] about Cisco Equipment 101 Guide

Untangling Network Cable Types

November 8, 2011 by Craig Haynie

(This blog is an updated and extended version of a post, by our CEO, we released in September 2009)

If you’ve ever installed a network, either for your home, office or business, you’ve probably asked yourself- With so many different types of network cabling, what do I really need? Is it a CAT5, 5E, 6, 6A, shielded or unshielded, UTP or STP? Do I need a patch/straight through cable or a crossover cable? With so many different kinds of network cables to choose from, which one is right for your needs?

What types of network cable are available currently?

Cat5 has been replaced by Cat5E as the general standard networking cable in new installations, with the improved signal carrying capacity being the primary reason. A Cat5 cable can support Ethernet and Fast Ethernet. Cat5E (Cat5 enhanced) supports Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet speeds over short distances and is backward compatible with Cat5. Cat5E cable also has improved durability, due to improvements in the quality of the PVC protective jacket. It is more than suitable for most data cabling requirements.

Cat6 is one of the newest versions of network cabling, and is very similar to Cat5E, but specifically designed to consistently deliver 1 Gigabit Ethernet. It is used in installations where a Cat6 Certified Network is required.

While Cat5E and Cat6 can support Gigabit speeds, Cat6A (Cat6 Augmented) is certified to 10 Gigabit speeds and is backward compatible with the all the existing standards, and is suitable for industries utilizing high-performance computing platforms to support very high bandwidth-intensive applications. 10G/Cat 6A applications would be server farms, storage area networks, data centers & riser backbones.