17 min read
Eric Sommers: 03.12.2026
If you’ve purchased network hardware before, you’ve heard it. “Buying from the grey market is dangerous.” “You won’t have a valid license.” “You can't get SMARTnet.” “It could be counterfeit.” “You could be audited.” It’s usually delivered with just...
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2 min read
Eric Sommers: 02.19.2026
Is the .gif above what it feels like when you look at your Meraki dashboard?!?!
4 min read
Eric Sommers: 02.18.2026
Why Companies Should Think Twice Before Adopting Catalyst Center for Access-Layer Switches
4 min read
Eric Sommers: 01.15.2026
We continue to see software updates breaking networks. This has always been an issue, so why do we keep doing it? Bad data.... Software updates are...
8 min read
Eric Sommers: 12.01.2025
What an explosion we’ve seen with Artificial Intelligence (AI)! My initial scope for this article was to explain how AI works for network management...
2 min read
Eric Sommers: 09.17.2025
Did you know that access points can behave differently depending on how much power they are receiving? 👈 To jump to the AP tables, click your OEM
11 min read
Eric Sommers: 06.16.2025
Ever stood in front of a switch rack with a box of optics and thought, “Wait… is this the right one?” You’re not alone.
4 min read
Eric Sommers: 04.10.2025
Setup, Stacking, Passwords, and Troubleshooting When you’re rolling out a network built for speed, scale, and rock-solid reliability, Cisco’s...
2 min read
Eric Sommers: 02.10.2025
"Changes aren’t permanent, but change is." Rush fans will recognize this iconic lyric from Tom Sawyer. Could Geddy Lee have been unknowingly singing...
2 min read
Eric Sommers: 12.16.2024
When Old Habits Don’t Fit Modern Realities One of my favorite stories is the "ham story." It’s an allegory about why we cling to outdated practices...
6 min read
Eric Sommers: 11.19.2024
Cisco’s Smart Licensing has sparked ongoing debate—impacting how businesses manage hardware, software, and licensing policies. As Cisco shifts gears,...
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6 min read
Eric Sommers: 10.28.2024
Cisco has been making significant changes to its Digital Network Architecture (DNA) offerings, particularly with the rebranding of DNA Center to...
