11 min read
Eric Sommers: 09.17.2025
The short answer: If you're powering access points, PoE+ (30W) is no longer sufficient for full operation of most Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 enterprise APs — and the consequences aren’t obvious. Underpowered APs don’t fail to boot; they degrade silently:...
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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
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) support contracts—like Cisco SMARTnet—have long been the go-to for IT managers. But with rising costs and rigid...
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...
3 min read
Every IT manager faces the same dilemma at some point: Is it time to replace aging network hardware, or should you invest in keeping it running? It’s...
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 It’s an allegory about why we cling to outdated practices...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...
7 min read
Eric Sommers: 10.07.2024
DNA Center has been rebranded to Catalyst Center In today’s fast-paced networking world, managing complex systems is no longer just about using the...
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5 min read
Eric Sommers: 09.23.2024
Cisco has rolled out yet another layer to their support services—Success Tracks. Let's take a look at how it compares with traditional SMARTnet, how...
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5 min read
Eric Sommers: 09.09.2024
Welcome back, everyone! This blog will quickly outline the differences between DNA Essentials and DNA Advantage to help you choose the best option...
2 min read
Eric Sommers: 08.26.2024
Let’s clear up some confusion! MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) and MTP (Mechanical Transfer Push-On) connectors might sound like tech jargon, but they’re...