The Edge

8 min read

AI in Networking

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...

11 min read

PoE+ or UPoE? Why the Wrong Switch May Cause Unexpected Wi-Fi Issues

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...

11 min read

Optical Transceiver Types: Use Cases, Compatibility & Buying Tips

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

Cisco Catalyst 9300 Configuration Guide

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

How IT Managers Are Cutting Costs with Third-Party Network Maintenance

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) support contracts—like Cisco SMARTnet—have long been the go-to for IT managers. But with rising costs and rigid...

3 min read

Breaking Free: Why Cisco’s DNX Licensing Isn’t Your Only Option

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

The True Cost of Network Upgrades: Replace or Maintain?

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

Rethink Network Hardware: Break Free from Outdated Beliefs

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 It’s an allegory about why we cling to outdated practices...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

Cisco Smart Licensing: Disabling Smart Agents for Enhanced Control

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,...

6 min read

Cisco Catalyst: Understanding Cloud Monitoring vs. Cloud Management

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

Cisco Catalyst Center vs. the Meraki Dashboard

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...

6 min read

Navigating Cisco Success Tracks: What You Need to Know

Eric Sommers: 09.23.2024