4 min read
How to Handle Meraki End-of-Support Alerts Without Replacing Your Hardware
Eric Sommers: 02.19.2026
What does Meraki End-of-Support (EoST) actually mean? — and how to silence dashboard alerts without a forced hardware upgrade.
7 min read
Why Companies Should Think Twice Before Adopting Catalyst Center for Access-Layer Switches
Eric Sommers: 02.18.2026
Is Catalyst Center for Access-Layer Switches Worth It? The short answer: Access-layer switches don't benefit from Catalyst Center the way core and...
12 min read
Can Cisco Access Switches Stay Secure and Compliant Without New IOS Updates
Eric Sommers: 01.15.2026
Are software updates required to maintain compliance with SOC 2, ISO 27001, or PCI DSS? The short answer: No, a properly hardened Cisco access-layer...
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...
12 min read
PoE+ or UPoE? Why the Wrong Switch May Cause Unexpected Wi-Fi Issues
Eric Sommers: 09.17.2025
The short answer: PoE+ (30W) is still sufficient for full radio and Ethernet performance on many enterprise access points, but not all of them. Some...
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Rethink Network Hardware: Break Free from Outdated Beliefs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,...