2 min read
Quit Blinking at Me!!
Eric Sommers: 02.19.2026
Is the .gif above what it feels like when you look at your Meraki dashboard?!?!
Hardware
4 min read
Why Companies Should Think Twice Before Adopting Catalyst Center for Access-Layer Switches
Eric Sommers: 02.18.2026
Why Companies Should Think Twice Before Adopting Catalyst Center for Access-Layer Switches
4 min read
Mitigate Security Risk By Design
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
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...
2 min read
Do You Need UPoE?
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
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...
2 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Rethink Network Hardware: Break Free from Outdated Beliefs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 It’s an allegory about why we cling to outdated practices...
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5 min read
Understanding the Differences: DNA Essentials vs DNA Advantage
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
MPO vs. MTP Connectors: Differences Every Network Engineer Should Know
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...