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...
Hardware
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Rethink Network Hardware: Break Free from Outdated Beliefs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 It’s an allegory about why we cling to outdated practices...
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 hopefully help you choose the best...
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...
5 min read
Network Fiber Transceivers: A Comprehensive Guide
Eric Sommers: 07.22.2024
Still asking for GBICs? Nothing says “I’ve been around” like referring to a transceiver as a GBIC, but I absolutely love hearing it! This guide will...
3 min read
Understanding the Differences: Network Essentials vs Network Advantage
Eric Sommers: 07.01.2024
Welcome back everyone! This blog is going to quickly outline the differences between Network Essentials and Network Advantage to hopefully help you...
2 min read
Cisco Hardware Lead Times Update
Eric Sommers: 05.24.2024
Like most things that got interrupted when COVID hit in 2020, so too did the supply chain Cisco used to build its products. We saw 4- to 12-week...
3 min read
Which Cisco Nexus Switch is Right For Me?
Eric Sommers: 05.24.2024
Among the wide range of modular and fixed-configuration switches Cisco offers, Catalyst and Nexus switches are the most popular. The main difference...
2 min read
How We Saved $190,000: A Smart Approach to Network Hardware Upgrades
In today's fast-paced technology landscape, businesses are often pressured to adopt the latest hardware. However, making informed purchasing...
2 min read
UPoE Me, Please!!
Eric Sommers: 02.07.2024
Did you know that access points can behave differently depending on how much power they are receiving? The addition of a new device drawing the...
3 min read
Want to Manage C9300s in the Meraki Dashboard?
Eric Sommers: 01.25.2024
Interested in adding C9300s to the Meraki Dashboard?