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CK Daily Updates

CK Daily – 08.25.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series 48 Port PoE+ Switch | 12 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy Life More | News to Start Your Day

Calling all thrifters!! Today is your day – it’s National Secondhand Wardrobe Day! Head on over to your favorite thrift store and snag some great deals on some new items for your wardrobe! What’s been your best thrift store find? 

The CK Daily – Getting Through the Ups and Downs

Happy Wednesday!

Can you believe August is almost gone? This month has flown by for me, but I am not complaining. This weekend my husband and I are celebrating many different things. My son’s birthday is this weekend, and we are throwing him the ultimate Home Depot/Construction themed birthday party. He is all about excavators, so we are pretty excited to see his eyes light up with all of our decorations. We are also having a gender reveal party for our unborn child this weekend, along with celebrating 8 years of marriage. So yeah, the last few days of the month are jammed-packed for my household.

With all the exciting things happening in my life, I can’t help but think about those who are not experiencing such joyous times right now. From COVID-19 ramping back up and affecting people to the helpless people in Afghanistan, times are rough for many. It’s so easy to take life and health for granted, but the recent events that have been happening around our country and in the world have caused me to take a break and thank God for protection. 

As you finish out your week, I ask each of you to take a moment to think about the great things going on in your life. Once you’ve done that, take another moment to think about those who aren’t doing as great as you. We all have our ups and downs, but as a good Samaritan, let’s not forget about those that are not as fortunate.

Have a great week friends! 

Shanyce

Hot Topic of the Day

Yesterday, Starbuck officially launched their autumn drink menu. To try and get a leg up on Starbucks, Dunkin’ launched its pumpkin cream cold brew and pumpkin spice signature latte drink on August 11th. They even added apple cider doughnuts to the mix! Panera is also seeking to have a spot in the running with their fall drinks being added to their menu on September 1st! 

Where is your favorite place to get fall-themed drinks? Are you a big pumpkin spice fan? Do you think it’s too early to have fall-themed drinks on the menu? We’d love to know what you think! Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

We’ve finally made it to the middle of the week! Are you already looking forward to the weekend?! Today we’re focusing in on the Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series Switch that has (48) 10/100/1000 Ethernet Ports and (2) USB Ports, WS-C3560X-48P-S.

Cisco 3560 X switches help maximize productivity by giving IT managers the tools needed to support enterprise applications and advanced traffic management. With an array of network modules and redundant power supply options available, these standalone switches can be customized and scaled to support nearly any application. Options for the 3560X include Gigabit and 10GE uplink ports, PoE+ and non-PoE support, redundant fans and an array of port densities allow the devices to be tailored and customized. By upgrading IOS versions users and add OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) routed access, multicast routing, IPv4 and IPv6 support, advanced QoS (Quality of Service). Hardware security, Cisco Energywise power management and type A and B USB interfaces are standard. These feature-rich, fixed-configuration devices are the switch of choice for small to medium-size businesses looking to maximize IT budgets while maintaining rich functionality.

This week, enjoy 25% off this product!

12 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy Life More

Today’s article is from Ramsey Solutions – read the full post here!

Ironically, it’s hard to slow down. It takes a ton of discipline. You’ve got to choose to go against what the rest of the world is doing. But it’s worth it—I promise. Here are a few practical ways to slow down.

1. Pay attention to what gets your attention.

Slowing down starts when you begin to pay attention to the world around you—to be truly focused on what’s in front of you. The problem is that we try to divide our attention between a million things all at once. We think multitasking will help us get more done, but in reality, it only leaves us stressed and frazzled.

2. Be present.

It sounds nice, doesn’t it? Just be present. Just be where you are. If it were that easy, we wouldn’t struggle doing it. But in our busy lives, with so much competing for our attention, it feels almost impossible to focus on what’s in front of us.

3. Don’t allow your phone to be a distraction.

Speaking of barriers to being present, let’s talk about cell phones. We’re addicted to our phones—addicted to the temporary rush they bring. The noises, alerts, dings, and little red dots keep us feeling hurried because there’s always another notification to check.

Don’t let your phone run your life. Don’t allow it to flood your body with stress hormones. Don’t give it the power to steal your time, attention and peace of mind.

4. Focus on the people in front of you.

When we’re rushing, we often push people to the side. We don’t take time to look the cashier at the grocery store in the eye and ask how their day is going. We never take time to just hang out with a friend or neighbor (here in the South, we call that visitin’).

So, stop and slow down, put the device away, look your loved ones in the eyes, and spend quality (translation: unrushed and undivided) time with them.

5. Drive the speed limit.

Yes—I know. This one is tough. If you’re like me, you’re tempted to speed through traffic, weaving in and out of cars to shave a few minutes off your commute. But you’re not a NASCAR driver, and this isn’t a race.

6. Do something creative.

We’re all creative. Whether you like to do watercolors or make spreadsheets, there’s something you’re good at bringing into the world—something that brings you life. Making time for creative work helps us slow down and enjoy the moment.

7. Accept your limitations.

I don’t know about you, but I have a Mother Teresa complex sometimes—I feel like it’s my job to save the world. I sign up and say yes to things I don’t even want to do, because if I don’t show up, won’t it all fall apart?

8. Take the Why Do I Feel So Busy? life balance quiz.

You know you’re too busy, but you might not know why. Time-management hacks are great, but a lot of the time, they only address the symptom of the problem—not the source.

9. Make time for play.

As we age, we have a hard time making fun a priority. We might even feel guilty for having fun—like it’s a luxury we can’t afford. Maybe you’ve entirely forgotten how to have fun! When we slow down and make time for play, we recharge our batteries, laugh, connect with people, and reignite the spark of joy that’s missing from our hectic lives.

10. Practice silence.

Can you be still? What if you could just stop? Stop the noise, stop the rushing, stop trying to perform, stop trying to keep up. Just stop. Be still. Schedule little pauses throughout your day—even just a minute or two can help calm your mind.

11. Journal.

One of the problems with being too busy is that we don’t make time for reflection. We never pause to check in with ourselves, think back on the day, or consider whether or not we like how we’re spending our time. Journaling is an awesome practice that helps you slow down and connect with yourself.

12. Add these books to your reading list.

Here are a few books that have helped me—on a personal and professional level—learn to slow down and enjoy my life:

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

Redefining Anxiety by Dr. John Delony

Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance by Christy Wright

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • Microsoft is planning to launch cloud gaming services on Xbox consoles this holiday season. This will allow people to stream games over the internet rather than install them locally. 
  • Airbnb says that it plans to temporarily house 20,000 Afghan refugees. Refugees will be housed in properties listed on Airbnb’s platform and the stay will be funded by Airbnb. 
  • Chewy, the now publicly-traded company, wants to hold on to the corporate culture that drew customers when it was a start-up. Chewy CEO Sumit Singh said he wants to order dog food — and even getting a delivery of cat litter — to feel a little like going to Disney World.
  • Serena Williams has pulled out of the U.S. Open to recover from a torn hamstring.
  • Waymo is opening up rider testing of its self-driving car in San Francisco. 

CK Daily – 08.24.2021

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In This Issue: 10ft Blue CAT8 Ethernet Cable, S/FTP, 40Gbs, 2GHz, Easyboot | Understanding Wavelengths | News to Start Your Day

Happy Tuesday! Did you know that today is the day that the first waffle iron patent was issued?  In 1896 Cornelius Swarthout received his patent. Seems like the perfect day to pull out the waffle maker and celebrate! What toppings are you putting on your waffle?

The CK Daily – Planning Out the Week

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday! I don’t know about you, but it seems to me like life has gotten really busy lately! I think there’s something about this time of year when people are back from Summer vacations, school has started, and it seems like life kind of kicks into overdrive a bit!

When life gets busy and hectic, I find that it can make me feel a bit stressed and overwhelmed! I’m the type of person who can find myself paralyzed when I have too many things that need to be done and when I don’t have a solid plan of attack for getting everything done. That’s why I have recently started utilizing lists to keep myself organized and on track, and it has made such a difference in my productivity!

At the beginning of the week, I try to spend about 20 minutes or so making lists of the things that I know need to get done that week. I create a list for work-related tasks, personal tasks, workouts that need to get done… you name it, if it’s important it gets written down and prioritized! It’s funny how taking just a small amount of intentional time to plan the week out and actually writing things down can have a huge impact on how the week goes. Not to mention, the sense of satisfaction that comes from checking something off your list is awesome! That in and of itself is super motivating! Do you use lists to keep yourself on track? I’d love to hear and tips and tricks if you’re a list-keeping pro! 

Rebecca

Hot Topic of the Day

Have you been to a restaurant recently that has replaced its physical menu with QR codes? Chances are this change in the industry will become permanent. QR code downloads have soared over the last year and a half. Using them will allow more flexibility for a restaurant to change their menu from day to day and also allow the opportunity to track trends and various data on consumers. Read more about this here! 

Do you like QR codes? Do you enjoy scanning a QR code and looking at the menu on your phone over having a physical copy of the menu? We’d love to know what you think! Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

Happy Tuesday! Today, we’re taking a look at our 10ft Blue CAT8 Ethernet Cable, S/FTP, 40Gbs, 2GHz, Easyboot that is 20% off this week!

Our S/FTP (Each pair Foil shielded / 4 Pair Braid Shield) Booted Category 8 (Cat8) Ethernet Patch Cables are the newest addition to the network cabling family and have hit the ground running! With the ability for 40gb and 2GHz bandwidth transmission over 20 meters, these network data cables are a Data Center Manager’s dream to handle the speeds that their network and users need. These patch cables are backward compatible with both Cat6 and Cat5e, and all previous categories.

Understanding Wavelengths – CK Learning Center

No one ever accused fiber optics of being simple technology. Instead, we tend to acknowledge that this powerful technology is difficult to design and complicated in its application. Mastering those complications is often worth it because it enables us to build better networks and do a better job with those networks. In that endeavor, we can tackle a brief tutorial on wavelengths and how they impact fiber optic designs.

What Is Wavelength?

The second word in “fiber optics” already tells us plenty about the nature of this technology. It deals with light — more specifically electromagnetic radiation — as the signaling medium. Wavelength is very simply a measure of the space between two photons in a solid beam of light. Conversely, we have a frequency which measures the time between two signals. The two terms are opposite sides of the same coin. If you have a shorter wavelength, it takes less time between signals and a higher frequency.

With this in mind, the wavelength (or frequency) of any light source tells us the physical limitation of how we can use that light in signal processing. We can never send signals that are faster than the frequency of the beam, and we cannot use equipment that is smaller than the wavelength. This is a rough summary, but it paints a good enough picture.

Aside from the basics, the wavelength also tells us how light will interact with other objects. When it comes to designing fiber optics, those interactions are the most important pieces of information hiding within a wavelength.

Absorption

When fiber optics are engineered and tested, there are two issues that can impact their effectiveness. Absorption is one of them. Materials have a natural ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation. For any given substance, only radiation of certain wavelengths can actually interact and be absorbed. When we deal with fiber optic cables, the largest source of absorption actually comes from microscopic water droplets. That drives manufacturers to avoid wavelengths where that absorption is at its worst.

Scattering

Like absorption, scattering happens at different wavelengths for any given material. Also like absorption, the culprits of scattering within a fiber optic cable are small and easy to overlook. Particles of dust and even the air itself can cause scattering problems, so again, the design is to use wavelengths where these problems are smallest.

The term for signal loss related to absorption and scattering is attenuation. Engineers try to make attenuation numbers as small as possible, and when you account for both absorption and scattering at the same time, you find that very specific frequencies work best. The most common wavelengths in use today are 850, 1300, 1310, and 1500 nanometers. You’ll notice large gaps between each of those numbers. Those just happen to be the magic wavelengths where the attenuation values hit minima.

This is only the beginning. We can find that different types of fiber optic signals can further impact which wavelength is best for a function. Multimode and singlemode fiber, for instance, have different naturally occurring sources of interference. That’s why they tend to operate with noticeably separate wavelength ranges.

Putting it all together, it isn’t necessary to optimize wavelengths when you choose fiber optic systems. That’s baked into the design. Instead, it helps to understand why wavelength is an important identifier and how emerging, more advanced systems might play with wavelength in order to improve the technology.

You can find this article here on the CK Learning Center. 

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • Starbucks’ new apple crisp macchiato joins the pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin cream cold brew on the fall menu. The autumn lineup will hit cafes starting today!
  • Following a months-long delay, Peloton said a less expensive version, priced at $2,495 is finally set to debut in the United States next week.
  • Walmart has launched a delivery service called GoLocal. The white-label service will deliver goods from other local retailers to customers. 
  • Disney has reached a deal with the Service Trades Council Union to require all of its unionized employees working at Walt Disney World in Florida to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by October 22, 2021.
  • Clipart of a rock just sold for 400 ether, which is about $1.3 million. The transaction marks the latest sale of EtherRock, a brand of crypto collectible that’s been around since 2017 – making it one of the oldest non-fungible tokens on the block.

CK Daily – 08.23.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco Aironet 3600 Series Access Point | 6 Books on Failure to Build Your Resilience | News to Start Your Day

Happy Monday! We hope you enjoyed the weekend and were able to find some time to relax! Are you looking forward to the week ahead? We’d love to know what this week looks like for you! Big plans, important meetings, daydreaming about the weekend? Let us know!

The CK Daily – Life, Death, and Living

Good Morning CK Fam,

As this is an open window into my life and heart. I have no qualms sharing with you the true depths of what happens in my life personally.

This last week/weekend (and even this morning), has been laden with not great news. We lost my Great Uncle last week, additionally, my wife’s coworker was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer with a mass in the liver to accompany that.

Heavy stuff, I know. There should always be something to be taken away from these moments in life, and I felt compelled to share today. Being in my 30s now, a recent father, and pretty locked down in the house from that and Covid… we must never forget to live.

Life is so short, live it with your loved ones, friends, and family alike. I’ll leave you with this:

Matthew 6:19-20

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Have a great week, go do great things,

Corey

Hot Topic of the Day

The talk of the town has been the recent news of Amazon planning to open department stores! The first stores are expected to be in California and Ohio and will take up about 30,000 square feet. While this is not the first time Amazon has ventured into a physical location, this will be a big step forward for the company. 

Would you visit an Amazon retail location? Would this encourage you to stop using Amazon Prime in order to see the physical item in the store? What do you think the store would look like? 

Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

Happy Monday! We hope you had a wonderful weekend! We’re kicking off our Deals of the Week this week with the Cisco Aironet 3600 Series Access Point, AIRCAP3602IAK9-R.

This ready-to-install, easy-to-manage access point offers high capacity, high security, enterprise-class features to deliver wireless LAN access with a low total cost of ownership. Designed for coverage in offices and similar RF environments, this unobtrusive access point features integrated antennas and dual IEEE 802.11a/g/n radios for comprehensive and predictable coverage, providing a combined capacity of 450 Mbps.

Snag one for 25% off this week!

6 Books on Failure to Build Your Resilience

Enjoy today’s article from SUCCESS. You can find the full version here.

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Resilience requires setbacks. Learning from failure requires certain tools that may not come easily. With that in mind, here are 6 useful, practical books to help you learn resilience as a process. Only then can you seize success from the jaws of failure.

Go for No! Yes Is the Destination, No is How You Get There

By Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

Everyone works in sales to a degree. And not just if you’re on a sales team. If you manage an office, own your own business, write proposals for funding, or currently seek a new career, you are in sales. And as a salesperson, the reply you will hear most often is: No.

Go for No! leads this for a reason. It is both inspirational and practical. At a quick read of 82 pages, Fenton and Waltz distinguish failure from failing by example. The lessons are not simple feel-good platitudes. Rather, the book guides you step by step from seeming failure toward real success. Although this list aims to offer useful books for a range of tastes, Go for No! leads for a reason. It will empower you with practical skills in turning seeming negatives into positives.

The Resilience Factor: How to Face Adversity, Trauma and Tragedy Like a Superhero

By Dr. Syleecia Thompson

Dr. Thompson knows setbacks. She knows success, too. A cancer survivor with no shortage of obstacles in her life, she persisted through adversity to earn a doctorate in business administration and manage more than 160 clients as an entrepreneur.

The Resilience Factor emphasizes personal growth over business practices. That is, building inner strength and fortitude in the face of adversity. Yet, the reader may apply her lessons to all of life’s struggles. This amazing and personal book leans on a self-help model, appealing to readers to look inward. The author includes a guided journal to use as a self-aware, practical guide to build resilience in the face of challenge.

The Failure Book: How 22 Extraordinary People Persisted to Beat the Odds and How You Can Too

By Karen Lilly and Chad Lilly

When we fail, we often fall into the habit of aiming lower. Didn’t get the big client? You might be tempted to try for the smaller one next time. But if you fail then too, the cycle continues. This approach becomes a self-defeating web that has captured each of us at some time. What if you aimed…higher?

The Failure Book serves in part as inspiration by relating the failure-to-success stories of renowned scientists, business leaders, athletes in others. But just as importantly, this paperback-only book provides practical advice and exercises to build your resilience in the face of defeat.

Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Successful

By John C. Maxwell

Although this list is focused on recent books, no practical list on building success from failure should miss this 2007 classic. Although academic in approach, Failing Forward is quick and engaging to read. Maxwell makes strong use of scientific studies and historical anecdotes. In doing so, he develops a case to help you not only stop fearing failure, but why you should embrace it as a means to future success.

The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness

By Jonas Salzgeber

Failure, resilience, and ultimate success are ancient concepts. They are the stuff of ancient myths and legends. That is, they are timeless. And although Salzgeber’s book draws from the Greek stoic philosophers, his 2019 publication is fully contemporary. Easy and fun to read, The Little Book of Stoicism serves as a practical guide. You come to terms with failure as not only something to endure in life, but as a necessary part of it. If you’ve found yourself overloaded, bogged down, and seeking strength in simplicity, this book is for you.

After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again

By Dan Santat

Yes, this is a children’s book. It is fun and silly, and not intended for you to read it on your own. Instead, the inspiration you gain will come from the process of reading it to others.

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • The Food and Drug Administration could grant the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine full approval. The move would make it the first Covid vaccine to go from emergency use authorization to full FDA approval.
  • Target will nearly triple the number of Disney shops inside its stores to more than 160 by the end of the year. The company has turned its big-box stores into mall-like destinations, with scaled-down Starbucks, Ulta Beauty, and Disney shops.
  • Apple is planning a new model of the Mac Mini that will replace the pro-focused Intel-based model it still sells.
  • PayPal has officially launched its cryptocurrency service in the UK. It marks the first international expansion of PayPal’s crypto product since it launched in the U.S. last year.
  • Wages for hourly limited-service restaurant workers climbed 10% in the second quarter compared with a year ago. Restaurants have turned to raising wages in response to difficulties finding enough willing workers to staff their businesses.

CK Daily – 08.20.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco 2821 Voice Security Bundle | Why would you use shielded Ethernet Cables? | News to Start Your Day

Happy Friday and Happy National Radio Day! Grab your radio and crank up the tunes – what better way to kick off the weekend?! Tell us what station you’re listening to, we’d love to tune in!

The CK Daily – Harvest Time

Happy Friday folks! It’s harvest time in our garden! This is the most exciting time in the entire process (well, maybe eating is more exciting ). Although there is a lot of work invested in the garden before we ever pick the first vegetable, it takes the entire process for us to get a great harvest. We can’t skip a step and hope that the outcome will be great. It takes effort throughout the entire season to get a great harvest! A few times each week, there is time spent removing weeds, adding nutrients, and dealing with pests such as bugs and deer. Oh deer! But the work is always worth it! And I think we did pretty good this year – we have canned over 50 quarts of green beans alone. 

In a lot of ways, life is like a garden. Somedays, I want the results that come with completing a project I’m working on without putting in all the work for the project to be successful. Or we want to get to the destination without the journey. But that is not where we grow the most. We grow the most during the difficult times of the project or in the middle of the journey. Much like working on a hot summer evening to remove weeds from the garden. Those nights aren’t fun, but knowing what’s coming during the harvest allows me to do the necessary work to achieve the results.

Have a great weekend!

Chris

Hot Topic of the Day

In Italy, an elite squadron of 350 specially-trained pups have been successfully patrolling the beaches, working as lifeguards. They have collectively saved on average of 20-30 lives.

Earlier this month, when several families, including eight children, were imperiled by strong wind and wave conditions while 330 feet from shore, three canine lifeguards and their trainers rushed in to save the day. With the help of their human companions, dogs Eros, Mya, and Mira pulled everyone to safety in about 15 minutes.

After 18 months of basic training, only those dogs successfully completing the required steps are deemed ready to move on to the more intensive aspects of lifesaving techniques, such as jumping from helicopters and leaping from speeding boats.

Italy is currently the only country to recognize certified canine lifeguards but training centers are being set up in the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, and various other locations. Would you trust one of these pups to be your lifeguard when you’re in the water? Let us know your thoughts over on the CK Facebook page! 

Product Spotlights & Updates

The Cisco 2821 Voice Security Bundle Router, C2821-VSEC/K9 is a versatile router that features modular architecture (which supports over 90 different modules from HWIC, WIC, VIC, AIM, and NM cards), enhanced security functionality, and IP Telephony support. This is a router that is great for both lab environments (for those studying for a Cisco Certification) as well as office settings where VoIP phone systems need to be managed.

The C2821-VSEC/K9 version comes with an included PVDM2-32 – 32 channel packet fax and voice dsp module, advanced IP services software, and 64MB of Flash and 256MB of DRAM.

Pick one up today for 25% off!

Why would you use shielded Ethernet Cables? – CK Learning Center

Currently, the use of high bandwidth applications has been on the rise, and network systems have started venturing into factory environments which have called for the use of shielded cables. In this new installation sector, the cable is used in areas with high electromagnetic interference (EMI). Even with improved ability to reject noise and handle gigabit Ethernet, these cables will not function properly in areas where there is high EMI if not properly shielded. A shielded cable will help in these high EMI installations ensuring safe and efficient data transfer.

STP and S/STP

These are the two basic types of shielded ethernet cables. STP cables with an overall generic shield whereas S/STP cables have a shield for each pair and an overall outer shield. The Shield of STP cables can either be a foil or a braid, but for additional strength, some cables can comprise of a foil shield and an outer braid shield.

STP and FTP

Cables which have an overall foil are known as FTP, whereas those with a braid are known as STP. STP is the generic name given to all shielded cables. At times, there arises confusion where FTP cables are assumed to be unshielded or that they are significantly different in terms of performance. In practice, the STP and FTP cables can be used interchangeably, and there is no apparent difference in their performance.

S/STP

The second type of cable is one that has each of the individual pair shielded and then there is an overall outer shield. This type of cable is referred to as S/STP. The purpose of having an inner shield is to ensure that there is no internal cross-talk between the pairs. This will help in ensuring that the cables meet the specifications of the Alien Cross Talk parameter which is significantly difficult to achieve with CAT6a and CAT7 systems. However, Alien Cross Talk is not a requirement when it comes to CAT6, CAT5e, and CATS systems.

Proper Ground Connection

It is worth noting that all the shielded Ethernet cables should have a ground connection for their shields. In case your cable has an incorrect ground connection, the chances are there will be ground loop currents and also the associated interference to the Ethernet signal. In the worst case scenario, where the grounding is poor, the shield can end up acting like antennas; broadcasting high-frequency signals from the cable to the outer environment. This will interfere with the delicate co-located electronic equipment and also allow external detection of the Ethernet data.

What is the Drain Wire in Shielded Cables?

Every shielded Ethernet cable should have a wire that stretches from the insulated wires to the shield. This is commonly known as the drain wire. Normally, the shield is connected to a specific pin in one end, which can even be the chassis. The connector shells are not connected anywhere and consequently, connecting the drain wire to pin 1 puts the entire cable at the potential of that pin. No current will be flowing, but the cable screening will be effective.

Bottom line on Shielded Patch Cables

Ethernet cables should be shielded which helps increase the cables resilience and also makes it stronger. As such, when going for Ethernet cables, consider going for ones which are shielded to ensure safety and longevity.

Find this article on the CK Learning Center here. 

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • With Project Exo, Disney’s research and development team is trying to bring the company’s biggest characters to life at its theme parks. The R&D team is creating a full-body exoskeleton system piece by piece in the hope that one day these characters could walk around Disney’s theme parks and interact with guests.
  • The U.S. Department of Education announced Thursday that it will cancel $5.8 billion in student debt for more than 320,000 borrowers. The debt forgiveness, which will go to borrowers with a total and permanent disability, will be automatically granted using data already available to the Social Security Administration.
  • United Wholesale Mortgage announced plans this week to accept cryptocurrency for home loans, in an apparent first for the national mortgage industry. 
  • Facebook on Thursday announced new measures to protect vulnerable users in Afghanistan. They are rolling out a tool that lets users lock down their profiles with one click, so people who aren’t in their network can’t download their profile pictures or see their posts.
  • Rain fell for several hours at the highest point on the Greenland ice sheet last week — the first rainfall event in recorded history at a location that rarely creeps above freezing temperatures.

CK Daily – 08.19.2021

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In This Issue: Cisco Catalyst 2960X FlexStack-Plus Module | 7 Ways to Build Greatness | News to Start Your Day

Happy Thursday CK Family! We hope you’ve had a great week! Today we’re celebrating World Photo Day! Check out our Hot Topic of the day to see how you can win a $100 CK Gift Card! 

The CK Daily – Finding Fulfillment in Our Busy Lives

Things in our lives can be a drain on us or they can add that extra excitement and a “spring in or step.” Whether it’s traveling, cooking, watching our favorite shows, working out, or spending time with friends & family, there is always something that adds to us more than takes away from us. The same thing can be said about our work lives. We all have parts of our jobs that we just absolutely love to do. (I know sometimes it can be hard to find those things at work.) It can even be more challenging to work those into our already busy schedules, whether they are personal or professional.

Personally, I love hanging out spending time with family and friends. It’s one of those things that energizes me and helps me through the week. I have one buddy that moved up to Ohio a while back, so one of the things that we do is he, his wife (and sometimes the kids), and I hop on a Facetime call at least once a week for a few hours to catch up, chat, and hang out. This is important to all of us to stay connected and still “do life” together even though we all live 3 states away from each other.

Professionally, one part of my job that I am absolutely passionate about is SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and building relevant content for our visitors and customers – like in our CK Learning Center. While this might not sound exciting to you, or you might even be saying “That doesn’t sound exciting.” I get it. It wouldn’t sound exciting to everyone, but for me, I get super excited about it, and it totally gets my wheels turning. I know for me to find fulfillment in one of my passions at work I must carve out time to focus on it. This can be difficult for some weeks, but it is important for me personally. One of the ways I have started doing this is by blocking out time on my calendar. I have started blocking out 2 chunks of my week, one at the beginning of the week and one at the end of the week, to focus on analyzing, researching, and structuring SEO & content for our site. This helps me make sure I have the time to devote to what I love doing and that energizes me.

I have learned over the years, especially the past two years, that as with anything important we have to make time for it. It is important for us, personally, to have time to do or spend time on what we love, we need, we are passionate about, or that energizes us. It is a form of self-care. No one else is going to do it for you. We have to do it for ourselves.

What types of things do you love to do, that you are passionate about, or that energizes you, personally or professionally? How do you make sure that you are doing those things daily or weekly for yourself?

Have a great Thursday, everyone!

Jason

Hot Topic of the Day

Happy World Photo Day! Today we are celebrating the joy of all that goes into capturing a photo. To celebrate we’d like to invite you to share an image of your Server/Data Center set-up with us via email or through social media! Bonus point for if your CK sticker is in the shot! If you post your photo on social media, be sure to add the hashtag #CKWPD and tag us so we can see it!

Just for participating you’ll be entered into a giveaway for a $100 CK Gift Card! Pretty sweet, right?

Just in case you’d don’t have our social media info, find them linked here – Facebook, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn! We can’t wait to see the photos of your setup!

Product Spotlights & Updates

Happy Thursday CK Family! Today we’re highlighting the Cisco Catalyst 2960X FlexStack-Plus Module, C2821-VSEC/K9.

The C2960X-STACK FlexStack-Plus modules improve over the FlexStack modules by increasing the number of stacking members and bandwidth, which results in maximized scalability and simplified management for you. These plug-and-play modules allow you to connect up to 8 stacked 2960-X or 2960-XR switches! FlexStack Plus modules also support bandwidth of up to 80 Gbps over distances up to 3m (10ft).

Grab one of these this week for 25% off!

7 Ways to Build Greatness

Find today’s full post from Jon Gordon here. 

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1) Design Your Masterpiece – In order to build something, you must first design it. You must know what you want to build. You must have a vision of the masterpiece you are creating. If you can see it, you can create it. If you have a vision you also have the power to make it happen. The key is to be intentional and decide what you truly want to build and create.

2) Work Your Craft – You don’t master your craft or build a masterpiece overnight. It takes a lot of years, hard work, sweat, and tears. It’s why Michelangelo said, “If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.” It’s a process that requires you to continuously work at your craft in order to improve and grow. A great example of this is Pablo Casals, the famous cellist, who was asked at the age of 90 why he continued to practice. He said, “Because I think I’m making progress.” If you want to master your craft, you have to show up each day and do the work that greatness requires. 

3) Build With Optimism – When a craftswoman is building something, she is so focused on creating her vision and masterpiece that she is filled with optimism and belief about what she is building. While there are challenges during the building process the craftswoman uses those challenges as opportunities to innovate and adapt. You must believe in what you are building and find a way to get it done. What you believe determines what you create. So, make sure you maintain your belief and optimism as you build greatness.

4) Love It – The famous opera singer Luciano Pavarotti was asked about his exceptional discipline to continuously work on his craft. He said, “People think it’s discipline but it’s not discipline. It’s devotion.” As a craftsman, it’s your love and devotion that will drive your discipline. Your love for what you do will drive you to build greatness. If you don’t love it you’ll never work to be great at it. This means if you want to become a master of your craft then make sure you choose a craft you love. If you love it you’ll be more likely to invest the time to work your craft and be devoted to it.

5) Care More – The difference between just showing up to build something and intentionally creating a masterpiece is reflected in the heart, soul, passion, and care that you put into what you are building. If you care more you will do more, give more and create more. To build something great you must care more about what you are building than all of the distractions vying for your attention. Distractions are the enemy of greatness and if you care about your craft you won’t let these distractions get in the way of your growth.

6) Create Inside-Out – A craftsman creates from the inside out. From their spirit, heart, soul, and essence inside them, they create the masterpieces we see in the world. It’s the same way with your life or anything you create. What you see in your outer world is a reflection of your inner world. There’s a word called Meraki. It means to do something with love, creativity, and soul; to leave a piece of yourself in your work; to leave something behind. Being a craftsman/craftswoman is all about Meraki. Put your love and soul into it. Leave a piece of yourself in whatever it is you are building. Leave something behind. Create a masterpiece that reflects the essence of your love, energy, effort, and craft.

7) Take on New Challenges – A craftsman always wants to make their next work their best work and they’re willing to take on new challenges in order to grow. I read a piece by Charles Killian where he shares the story of Donatello rejecting a three-ton block of marble stone because it had too many flaws and cracks in it. The haulers decided to bring it to Michelangelo to see if he wanted the stone. Michelangelo inspected the stone and discovered the flaws and cracks in it as well. But he decided to do something with it. He thought it would be a challenge to his craftsmanship. From that flawed block of marble, he would go on to create the statue of David, the greatest art treasure in the world.

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • Chipotle Mexican Grill announced Thursday that the burrito chain is testing meat-free chorizo. It would be the company’s first meat-free protein option since it launched sofritas in 2014.
  • Amazon is planning to open large retail locations that resemble department stores.
  • Toys R Us shop-in-shops will roll out to more than 400 Macy’s stores in 2022. A larger assortment of Toys R Us merchandise is now available on Macy’s website, ahead of the holiday season. Toys R Us’ website will also now be powered by Macy’s.
  • Facebook announced a new sustainability goal to restore more water than it consumes by the year 2030. The company intends to focus its efforts on projects in regions where it uses local water resources.
  • Facebook launched a test of a new virtual-reality remote work app where users of the company’s Oculus Quest 2 headsets can hold meetings as avatar versions of themselves. Check out this image to see what it might look like!

CK Daily – 08.18.2021

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In This Issue: 12U Freestanding Equipment Rack, 19″ | What are the different types of QSFP+ Transceivers? | News to Start Your Day

We’ve made it to the middle of the week! The week has seemed a bit long so far, but we hope you are hanging in there. Today is National Fajita Day! There really is a holiday for everything – but today is the day to enjoy the sizzling deliciousness of the savory Tex-Mex flavor found in fajitas! 

The CK Daily – Change is Good

Happy Midweek! Someone send me some Kleenex! The day has finally come where my husband and I decided to send my toddler back to school and I can’t stop crying. After 17 months of listening to every single ABC song and seeing the movie Trolls over and over again, my house is back to its former self and is completely silent.

I know change is good, but why does it hurt sometimes? I began to realize change was coming when my son told me he wanted to go back to school. Even though he was home with my husband and me every day learning and thriving, we realized that we needed to cover our son in prayer and let him grow in a formal school environment.

Monday morning came faster than ever, and it was time for my son to go to school. We walked through the school doors, said Good Morning, and the teacher came and walked my son to his classroom. To my surprise, he took the teacher’s hand and walked away without saying goodbye or showing any fear.

It was at that point that I realized that this change was not only good for my growing son, but for myself as well. It is imperative that I expose my child to the many wonders of the world and allow him to soak up all the knowledge he can retain. It is also imperative for me to release my fear and sense of uncertainty and allow God to protect him while he is at school. This change now allows me to spend more focused time on work and myself, which is equally as important.

I say all this to say yes changes in life can shake up your world, but sometimes we need a little shaking! How do y’all adjust to change, because this momma has been a bucket of tears!

Shanyce

Hot Topic of the Day

Do you have an old cell phone? Hopefully, you’re able to update the model or version of software you have as YouTube will no longer work on some Android models and smartphones that have version 2.3.7 or lower of an operating system. Beginning September 27th, users who have smartphones with said operating system will no longer be able to log in to the Google suite (YouTube, Maps, Play Store, Gmail, and Google Photos). 

Hopefully, you aren’t impacted by this change, but we feel for you if you are! What we want to know is – Are you a fan of YouTube? What’s your favorite video/channel to watch? Head on over to the CK Facebook page and share your favorite – bonus points sharing a link!

Product Spotlights & Updates

We’ve made it to the middle of the week! Anyone else think the week is flying by? To keep this week moving we’re showcasing the 12U Freestanding Equipment Rack!

Not every installation requires a full 6′-7′ equipment rack. When you are mounting just a few pieces of gear, or space is limited, using a smaller more compact rack is the key to getting the job done with the space you have.

This freestanding 12U mount is perfect for labs and SOHO network installations. The rack is big enough to hold 12 1RU units and strong enough to hold up to 75lbs. The black, powder-coated steel frame is angled back to better support the weight of the mounted gear giving it a better center of gravity. This rack is light, weighing in at only 7lbs, and small enough to fit either on top of, or below a desk or table.

When space is limited and the install is small, this compact racking solution will fit the bill!

What are the different types of QSFP+ Transceivers? – CK Learning Center

There’s been a rapid evolution of gigabit ethernet and a growing demand for equipment that handles this advancement. Data centers are now migrating to blazing-fast 40G, and QSFP+ transceivers as a necessary component in making sure high-speed internet stays high speed.

QSFP+ stands for Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus. A parallel and hot-swappable fiber optical module that provides high-density 40G connectivity options for high-performance computing networks and modern data centers. It has four independent receive and transmits optical channels that can terminate to another 40G QSFP+ transceiver, or can be distributed to four separate 10 Gigabit SFP+ transceivers. The QSFP+ modules, in a nutshell, connect the entire electrical circuitry of your system to an optical external network.

QSFP+ Interface: LC & MPO

There are a variety of 40G transceivers currently available on the market. However, 40G QSFP+ optics follow the QSFP MSA standard which dictates that 40G QSFP+ connectors can be either 12-fiber MPO or duplex LC. Which are the MPO and the LC. What are the differences between these two interfaces?

To put it simply, 40G QSFP+ transceivers that have an LC interface are used in transmitting data over long distances via single-mode fiber (SMF), while transceivers with an MPO interface (except for 40GBase-PLR4 and 40GBase-PLRL4) are deployed for data transmission over short distances via multimode fiber (MMF). In addition to that, MPO interfaced QSFP+ transceivers can be used in 4x10G connectivity using a breakout cable, compared to LC interfaced ones that can’t be divided into 4x10G since they use 4 wavelengths on one pair of SMF.

Let’s delve deeper and understand how 40G QSFP+ transceivers with LC interface work. From the transmitting side, 4 channels of 10G serial data streams that have different wavelengths are sent over to laser drivers. These same laser drivers control the DML or directly modulated lasers using wavelengths. Then the DML outputs are multiplexed optically to a single-mode fiber via a standard LC connector, combining as 40G. On the receiving side, the 40G signal is demultiplexed into four separate 10G streams at different wavelengths. Each single-wavelength light is acquired by a diode and amplified by a TIA and then comes out as electric data.

The working principle of a 40G QSFP+ transceiver with an MPO interface can be explained by starting from the transmitting side when it transmutes parallel electrical input signals into parallel optical signals via a laser array. The optical signals are then sent through the MPO-terminated MMF ribbon. On the other side, the receiver transforms parallel optical input signals into parallel electrical output signals using a photodetector array.

Which QSFP+ Type Is Right For You?

QSFP+ transceivers also come in several ratings. It is important to know which category best suits your network setup. As your partners in IT procurement, we are here to provide a series of cost-effective transceivers to meet your various network demands. 

Check them all out at the CK Learning Center here and find which one is right for you!

Today’s News to Start Your Day:

  • New Zealand is hearing the Kiwi call once again after 5 years of silence. In the latest audio survey of kiwi bird populations on New Zealand’s North Island, many areas that were silent in 2016 now have airways filled to bursting with kiwi calls.
  • Ford plans to expand its hands-free highway driving system to the automaker’s luxury Lincoln brand beginning next year with the 2022 Navigator SUV.
  • ‘Fast and Furious 10’ is set for an April 2023 release date. Who’s ready?
  • The Twitter-funded company, Bluesky, which is seeking to build a new type of social media has officially announced its first leader. 
  • For Southwest Airlines, staffing shortages have led to hours-long hold times and exacerbated flight disruptions. They have now launched a staff referral bonus program to assist in easing the hiring problem.