Ethernet Cables
We like to color code our cables by length rather than purpose, because the length of a cable does not change over time, but the same cable can be used for many types of traffic. The thin cables are great for patch panels because they improve visibility and include less packaging, and the thick cables work well for stations because they are more durable.
Length | Color | Thin | Thick |
---|---|---|---|
1' | Orange | Buy on Monoprice | Buy on Monoprice |
2' | Pink (Red) | Buy on Monoprice | Buy on Monoprice |
3' | Green | Buy on Monoprice | Buy on Monoprice |
5' | Purple | Buy on Monoprice | Buy on Monoprice |
7' | White | Buy on Monoprice | Buy on Monoprice |
10' | Yellow | Buy on Monoprice | Buy on Monoprice |
14' | Gray | Buy on Monoprice | Buy on Monoprice |
25' | Black | N/A | Buy on Monoprice |
50' | Blue | N/A | Buy on Monoprice |
Computer Specs
We can get specific with models and builds, but in general, here is what we recommend for a general use computer.
Component | Spec |
---|---|
Processor | i5 or better |
RAM | 16 GB or more |
Storage | 500 GB or larger SSD or 2 TB or larger Fusion Drive |
Display | High PPI (Retina) |
Graphics | Dedicated |
OS | macOS or Windows Pro (not Home) |
Network Equipment
Cisco Meraki is one of our favorite brands of network hardware. It provides a good balance of performance and security, and incredible visibility. They are so jazzed about their product line, they give a single instance of every type of device away for free to any company that attends their free online webinar. For 3 hours of very light attention, you can take home a free Meraki firewall, switch, and wireless access point. If you need a new network and you are not in a rush, register and attend their Cloud Managed Security Appliances, Cloud Managed Switches, and Cloud Managed WiFi webinars here.
Internet Connectivity
Like most things, there are various grades of service for internet connectivity. This is a brief chart comparing different types of service and different performance metrics. Bandwidth, like the horsepower of a car, is an easy-to-market metric. Also like the horsepower of a car, it should not be the only consideration when choosing an internet connectivity solution. If horsepower was the only important factor, we would see more Dodge Charger Hellcats on the road and fewer BMWs.
Type | Bandwidth | Guaranteed | Symmetrical | SLA | Latency | Jitter | Install Time | Typical Contract |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DIA Fiber | 10Mb - 10Gb | Y | Y | Y | Low | Low | 90 Days | 1-3 years |
Fixed Wireless | 10Mb - 1Gb | Y | Y | Y | Low | Low | 14 Days | 1-3 years |
Metro Fiber | 10Mb - 1Gb | N | Y | N | Low | Medium | 30 Days | Month to Month |
EOC | 5Mb - 50Mb | Y | Y | Y | Medium | Low | 30 Days | 1-3 Years |
Coax | 50Mb - 300Mb | N | N | N | High | High | 14 Days | Month to Month |
DSL | 5Mb - 50 Mb | N | N | N | High | High | 14 Days | Month to Month |