June 29th, 2009
The Cisco NX-OS is a recently-developed data-center-class OS built to meet the evolving demands of the virtualized data center. NX-OS 4.1 designed for Nexus 7000 maintains necessary consistency with the other members of the Cisco Nexus family while also delivering features critical to data centers. These features include continuous system availability; a modular, flexible architecture; and switch virtualization capabilities.
There are several advantages to the NX-OS. They include: a flexible and scalable core built with virtualization, modularity, and resiliency; a unified data center operating system that runs on a multitude of the Cisco Nexus Switches including the the 7000 Series, 5000 Series, MDS Series Multilayer SAN, and the Cisco Nexus 1000V virtual switch for VMware ESX; comprehensive security features; management features that meet challenges imposed by extremely demanding environments; robust feature set with a large variety of Cisco innovations; and the ability to support cutting-edge implementations of IPv4 and IPv6 services.
The Cisco NX-OS is highly secure. The operating system provides unmatched data confidentiality and integrity, while supporting standard IEEE 802.1AE link-layer cryptography. Upgrades,
maintenance, and software certification is a seamless process which can be performed without any service interruptions. The Cisco ASA-5500 series, although it doesn’t offer NX-OS, is the core of Cisco’s self-defending network and offers many of the same protections as the NX-OS.
Tags: cisco, equipment, Network Security, switches
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June 24th, 2009
On May 29, 2009, President Obama made an announcement regarding the U.S. government’s role in ensuring cybersecurity for the country as a whole, businesses operating within the U.S., and American citizens in the Cyberspace Policy Review:
Assuring a Trusted and Resilient Information
and Communications Infrastructure. The 76-page document stated,
The globally-interconnected digital information and communications infrastructure known as “cyberspace”underpins almost every facet of modern society and provides critical support for the U.S. economy, civil infrastructure, public safety, and national security. This technology has transformed the global economy and connected people in ways never imagined. Yet, cybersecurity risks pose some of the most serious economic and national security challenges of the 21st Century. The digital infrastructure’s architecture was driven more by considerations of interoperability and efficiency than of security. Consequently, a growing array of state and non-state actors are compromising, stealing, changing, or destroying information and could cause critical disruptions to U.S. systems. At the same time, traditional telecommunications and Internet networks continue to converge, and other infrastructure sectors are adopting the Internet as a primary means of interconnectivity. The United States faces the dual challenge of maintaining an environment that promotes efficiency, innovation, economic prosperity, and free trade while also promoting safety, security, civil liberties, and privacy rights.1 It is the fundamental responsibility of our government to address strategic vulnerabilities in cyberspace and ensure that the United States and the world realize the full potential of the information technology revolution.
But how can you, as a business owner, provide security for both your business’ data as well as keep confidential information about your vendors, customers, and employees private? There are several ways. Among them are: the use of one or more members of the Cisco PIX Security Appliance Series. PIX delivers cost effective, easy to redistribute user and application policy implementation, multi-vector attack protection, and secure connectivity services. Cisco is the leader in security-featured IT networking equipment. The Cisco Self-Defending Network enables IT organizations to protect critical assets, enforce business policies, and rapidly identify and respond to evolving threats while easing the administrative burden of IT making the total cost of ownership of Cisco network devices lower.
Tags: cisco, communications products, I.T. hardware, industry leader, security
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June 19th, 2009
Power over Ethernet (PoE) was developed by Cisco Systems, an industry leader in the field of technology and networking hardware. Also sometimes referred to as ‘inline power,’ PoE is the ability that a LAN switching infrastructure can provide power to an endpoint, or ‘Powered Device,’ by utilizing a copper Ethernet cable. Cisco first delivered the capability in 2000 to address the needs of emerging IP Telephony deployments. Because IP (Internet Protocol) Telephones need power to operate, their deployment is simplified by combining power and data transfer in a single cable.
Cisco then began using the technology in other applications– particularly to power devices in atmospheres or locations where there was limited or no local power access. Other companies quickly caught on, seeing the importance of such a discovery in the technology field and a standardization of PoE (802.3af) came about, allowing for a newly formed generation of network-attached devices like card scanners, video cameras, POS devices, and much more.
Cisco now offers a complete range of 802.3af-based Power over Ethernet support in all members of its Catalyst Intelligent Switch families with both 10/100 PoE LAN and 10/100/1000 connections, including Catalyst 6500– a 96-port 10/100 PoE module.
In addition, Cisco subsequently introduced 802.3af compliant PoE products that also support their pre-standard PoE implementation. These products are backwards compatible with the company’s existing end devices, including Wireless access points and IP Telephony products. The Cisco Catalyst Intelligent Switches reliably deliver Intelligent Power Management capabilities beyond the optional IEEE Power Classification feature. These Switches enable granular, optimized and scalable power delivery to provide more efficient power management, keeping Cisco’s reputation as the leader in Power over Ethernet Technology warranted.
Tags: cisco, communications products, computer hardware, industry leader, Power over Ethernet, switches
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June 16th, 2009
PoE, or Power over Ethernet, is a technology that describes a system to transfer both electrical power and data to remove devices using standard twisted-pair cable in an Ethernet network. In many circumstances, supplying power separately is infeasible, expensive, or just plain inconvenient, and a switch module that offers PoE enhances a network’s versatility and makes it more attractive to network administrators. A good comparison is POTS telephones. Like a network with PoE, POTS telephones are analog, but receiver data and power through the same cable. You may also hear PoE referred to as ‘inline power.’
Power over Ethernet is useful for powering embedded computers,wireless LAN access points,IP telephones, remote network switches, and network cameras as well as other I.T. hardware that needs power. PoE is typically implemented following the specification guidelines in IEEE std. 802.3af-2003.
Industry leader Cisco Systems is the father of original PoE equipment. Cisco was manufacturing components with inline power several years before an IEEE standard for delivering PoE came to be. With a capability of delivering up to 10 Watts per port, Cisco PoE forerunners ensured the amount of power to be delivered was negotiated between the endpoint and the Cisco switch. This was based on a power value added to the CDP, or Cisco proprietary Cisco Discovery Protocol. But CDP does even more. It’s responsible for communicating the Voice VLAN value from the Cisco switch to the Cisco IP Phone as well.
Now, you will find many products on the market that offer PoE. Cisco is still providing hardware on the cutting edge of this technology with products like PWR-C45-1300ACV and PWR-C45-4200ACV.
Tags: cisco, I.T. hardware, Power over Ethernet, switches, telephone systems
Posted in Equipment Tips, Power over Ethernet | Comments Off
June 12th, 2009
What is inline power?
Inline power is another term for Power over Ethernet (PoE), a technology that describes a system to transfer both electrical power and data to remove devices using standard twisted-pair cable in an Ethernet network. In many circumstances, supplying power separately is infeasible, expensive, or just plain inconvenient, and a switch module that offers PoE enhances a network’s versatility and makes it more attractive to network administrators. A good comparison is POTS telephones. Like a network with PoE, POTS telephones are analog, but receiver data and power through the same cable.
Inline power is useful for powering embedded computers,wireless LAN access points,IP telephones, remote network switches, and network cameras as well as other I.T. hardware that needs power. PoE is typically implemented following the specification guidelines in IEEE std. 802.3af-2003.
A good example of the type of enhancement Power over Ethernet can provide, can be seen in WS-X4248-RJ45V by Cisco. The Cisco Systems’ WS-X4248-RJ45V is a 48-port switching module designed to deliver standards-based integrated power by expanding PoE. The Catalyst 4500 Poe offers greater mobility and flexibility to users with the support of all-new services, applications and devices. The Catalyst 4500 Series is IEEE 802.3af PoE compliant with the integration of this new line card as well as Cisco IOS Software Release 12.2(18)EW and CatOS Software Release 8.3(1)GLX. Combined, they meet the needs of commercial and enterprise customers. The WS-X4248-RJ45V is compatible with the following switches: Catalyst 4503 Switch, Catalyst 4506 Switch, Catalyst 4507R Switch, Catalyst 4510R Switch, Catalyst 4003 Switch, and Catalyst 4006 Switch.
Posted in Equipment Tips, Power over Ethernet | Comments Off
June 9th, 2009
What is PoE?
PoE is the commonly used acronym for Power over Ethernet, a technology that describes a system to transfer both electrical power and data to remove devices using standard twisted-pair cable in an Ethernet network. In many circumstances, supplying power separately is infeasible, expensive, or just plain inconvenient, and a switch module that offers PoE enhances a network’s versatility and makes it more attractive to network administrators. A good comparison is POTS telephones. Like a network with PoE, POTS telephones are analog, but receiver data and power through the same cable. You may also hear PoE referred to as ‘inline power.’
Power over Ethernet is useful for powering embedded computers,wireless LAN access points,IP telephones, remote network switches, and network cameras as well as other I.T. hardware that needs power. PoE is typically implemented following the specification guidelines in IEEE std. 802.3af-2003.
A good example of the type of enhancement Power over Ethernet can provide, can be seen in WS-X4248-RJ45V by Cisco. The Cisco Systems’ WS-X4248-RJ45V is a 48-port switching module designed to deliver standards-based integrated power by expanding PoE. The Catalyst 4500 Poe offers greater mobility and flexibility to users with the support of all-new services, applications and devices. The Catalyst 4500 Series is IEEE 802.3af PoE compliant with the integration of this new line card as well as Cisco IOS Software Release 12.2(18)EW and CatOS Software Release 8.3(1)GLX. Combined, they meet the needs of commercial and enterprise customers. The WS-X4248-RJ45V is compatible with the following switches: Catalyst 4503 Switch, Catalyst 4506 Switch, Catalyst 4507R Switch, Catalyst 4510R Switch, Catalyst 4003 Switch, and Catalyst 4006 Switch.
Posted in Equipment Tips, Power over Ethernet | Comments Off
June 1st, 2009
MULTI-LINK’s name tends to come up whenever Cisco hardware is needed, but did you know we’re much more than simply an alternative Cisco provider? Since 1995, MLCP has helped clients source networking equipment from companies like Adtran, Kentrox, 3COM, Extreme, Foundry, Juniper, Nortel and more. Whether you’re looking to replace an insert blade for a Foundry switch or want to upgrade your Juniper router platforms, we can locate the new or refurbished parts you need and get them to you faster than the manufacturer can in most cases. On top of that, you’ll pay less!
No need to go through the hassle of registering a new product vendor as an approved supplier—just come to us! Even if you need an item that’s not normally in our portfolio or on our website, contact us by email or phone. We’ll make every effort to find it for you! Once we do, our trade-in and credit terms still apply! Bottom line, coming to us first could save you time and money. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of customers find solutions to a variety of problems. Let us do the same for you!
Did you know MULTI-LINK offers non-Cisco and hard-to-locate equipment? If not, please print a copy of our brochure detailing the ways MLCP can be your long-term partner when it comes to all of your I.T. needs.
Posted in MLCP News | Comments Off
May 31st, 2009
If you have used, broken, or no longer needed I.T. equipment, you may be tempted to toss it in the trash bin outside and watch it be hauled away. But there are two important reasons to refrain from doing that: one, you’re throwing away money; and two, adding more lead-based equipment to a landfill isn’t good for the environment.
If you’re a company that wants to go green, here are some important steps to take to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
First and foremost, don’t throw away I.T. equipment! There are reliable alternative hardware providers like MULTI-LINK Communications (MLCP) that will accept your old equipment (even if it’s broken) for a trade-in credit, or will even sell your used equipment (like a Cisco 7905 IP phone) on consignment whether or not your buy anything from them at all. Let MLCP refurbish and try to sell your equipment and all you have to do is cash the check once it sells. Not only will someone else struggling to afford the right I.T. equipment for their company benefit, but so will you financially, and so will generations to come with fewer landfills.
You can also remind staff, vendors, customers, etc. to reduce paper waste by simply adding “Please consider the environment before printing this email” to the bottom of every email sent internally and externally from your staff. Sometimes, people just need a reminder to think before hitting that print button and saving paper not only saves trees, but also reduces supply costs.
Offering a recycling program at work will encourage to bring recyclables from home and not only eliminate how much recyclable material goes into residential trash, but the money can be used to donate to a local school, buy a new microwave for the break room, or given away to the employee (or team) of the month who brings in the most recycling.
Going green doesn’t have to be expensive. It can actually save you money, encourage respect for the environment with your staff, and keep the planet healthy for generations to come.
Tags: business owners, going green, I.T. hardware, landfills, refurbished
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May 29th, 2009
Surplus equipment may not look like a stack of cash, but it is. I.T. equipment is valuable and leaving old equipment sitting around and dumping it into a landfill not only costs money but doesn’t help the environment. You might as well recapture some of your expenses by selling your surplus equipment.
It’s not uncommon for alternate I.T. hardware suppliers to offer trade-in credit on surplus equipment. But what if you don’t need new equipment? What if this truly is ’surplus?’ Or what if you need to liquidate completely and a new Cisco 3600 Series High Performance Router isn’t in the cards for you? What do you do then?
The answer is to sell your surplus equipment– cables, routers, servers– on consignment.
Trying to locate a buyer for your used networking equipment is nearly impossible. First, trying to find someone who needs exactly what you have isn’t easy. Second, would you trust your business systems to someone you don’t know trying to unload a used system? Probably not.
The answer is selling your hardware on consignment through a reliable, well-connected alternate provider like MULTI-LINK Communications (MLCP). Why do people prefer to buy from a company like that? MULTI-LINK has been in business for more than 20 years, providing high-quality refurbished equipment to its customers. Even refurbished equipment is covered under MLCP’s standard one-year warranty and because it has clients all over the world, MULTI-LINK has access to all kinds of products from multiple manufacturers, including obsolete products, new hardware, and third-party components.
Everyone knows you can save money by purchasing new or refurbished products through MLCP. But you can also ‘make’ money by letting them sell your surplus new and used equipment on consignment. If there’s a buyer out there for your product, MLCP will help you find them!
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May 28th, 2009
When it comes to I.T. hardware, and the expenses involved to start-up or upgrade, an investment recapture strategy is important. What are the components of a valuable strategy, and how much can it save you?
Purchasing a new system or component can be expensive and often, businesses hold off on doing so because of the expense. But there are ways to reduce the expenses.
1. Purchase refurbished equipment from a reliable alternate provider.
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure– especially if it’s been refurbished to like-new standards. A good alternate provider is in the business of buying back equipment that other people need to get rid of when they upgrade or liquidate and if they offer trade-in credit, most likely have an impressive surplus of used equipment in their storage facility. Alternate providers discount this refurbished equipment not only because it’s used, but because they need the space. They’ve already made money on the sale that happened with the trade-in, so refurbishing and reselling is icing on the cake. Take advantage of that! Refurbished equipment often sells for less than 20% of the price of the same product new!
2. Consider buying new or refurbished equipment that is no longer being manufactured. Once equipment is end-of-lifed, the manufacturer stops selling it. So for example, if your Cisco 1600 Series WIC-1B-U melts down, Cisco isn’t going to sell you a new one. Instead, they may suggest you upgrade your entire system to what they’re currently producing. You don’t need to fall into that trap. Replacing broken parts is an important part of any Investment Recapture Strategy, so find a provider that will continue to supply new or refurbished equipment long after the product stops being made.
3. Lease your equipment. Consider leasing to own, or simply leasing until you put away enough to pay for the upgrade. Especially if you aren’t certain if a growth trend will continue. Leasing makes downsizing easy should it come to that.
4. Take advantage of trade-in credit. Buying from an alternate provider that accepts used equipment for trade-in is no different than trading in your car. You no longer need it, and you might as well apply the value to your new purchase. Since finding a customer to buy your old equipment is time-consuming to do yourself, let someone else take the old stuff off your hands.
5. Know that you can liquidate completely if necessary. No one wants to be pessimistic, but the reality is, businesses encounter tough times. Find an alternate provider that will sell your equipment on consignment. Knowing you can sell it means money in your pocket.
Tags: cisco, I.T. hardware, new hardware, refurbished, reputable company, routers
Posted in Cost Saving | Comments Off
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