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 will provide specific details on models and builds when the time comes, but here is what we recommend for a general-purpose computer. Remember, underspending is worse than overspending.

Component           Spec
Processor i5 or better Intel or Apple ARM
RAM 24 GB or more RAM
Storage 500 GB or larger SSD
Display High PPI (Retina)
Graphics Dedicated
OS macOS or Windows Pro (not Home)
Budget $2500

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 horsepower in a car, is an easily marketable metric. Also, like the horsepower of a car, it should not be the sole consideration when selecting an internet connectivity solution. If horsepower were the only important factor, we would see more Dodge Charger Hellcats on the road and fewer BMWs.

We highly recommend secondary diverse-path WAN links for offices with premise-based servers or functions.

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
Coax (Cable) 50Mb - 300Mb N N N High High 14 Days Month to Month