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Apple recently unveiled its newest MacBook Pro, announcing that it would use a single USB Type-C port for power and data transfer. USB Type-C has since been the topic of conversation in the tech world, paving the way for exciting possibilities for improved USB standards and devices.

What is USB Type-C?

Type-C is a new shape of USB connector which is double-sided with 24-pins. It is reversible, a huge improvement to any of us who have once fumbled with plugging a Type-A connector into a port. While Type-C itself is only a change in shape, the excitement lies in the potential for improved standards. The underlying technology of Type-C could be anything from the outdated USB 2.0 to the latest and greatest USB 3.1 and USB Power Delivery (USB PD).

How is USB Type-C Better?

Currently, most devices use USB Type-A, which is bulky and only plugs into a port in one direction. Because Type-A is such a large plug, its ports are equally large. Acceptable for desktop computers, these large ports do not

With each purchase of a new gadget comes a plethora of charging cables. It’s easy to absent-mindedly throw everything into a drawer to be sorted or used later. But that method inevitably results in a tangled mess of cables and cords that rivals that of Clark Griswold’s Christmas lights. Here’s a better way to stow away those extra cords so that the next time you need them, you won’t have to battle The Cable-Spaghetti Monster.

What You’ll Need:

• Shoebox
• Scissors
• Tape (ours is fancy gold duct tape)
• A pen/permanent marker
• Cardboard roll (from TP, gift wrap, etc.)
• Cables!

Step 1. Measure and Cut

Grab your cardboard roll and place inside your shoebox so that you can measure how tall to cut each section. We used a pen to mark the height. Once you’ve made your marks, cut away! Keep cutting segments until you have enough to fill up the inside of your shoebox. Ours took 4 rows of 6, or 24 rolls.

Step 2. Add Stability

Add tape to make your cardboard rolls sturdier. We used our tape to make pods

A RJ45 connector is a modular 8 position, 8 pin connector used for terminating Cat5e or Cat6 twisted pair cable. A pinout is a specific arrangement of wires that dictate how the connector is terminated. There are multiple pinouts for RJ45 connectors including straight through (T568A or T568B), crossover, rolled, T1, and loopback. Straight through is the most common type of cable and is used for connecting your computer to your network. The other pinouts are for specialty cables that are used for unique network applications. Straight-Through Pinout Within the family of straight-through color codes, there are two standards recognized by ANSI, TIA and EIA. The first is the T568A wiring standard and the second is T568B. T568B has surpassed 568A and is seen as the default wiring scheme for twisted pair structured cabling. If you are unsure of which to use, choose 568B.

T-568A RJ45 Pinout

T-568B RJ45 Pinout

Cross Over Pinout
A crossover cable utilizes two different RJ45 pinouts for the two ends

Cat5 cable is a standard term for twisted pair cable commonly used for connecting PCs and hardware to different equipment. It has been replaced by Cat5e, which is an enhanced version of Cat5. These share many of the same physical characteristics including distance limitations, but Cat5e is designed for faster networking speeds and reduced crosstalk interference. The maximum length you can run Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a cable is 100 meters or 328 feet. If you require a longer run, you will need to put an active component, such as a router, in-between the signals.

The length limit for Cat5 also includes any patch cables, jacks or couplers that are connected in the run. For example, you could not run 100 meters of Cat5 cable between the walls, and then connect with a jack to another 10 meter cable. In terms of distance limitation, the 100 meters of Cat5, the jack and additional 10 

meters of Cat5 are all seen as a single length of cable. It is recommended to only run the structured

If you’ve spent any time on the Internet in the last year, chances are you seen some great examples for how to organize long cables. Today, the ShowMeCables blog is bringing you a DIY for creating a similar effect in your own storage closet.

Step 1. Choose Your Model

This is, arguably, the hardest step of the process as there are many different routes to take. Just the word “dreadlocks” conjures up images of the well-loved Rastafarian Bob Marley, the godfather of dreads himself. Wiz Khalifa, the lead singers of Korn and Whoopie Goldberg also sport the famous hairstyle with 

effortlessness. For the adventurers out there, Captain Jack Sparrow and Michonne from the Walking Dead each sport their dreads with fantastic accessories. Then there’s always Bradley Cooper’s character from the movie Hit and Run if you’re into more obscure references. This is also a fantastic opportunity to see how you or a co-worker would look with dreads. In that case, take a selfie or do some Facebook stalking

The SMA connector(SubMiniature version A) is a 50 ohm coaxial connector. It is visually similar to an F type connector that is commonly used for audio/video communication, but has different dimensions, mechanical properties and is used for different applications such as RF communications up to 18 GHz. Due to its construction, SMA connectors provide a strong and durable connection that minimizes reflections, limiting attenuation, and makes it a great choice when working with microwave frequencies.

SMA Male Connector

The SMA male connector is identified by inside 1/4″-36 threads and a 5/16″ hex nut. A standard polarity connector will have a male pin.

SMA Male Dimensions

• Outer Diameter: 6.35mm
• Inner Diameter: 4.59mm
• Pin Diameter: .97mm
• Pin Tip Diameter: .38mm

Wall mount network racks are a space saving way to mount networking equipment. When installing IT equipment in a data closet or shared space, there often is not enough space on the floor to mount a full relay rack or full size cabinet. To maximize the usable area, the IT hardware, such as switches, routers or patch panels, can be mounted on a wall mount network rack. This keeps the equipment off the floor in a nicely organized fashion.

Like any rack or cabinet, wall mount racks are configurable with many options. Here is everything you need to know to select the right network rack.

Select the Right Size
Wall mount racks are a standard 19 inches wide. This is the width of most rack mountable networking equipment. However, they come in all different heights which are measured by rack units. Rack units, abbreviated RU or U, are sometimes referred to as rack space or for short spaces. One rack unit is 1.75 inches. Choose a network rack that has enough spaces to accommodate the equipment you

Last week Google announced two new devices in the Chromecast family; the Chromecast audio, for streaming audio to speakers, and a new version of their Chromecast streaming media player. We are excited about these two new products as we regularly use the original Chromecast in our office as an inexpensive digital signage solution. Since we are professed cable nerds, lets break down the cables you will need for each Chromecast.

Chromecast Audio Cables

The Chromecast ships with a standard 3.5mm male to male cable, like this:

If your audio system doesn’t use 3.5mm, you can adapt the 3.5mm out to RCA using a cable. If analog audio is not your thing, the Chromecast also supplies a digital send which requires a Toslink cable. However, not just any Toslink cable will work with the Chromecast Audio player. You will need to use a mini-Toslink to standard Toslink cable. The mini-Toslink is 3.5mm so it will fit in the same port on the Chromecast.

Essential Replacement Chromecast Audio Cables

Here are

Does your rack look like this?

Cord spaghetti isn’t only assaulting to your eyes and dignity, it can actually impede your ability to troubleshoot IT issues. If someone is experiencing connectivity problems at their desk, pinpointing the problem can be an impossibility without labeled and organized cables. Manually tracing a line into cable hell wastes precious time at best and, at worst, drives you to the brink of insanity.

Get serious about tidying up your cables. Take the pledge now!

Step 1: Admit You Have a Problem
We get it. It’s tempting to loosely string a cable from point A to point B. It’s quick, easy, and you don’t have to deal with the real issues. But you’re only hurting yourself. The next time you need to make a patch, commit to doing it the right way. It will pay off in the end.

Step 2: Clear Your Schedule
Now that you are no longer contributing to the problem, it is time to check your calendar. Block out a large chunk of time to clean up the mess. Oftentimes, you

Ecore DuroRacks is an ever expanding line of racks, enclosures and accessories. Now you can outfit your project with these rackshelves, store your equipment in the locking cabinet, keep your cables organized with the D ring cable manager, or organize your telecom closet with the 2 post relay rack. All items are made with powder coated steel for long lasting performance and a professional appearance. When you need the same fit and function without the inflated price tag, choose Ecore Cables DuroRacks. relayrack

Relay Racks

Relay racks are a lightweight, yet sturdy solution for housing networking

hardware.With 45 available rack spaces and made toan industry standard 19″ width, there is plenty of space to hold your equipment.

Wall Mount Cabinets

Offering an enhanced layer of security, wall mounted cabinets house and protect your networking equipment. With pre-installed rackrails, locking glass door, removable sides and fan panels, ECore DuroRacks provide high end feature at an affordable price.