Category: blog
Why You Should Only Hire SIRA Approved CCTV Suppliers?
Surveillance systems are an important component of any business, and it’s important to ensure that you’re installing them properly to get the most out of them.
If you want to make sure your surveillance system provides all the protection you need, you should only buy from SIRA-approved suppliers.
This article will explain why this is so important and how it can help make your CCTV system more effective at preventing theft and catching criminals.
What is SIRA and SIRA ?
The Security Industry Research Association (SIRA) is an independent organization that sets the standards for security equipment, systems, and services.
Several types of premises in Dubai are covered by SIRA guidelines for CCTV installation. This regulation must be adhered to by all establishments by yearly audits, maintenance, certification, and upgrades if necessary.
What is the significance of SIRA approved CCTV installation certification?
Certification is key for all industries, but it’s especially important for the security industry. A CCTV installation certification tells you that the company has taken steps to ensure that their technicians are knowledgeable and competent enough to install your system correctly.
- Increased Safety
A well-made, monitored and maintained surveillance system can help ensure the safety of your home or business. The footage captured by a CCTV camera can provide evidence in criminal investigations and it’s also valuable in civil cases. What’s more, with the right security systems installed, you’ll be able to make sure that your property is safe at all times.
- Reliable
There are many benefits to hiring an SIRA-approved CCTV supplier for your security needs. The first is that you know the equipment will be reliable and up to date with technology, which means you won’t need to worry about compatibility issues.
Importance Of Hiring A SIRA Approved CCTV Supplier
By investing in SIRA approved CCTV suppliers, you can be assured of the quality of the products and services they offer. It’s critical to hire a supplier who has been approved by SIRA because it ensures they are reputable, reliable and trustworthy.
It also means they meet all the industry requirements which can be important if you have a particular industry standard or regulation to follow. Finally, when it comes to getting technical support, there’s no substitute for working with an experienced company who has been certified by SIRA.
How is SIRA certification for CCTV installation obtained?
The CCTV certification process by SIRA involves submitting several documents, such as the CCTV site inspection report, the annual maintenance contract, vendor quotes, and so on.
Changes can be made within the approved timeframe of one month. Failure to do so will result in resubmission charges. The best way to ensure minimum variations and avoid fines is to work with a SIRA-approved CCTV camera installer.
Does Your Company Need SIRA Approval?
The Preventive System Manual that is approved by SIRA and published on its website or announced in any other manner must be followed for Vital Sectors, Major Compounds, and Public Events as far as security requirements, systems, and general and special technical specifications are concerned.
Businesses that trade in commodities or provide services that are susceptible to risks because of the type of commodity traded or the service provided. For example: banks, money exchange establishments, gold and jewelry shops, hotels and hospitals.
Which CCTV System Is Best & how to make sure it is approved by SIRA?
When it comes to purchasing a CCTV system, the most important thing you can do is make sure you are buying from a supplier that is approved by the Security Industry Regulatory Association (SIRAs).
When you purchase from an SIRA approved supplier, they will provide you with all of the documents and information necessary to get your system up and running. These suppliers also typically offer warranty coverage, which can help protect your system if anything goes wrong.
SIRA has approval for two types of services:
- Security systems sales, installation, and service
- Security audit and certification
It’s important to note that one company can only hold one type of certification. So, when you hire a company, be wary of any company that claims to hold both certifications.
How To Find The Best SIRA Approved Service Provider In Dubai ?
You can check the authenticity of the CCTV equipment and installation company in Dubai by finding out directly from the SIRA website. There is a section on the website dedicated to approved companies in Dubai so make sure you check the website thoroughly before hiring a CCTV installation company.
Conclusion
Choosing a SIRA-approved supplier can save you time, money and future headaches. Hiring from a SIRA-approved supplier guarantees that your products will be installed by competent CCTV installers.
If you’re looking for the best SIRA-approved CCTV services Gear Net Technologies is the best choice. We provide the safest Security Solutions, with top-of-the-line services when it comes to the installation and maintenance of CCTV systems. For more details, connect with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
What is the Difference between Cisco and Juniper Routers?
Both Cisco and Juniper brands supply edge and core routers, available in fixed and modular setups. The routers support a variety of port configurations, speeds, and optics. Also, they are designed for specific networking environments.
Many fundamental characteristics of Cisco and Juniper routers are common. But, if you look closely and compare them, you will come across a few key differences. And because of these differences, the choice between Cisco and Juniper routers becomes confusing. People are unable to find the right fit for their needs.
One of the common differences is the mechanics of the modular systems of the brands. Other differences, we will discuss in this post.
Key features of Cisco and Juniper routers
Cisco Routers
Cisco routers are categorized into many series that cover almost all the networking environment and use. You will find Cisco routers for small businesses, branch offices, enterprises, data centers, industrial settings, and service providers.
The range of Cisco routers is between 1 rack unit and full-rack heights. There are Cisco router models that are designed as fully customizable chassis, allowing for greater scalability. Also, there are high-end Cisco router models that support 100G Ethernet speeds. The prime examples of Cisco routers are ASR 1000 Series and the ASR 9000 series.
Juniper Routers
Juniper supplies routers for both standard and specific networking environments. For example, the MX series of Juniper routers cover enterprises, data centers, and service providers. Other series like the M Series, the J Series, and the E series take care of specific networking environments such as industrial settings.
The range of Juniper routers is from 1 rack unit to full-rack heights. There are higher-end models as well. Some Juniper routers support up to 100 Ethernet and some of them are available as chassis, providing flexible port configurations and extra room for additional modules in the future.
Difference between Cisco and Juniper routers
Both Cisco and Juniper routers are designed to be linked to networking hardware made by the same company, avoiding the most major compatibility issues. You don’t have to worry about the pieces of networking hardware when using Cisco or Juniper switches.
The difference is based on three important parameters
The market share – Being one of the oldest brands, Cisco has a larger share of the overall router market. This is why it has more certified Cisco service engineers and more online support resources compared to Juniper’s troubleshooting hardware issues.
The two different modular configuration architectures- Both modular Cisco and Juniper routers have mechanisms for customizing port configurations and modules but the systems are very different. In Cisco routers, the line cards are used that are inserted directly into the router chassis. In Juniper routers, the system is multi-layered that involves Modular Port Concentrators (MPC) and Modular Interface Cards (MIC). The Juniper router system is very different. Here, the MPC goes into the chassis followed by multiple MICs getting inserted into the MPC.
The optical transceiver form factors – Cisco has its own proprietary CPAK optical transceiver form factor, supporting up to 100G Ethernet. Even Juniper routers support a combination of optical transceivers that support 100G Ethernet but they are not compatible with CPAK optics.
Advantages and disadvantages of Cisco and Juniper routers
Cisco routers
Cisco routers are easy to configure. One of the valuable features of Cisco routers is their simplicity of the command-line interface. It’s easy to find out how the command needs to be configured for a specific use case. The routers are reliable and don’t require any major change. They are the most stable and have the highest availability in the market. Other than this, the performance is reliable and the solution is stable.
Cisco routers should be more secure with better pricing and support. There should be more boundaries for better performance. Compared to other routers, the life cycle of the Cisco routers is short. The routers lack features such as a free firewall and VPN along with a generic box that can be used as a router, firewall, and switch.
Juniper routers
Juniper routers are very flexible with the most useful features such as VPNs, IPsec, VPLS, and firewall filters. They are stable, scalable, and give good performance. Most importantly, the technology used in the Juniper routers is good along with the price of the product. Compared to Cisco routers, Juniper routers are more stable and faster. Also, they are pretty easy to set up after a bit of training and offer high protection.
The integration and web interface of the Juniper routers are not as good as expected. Both should be improved for better performance. They don’t have a graphical user interface, making it difficult for the new users to get familiar with, configure or set up the router. They lack reliability and some important features. The warranty of Juniper software is short and not lifetime like other solutions. Also, customer support is a bit slow in giving solutions.
Cisco or Juniper routers: What should I choose?
Both Cisco and Juniper routers are technologically strong. Also, there are lots of advantages and disadvantages. This means none of the options is the best.
To choose the right option, you should consider your requirements. Based on the requirements, you should analyze and evaluate all the router models and find the best fit for your organization. Ignoring some disadvantages will not be impactful. Just make sure you connect with the right supplier so that you get genuine products.
To know more about Cisco and Juniper routers, please contact us now via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
Where to Find the Best CCTV Installation Services in Sharjah?
The safety and security concerns are getting more prevalent in Sharjah as criminals and offenders are getting more creative in finding new ways to do more damage. Your best shot at identifying them early on is to install Sharjah Police-approved CCTV systems on your property no matter if it is residential, commercial, or industrial. If you are looking for the best CCTV installation service provider in Sharjah, look no further than Gear Net Technologies. Why? Let’s find out.
What Makes Gear Net Technologies the Top CCTV Installer in Sharjah?
There are tons of reasons why Gear Net Technologies is the best choice for you when it comes to installing CCTV cameras in Sharjah. Some of these are:
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SIRA-Certified
Gear Net Technologies is one of the few CCTV installation companies in Sharjah that are certified by the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). SIRA certification is necessary for CCTV installation service providers in Sharjah as it ensures that the CCTV setup in your building or premises is:
- In good condition
- Installed as per guidelines
- Up to date with the latest technologies
SIRA has defined specific guidelines for the installation of CCTVs in different types of buildings across Sharjah, UAE. All buildings and facilities are mandated to follow these guidelines, which include:
- Yearly audits
- Maintenance
- Certifications
- Upgrades as necessary
With Gear Net Technologies as your CCTV installation company in Sharjah, you can rest assured about SIRA certification and the guidelines it has for CCTV installation.
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Sharjah Police-Approved CCTV Cameras
In addition to being SIRA-approved, we are also a Sharjah Police-Approved CCTV installer. This means you can rest assured about the quality of CCTV cameras we use. Since Sharjah has been implementing new and better security rules to make Sharjah a “Protected City”, it has also laid out its security framework for CCTV operations. The Intelligence Department manages and oversees all the operations related to CCTVs in the emirate.
We consider it our duty to utilize Sharjah Police-approved CCTV cameras only so that you can live, work, and sleep knowing that your CCTV systems are not compromised or of low quality. By installing Sharjah Police-approved CCTVs at strategic locations throughout your property, we help you deter crimes such as theft, vandalism, burglary, and more.
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Experience of more than a decade
We established our company in 2009 and have come a long way since then due to our good standing in the industry and the quality of service we deliver. It has been more than 12 years now and we have undertaken CCTV installation projects for numerous clients since then.
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Can Handle All Kinds and Sizes of Projects
Since our inception, we have catered to a variety of businesses from diverse industries, including corporate, healthcare, education, commercial, etc. This means no matter what kind of business you run, we better understand the security challenges you face and can prepare a custom-tailored security plan so that you have all the vulnerable areas and blind spots covered.
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Skilled Professionals That You Can Trust
You will have peace of mind about the authenticity and background of the professionals that we send for CCTV installation projects. Each member of our team is rigorously checked for any criminal history and they are certified installers.
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Equipped with all the resources you need
At Gear Net Technologies, no matter what kind of CCTV cameras you prefer to choose, all-in-one cameras, box indoor cameras, bullet cameras, dome cameras, covert cameras, IP cameras, PTZ cameras, or what other security equipment you need such as DVR, NVR, passive and active transceivers, etc. we are equipped with all these resources. We have been an authentic distributor and supplier of CCTV cameras and other security equipment of renowned brands, such as Dahua, Uniview, and Hikvision.
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Provide End-to-End CCTV Solutions
This means that with us, you don’t have to use the services of another contractor. We provide end-to-end solutions, including designing, installation, maintenance, and support. We take care of everything right from the beginning to the end. We also offer annual maintenance contract (AMC) services to ensure that your CCTV cameras work flawlessly and say in the best condition throughout the year.
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One-Stop Shop for All Your CCTV Needs
We have been offering CCTV services across Sharjah and also in other emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ajman. CCTV installation is just the first step towards strengthening your security. To maintain security and peace of mind, you also need to maintain your CCTVs so that they keep working all the time and don’t go down when you need them the most. We are a one-stop shop for all your CCTV needs.
Our CCTV installation professionals will take care of everything, including:
- CCTV selection
- CCTV security design
- CCTV installation
- CCTV maintenance
- CCTV troubleshooting
- CCTV repair
- CCTV upgrade
We offer the same services for equipment we install in the CCTV setup. So, if you face any problem, all you need is to just call us.
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Affordable, Flexible, and Supportive
Choosing Gear Net Technologies as your trusted CCTV installation service provider in Sharjah means you will also enjoy various benefits, including:
- Affordable and reasoning pricing structure
- Easily accessible (you can reach us via WhatsApp, email, or phone number)
- Provide precise estimates and no hidden charges
- Large choice of CCTV cameras
- Annual maintenance contract services
Thus, Gear Net Technologies makes the perfect choice when you are looking for the best CCTV installation service provider in Sharjah. For any information or queries about CCTV installation or maintenance, please contact us now via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
What Is The Purpose Of Structured Cabling Services?
To enable seamless data transmissions, structured cabling services are important for telecommunications. As an organized cabling system, structured cabling allows the smooth flow of data, voice, and video in various environments. For example, structured cabling is a perfect cabling infrastructure for corporate buildings as well as different extensive facilities.
Structured cabling is not the sole infrastructure. It has numerous standardized smaller components. The system consists of a series of patch panels and trunks that are used to create a structure, allowing the hardware ports to connect to a patch panel at the top of the rack. The patch panel then connects to another patch panel through a trunk in the Main Distribution Area (MDA). A trunk is a multi-fiber assembly designed for use in conveyance.
Components of structured cabling services
The structured cabling services work on a defined standard. And as per the standard, the structured cabling system is divided into six components. The components are:
Entrance facility or EF– This is the entry point from where the service provider’s cabling and hardware come into the building and connect to the customer’s infrastructure.
Equipment Room or ER– As the name suggests, the equipment room has servers, switches, and other pieces of IT equipment required for structured cabling.
Backbone cabling– The connection from the entrance facility to telecommunications rooms and equipment rooms is established by backbone cabling. Throughout the network, the backbone cabling is the focal point that enables high-speed connectivity.
Telecommunication room or TR– Like the equipment room, the telecommunication room has cross-connects and equipment that connect the backbone cabling with the horizontal cabling. This is one of the important components of structured cabling. So, in some buildings, there are telecommunications rooms on each floor. The Telecommunications Room is also known as Telecommunications Enclosures or ER.
Horizontal cabling– Compared to others, horizontal cabling comprises the majority of the system. The horizontal cabling is like a central part of the system because it includes all the cabling that connects telecom and equipment rooms with work areas.
Work Area– This is the last component that includes wall plates, adapters, and patch cables, connecting computers, printers, IP phones, wireless access points, and other network-connected devices.
Difference between structured cabling and point-to-point cabling
In point-to-point cabling, jumper fiber cables are used to connect a storage unit, switch, or server to another storage unit, switch, or server directly, meaning there is no Main Distribution Area (MDA). No MDA means no use of patch panels and trunks to connect different pieces of hardware to the data center. Only cables run to and from various equipment directly.
The point-to-point cabling is only recommended for a smaller number of connections. If you have extensive facilities with lots of connections, a structured cabling service is a better option.
Purpose/Benefits of structured cabling services
You get seamless data center cable management
With cabling structured services, you get an organized cabling system without any infrastructure complications that lead to mistakes such as unplugging the incorrect hardware ports. Other than this, there are no tangled cables in the cabling structured system. Tangled cables damage other wires, causing network disruptions and hardware problems.
The connection is seamless with proper management from the service provider.
You save money
Talking about direct savings, the structured cabling system trims the overall cabling maintenance costs as well as reduces power. Also, it establishes a scalable network that easily handles high bandwidth.
Moving to indirect savings, the structured cabling system increases productivity and efficiency because of seamless information flow. With this system, you don’t waste time locating the right ports and cables and identifying and resolving any potential issues.
You enjoy better flexibility
With a structured cabling service, you bring flexibility to your cabling infrastructure. You can move, add and make necessary changes to your network cabling infrastructure. Also, you can easily create new installations and upgrades to the system. Other than this, relocation is possible if you ever want to move to another business location.
This flexibility is possible because there are no disorganized wires in the way, decreasing the odds of human errors.
You lower the risk of downtime
If the cabling system is messy and unorganized, you are bound to make mistakes because you get confused. This leads to downtime, interrupting your network as well as your business workflow.
The structured cabling system reduces the risk of human error that leads to workflow and network disruptions. It’s possible because the structured cabling system is well-organized, allowing easy and quick location of all the cables and ports. And when cables and ports are easily located, the rectification of any potential faults in the system becomes possible.
You ensure future usability
The structured cabling system is forward-adaptable, meaning any advances or updates in telecommunication technology can easily be implemented with minimal risk to the infrastructure.
If your vision is long-term and you want to prepare for the future, the structured cabling service is a good investment. Undoubtedly, you will get good returns now and forever.
You make your building aesthetically pleasing
Compared to other points discussed above, this point might not be so important to you. But, if you have clients visiting your office for meetings, the mess of tangled wires doesn’t look good.
With a structured cabling service, the cables are hidden from plain sight. Even if they are visible, they are neatly bundled and plugged into their respective machines without any mess.
To get a structured cabling service, please connect with us via WhatsApp at 971585811786.
7 Best Dell Desktop Computers for Office
Finding the best desktop computers for your office can be daunting as there are so many things to consider right from processor, memory, and graphics card to screen size, footprint, connectivity, storage, and cost.
While making the decision to purchase desktops for your employees, you might also be in dilemma about whether a desktop is a good choice or if you should invest in business laptops. So, before we go any further, let us first make it clear that business desktop computers are much more powerful than business laptops.
Though laptops can be carried anywhere and are now coming with amazing features, desktop computers are far cheaper and easy to upgrade, open up, and repair. This makes desktops a more future-proof solution for your business.
Technology keeps evolving at a rapid pace and replacing expensive laptops after every few years might not be a practical choice for your small business, especially from your budget aspect. Laptops make a good option for employees that work remotely and have to be available 24×7.
If your business requires employees to work only during normal working hours, we say stick with your decision to buy desktops especially if you have a tight budget.
To help you out, we have compiled a list of the 7 best desktops for offices.
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Dell OptiPlex 3050
OptiPlex 3050 is a renowned desktop choice among businesses of small sizes as it comes with excellent base specifications for a very affordable price. Its slimline case will prevent your desk look cluttered. It is a nice choice for businesses that need multiple mounting options. However, it lacks storage space, and therefore, it is better to store your data online so that its HDD doesn’t slow down.
Key Features of Dell OptiPlex 3050
- 7th Generation Intel Core i3-7100T
- Intel HD Graphics
- 4GB RAM
- 500GB HDD
- Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity
- 2 x 3.6 x 17.8 cm (dimensions)
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Dell OptiPlex 3046
Comes with a small footprint and high security, Dell OptiPlex 3046 is a great option if you are looking for a compact and space-saving desktop. It has flexibility for dual orientation, expandability options, and multiple display support. Its DDR4 memory offers increased speed and delivers better performance.
Key Features of Dell OptiPlex 3046:
- 6th generation Intel® Core™ processors
- Up to 16GB of DDR4 memory technology
- Dell Client Command Suite free tools
- Dell Data Protection | Encryption
- FIPS 140-2-certified TPM and Dell ControlVault
- Optional Platinum 92% efficient PSU
- HDMI and optional VGA connectivity
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Dell Vostro 3671 i7
Designed for small businesses in mind, this Dell Desktop is a Mini Tower form factor computer. The motherboard has the H365 chipset and supports the 8th generation Intel Core processor and 32GB of DIMM DDR4-2666 memory. If you are looking for a desktop with great upgradability, Dell Vostro 3671 might be the best choice for you.
Key Features of Dell Vostro 3671 i7:
- Intel Gen8 & 9 i3/i5/i7; Pentium; Celeron
- Dedicated GPU: GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- 2 RAM slots
- 2666 MT/s RAM speed
- 32 GB RAM (max.)
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Dell Optiplex 5050 MT
It is a strong and compact computer that can fit anywhere, making it great for companies with limited small space that need an army of small desktops. It is a pre-built business desktop computer with a motherboard that uses a Q270 chipset and supports the 7th generation Intel Core processor and 64GB of DIMM DDR4-2133/2400 memory.
- Easy component access and multiple locking options
- Remote management compatibility
- Intel Gen6 & 7 i3/i5/i7; Pentium
- Q270 Chipset
- GeForce GTX 1650 Super Dedicated GPU
- DIMM DDR4-2133/2400 RAM
- 4 RAM slots
- 2400 MT/s RAM speed
- 64 GB RAM (max.)
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Dell OptiPlex 7050 MT
If you are looking for a stunning and versatile desktop, go for Dell OptiPlex 7050 MT. It offers powerful productivity as it is powered by Intel 7th Gen processors with 64GB of 2400MHz DDR4 memory. Its PCIe NVMe drives facilitate the fastest boot and data access times. The best part is it supports 3 displays natively without requiring you to invest in additional graphics cards.
Features of Dell OptiPlex 7050 MT
- Secure and sleek
- Windows 10 Pro
- 64GB of 2400MHz DDR4 memory
- MTBF Certified & MIL SPEC tested
- Advanced Endpoint Security Suite
- Intel® 7th Gen processors
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Dell Alienware Aurora 230+ FPS 9900
While Dell Alienware Aurora computers are marketed as gaming desktops, they are also great options for businesses with high demands and professionals working as architects and designers. These desktops are aesthetically attractive and come with amazing processing power and stunning storage to meet the heavy and challenging demands of their users.
Key Features of 9900 Alienware Aurora 230+ FPS
- i7-9900
- 16GB Dual Channel DDR4
- 2666MHz
- 512GB SSD
- 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s
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Dell Alienware i9-9900
If you need desktops with very high performance and high-quality visual experience for your designers, Dell Alienware i9-9900 is also an ideal choice. It can handle everything with ease without lagging in speed. However, it won’t be cheap and you need to be ready to spend a lot if you need more of these desktops for your business.
Key Features:
- 64GB
- Dual Channel DDR4
- 2933MHz 2TB SSD
- 2TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s
Do you need more guidance in choosing the best Dell desktop computers for your office? We have professionals who will guide you through a great collection of Dell Desktops at affordable prices as we have desktop options for every kind of office. For any queries, please contact us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
How Does a Cisco Switch Work?
Switches connect multiple devices to establish a proper network within a building or campus, such as computers, wireless access points, printers, and printers. This is why they are known as the building blocks for any network. The major role of switches is to enable connected devices to share information and talk to each other.
Though switches are an important element in the network connection, many people don’t know what they are and how they actually function. They only know that there is something that is required for establishing strong network connectivity in and around the premises.
In this post, our major focus would be the functioning of Cisco switches. It’s very similar to other network switches. But, before that, we will give a brief introduction to switches.
Simply defined, switches are networking hardware or a piece of a physical circuitry component, governing the signal flow. These switches allow the connection to be opened or closed. When the connection is opened, the switches allow a signal or power to flow through the connection. On the other hand, when the connection is closed, the switches stop the flow and break the circuit connection.
Types of switches
Unmanaged switches
Simply designed, you can use unmanaged switches just by plugging them in. These switches will start working without any configuration. Unmanaged switches are often used in home networks or wherever a few more ports are needed because they are typically for basic connectivity. You cannot use unmanaged switches for a large-scale connection as the network gets disturbed. Also, management of unmanaged switches becomes difficult when used on a large scale.
Managed switches
Compared to unmanaged switches, the managed switches are more secure and come with more features. Most importantly, managed switches are more flexible because they give you configuration options to custom-fit your network. You can use managed switches as you like them. The best thing about managed switches is that they give greater control, helping you to protect your network better and improve the quality of service for those who access the network.
How are switches different from a hub?
Before switches, a hub was in the picture. Even today, some people prefer a hub over switches. There is a huge difference between switches and a hub for the network connection.
A hub connects several devices to share resources and this collection of devices is known as a LAN segment. In other words, a hub is the central connection point for devices in a local area network. The disadvantage of a hub in the network connection is that there is a limit to the number of bandwidth users can share on a hub-based network. If you add more devices to the network hub, the data will take longer to reach its destination.
On the other hand, switches connect LAN segments. They filter out traffic destined for devices on the same LAN segment. Compared to a hub, the switches are more intelligent. And because of their intelligence, the switches make more efficient use of their processing resources along with network bandwidth. No matter how many devices you add to switches, they will work effectively and efficiently because there are no limitations.
How are switches different from a router?
Many people confuse switches with routers. They sometimes refer to them interchangeably or pick the wrong option for the network connection.
Routers offer forwarding and routing of network traffic, so they are given this name. But, the thing is they do this with a different purpose and location.
To determine the difference between switches and routers, you should know and understand LAN and WAN. When devices are connected locally, it is through switches and when the networks are connected to other networks, it is through routers.
The general path for the internet connection is device, hub, switch, and router.
Sometimes, the functionality of the switches changes and they start acting as router hardware and vice versa.
How do switches work?
In the working of switches, you will come across the term media access control or MAC. Don’t confuse it with an Apple MAC laptop.
The switches use the MAC address. They do so to identify the attached device that is sending outgoing packets and where to deliver incoming packets. Here, the MAC address identifies the physical device and doesn’t change, unlike other IP addresses. The identification is strong and doesn’t change over time.
After a device sends a data packet to another device, the packet enters the switch. Next, the switch reads the header to know what to do with it. Here, the switch matches the destination address and sends the packet out through the appropriate ports, leading to the destination devices.
The working of a switch is not as easy as it seems. Even after all the right configurations, the chances of collisions between network traffic going to and from a switch and a connected device at the same time are very high. But, fortunately, most switches offer full-duplex functionality. Through this, packets coming from and going to a device have access to the full bandwidth of the switch connection.
How can you use a switch with a router?
The use of a switch with a router becomes necessary when you want to increase the number of ports that can fit into your router. You just need to connect the switch to the router through one of the ports on the router. This will increase the number of devices in the small office network that has a wired connection to the internet.
To know more about Cisco switches, their setups, and configuration, connect with us via WhatsApp at 971585811786.
How CCTV Cameras Help Solve Crime Investigations
CCTV cameras have become widely used in recent years due to their ability to help solve many different types of crime. Although the process of using CCTV footage to investigate crimes can seem daunting, the benefits far outweigh the initial time and investment it takes to learn how to properly use them.
In fact, thousands of crimes have been solved because of CCTV footage, so any police department that fails to invest in this technology risks leaving criminals unpunished because they didn’t gather enough evidence in the first place.
Here are the ways CCTV cameras can help solve criminal investigations.
Security Cameras Provide Hard Evidence
Crime is an unfortunate reality of life, no matter where you live. The good news is that, nowadays, detective work can be done with the click of a button.
With advances in digital technology, evidence such as security footage can be obtained quickly and efficiently. When footage captures incriminating information or movements, it provides a forensic video that stands up in court without fail.
Capturing Criminal Images
To identify a criminal suspect, investigators will pull still images from the CCTV footage. They then compare those images to digital photos of suspects in the criminal databases.
This process is time-consuming, so the more digital photos available, the better. Those who are committing crimes are on camera far more often than they think they are, and digital technology can be used to find that one image among millions of still shots. One solution is using facial recognition software that analyzes an image and matches it with others from a database.
Capture Slightest of Movement
CCTV cameras are able to capture the slightest movement when looking at a video feed, making them ideal for solving crimes. They help in capturing everything from robberies and murders to gas thefts. CCTV cameras have a wide-angle lens and can see slight movements in the room.
Often, people set up CCTVs in their homes to monitor their valuables; however, it can also be utilized as a tool for crime investigations. Criminals don’t always come in masked, some of them are just regular guys on the street who have anger issues and don’t think that they’ll ever get caught.
Security Cameras Provide, 24/7 Surveillance
CCTV cameras have many benefits for security, but one of the most important is the ability to provide consistently 24/7 surveillance. Security cameras are always on and recording, making them a more reliable crime-fighting tool than eyewitnesses.
The footage captured by these cameras provides investigative leads that help authorities track suspects and solve crimes in a time span of hours or days rather than months or years, like with most cold cases.
Improve the Police’s Ability to Identify Suspects
All too often, the police are hindered in their investigations by a lack of identification for suspects. However, one solution to this problem is cameras that broadcast footage from multiple angles to provide a full picture of any given scene.
This type of camera can greatly assist law enforcement in identifying criminals because it captures both still and moving images from different angles which will give officers a clearer idea of who they are looking for.
Reduce Burglaries at Home
CCTV cameras also help stop burglaries, arson, and auto theft at home. After shooting or robbery, investigators can monitor the video to identify suspects. Even if no one is caught on camera, footage can show when and where a crime occurred.
In contrast, surveillance footage of robberies and other crimes often goes unnoticed due to a lack of public awareness. With more surveillance equipment in public spaces, people are more likely to report crime if they see it taking place in real-time.
Provide Vital Evidence in Traffic Accidents
Surveillance cameras can also be used to collect evidence at a traffic accident. If a driver hits another car and speeds off, the camera will have captured the license plate number and it can help law enforcement catch the offender.
You might be surprised to find out that surveillance footage can be used for more than just catching the criminal. They can also provide vital evidence in traffic accidents, with important details such as eyewitnesses, speeding drivers, and obstructions.
Reconstructing a Crime Scene
It is important for detectives and police officers alike to recreate the crime scene as accurately as possible. With the introduction of CCTV systems, it is much easier for investigators to monitor crime scenes and make sure that everything is in order before the authorities arrive.
Once everything has been checked and approved, CCTV footage from inside or outside the building can be reviewed by police. This not only helps them reconstruct events leading up to the crime, but it also helps them find evidence that may have been overlooked by other law enforcement agencies.
Being used as evidence at trial
CCTV footage can be used as evidence at a trial by presenting it to a jury. Jurors can use the footage as an aid during deliberations, seeing as they get all the information they need in one place, instead of piecing together a story from various sources.
The reliability of CCTV footage has also been called into question, and these days defendants are often desperate for any kind of evidence that will clear their names.
Conclusion
CCTV cameras are widely used and have helped many solve crimes that have come under the scanner, including murder cases. It is highly recommended to use a CCTV camera if you want to keep yourself safe from thefts, violence, and other threats of crime. To buy the best SIRA and police-certified-CCTV cameras, connect with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
Which is The Best Camera for Home Security?
It’s not worth it to go on a vacation with the tension of your home security. So, the best is to have an extra set of eyes both inside and outside of your house by installing security cameras. The cameras will let you keep tabs on anyone coming by your home, along with your pets, even if you are away.
A camera for home security is a big thing. Along with you, the safety of your loved ones depends on images captured and video recorded by your cameras. So, you should choose the best option, which we know is very difficult because many options are available in the market. There are lots of things that you should consider before installing security cameras in your home.
In this post, we will list some of the best home CCTV camera systems. But, before that, we will discuss a few factors that you should consider before investing in home security cameras and other details.
How should you choose the best camera for home security?
Privacy and law enforcement
Except for a few, none of the home monitoring camera companies shares video with law enforcement. They do so only when compelled by court order. The exception camera companies share the video without the owners’ consent and their knowledge. They do so when they find the incident to be time-sensitive.
You have several options to keep your privacy intact. You just have to know your requirements. If you are not worried about video sharing, you should choose any camera as per your choice and budget.
You have the option to set up end-to-end encryption on some devices but this will disable several other features of the device.
Location of installing the cameras
The location where you will install the home security cameras plays an important role in picking the best option. It’s because the indoor and outdoor placement of the cameras makes a lot of difference in the captured images and videos because of lighting and other reasons.
If you are installing cameras, any of them with good picture quality in the set lighting will work. But, for outdoor installation, you should consider the cameras that are designed to withstand the elements along with quality images and videos.
Battery-operated or wired cameras
After deciding on indoor and outdoor security cameras for your home, you should consider their operation models. You can either choose battery-operated or wired security cameras.
If you don’t have a proper electrical connection to plug in, you should choose battery-operated cameras. You won’t find any wires hanging around the cameras. The only disadvantage is that you will have to recharge or change the batteries of the cameras every few months. For wired cameras, you will have to install an outlet or drill holes through your walls. This is a permanent solution.
Video resolution of the cameras
If the video resolution of the cameras is not high, the video quality will not be good. And thus, your cameras will not give desired results. Or you can say installing cameras on your home premises will not be worth it.
For home security, you shouldn’t get a camera that has a resolution of less than 1080p. Today, you will also find cameras that record in 4K, giving much sharper quality and clear features in a zoom-in state.
Storage type of the cameras
Staying online and checking the videos live isn’t possible for a human being. The camera should record and store the videos and images for future reference. Here, the storage type plays an important role.
You have two options- local and cloud storage. According to us, cloud storage is a better option because you can check the videos everywhere and every time. You don’t have to interrupt the functioning of the cameras.
As a few cameras come with memory card slots, local storage is possible. But, if your camera gets stolen, you will lose the recording with it. The best is to compare both the storage plans and choose as per your requirements.
Person, animal, and vehicle detection capability of the cameras
If your cameras don’t detect the different elements captured and present them all in the same way, it will be very difficult for you. You will not be able to distinguish between a person, animal, and vehicle.
You should choose a camera that can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. With this, you will get smarter notifications of what’s happening. You don’t have to open the app of your camera to check out the elements.
With these considerations, you will find the best camera for your home security.
A list of some popular home security cameras
- Hikvision– An overall best security camera
- Uniview– An easy-to-use security camera
- Dahua– The best security camera for DIY installation
- Nest- The best Google home security camera
- ADT- The best complete security system with the camera
- Arlo- A camera with the best video resolution
- Blink camera- The best compact camera for less space
- Wyze Cam- The most affordable home security camera
- Swann SWDVK-445802V- A camera with the best local video storage
- Eufy 2K camera- A camera with the best Apple HomeKit integration
- Zmodo-The best home security camera selection
- Ecobee SmartCamera- The best camera with person detection
The list is a bit long. So, you should carefully consider the factors discussed above and select the best option for your home security.
For professional help, connect with us via WhatsApp at 971585811786.
What is fiber optic cable used for?
People know that there is something called fiber optical cable but they don’t know everything about the same, especially where they are used. Some organizations fail to utilize the benefits of fiber optic cable because they don’t know if it’s an ideal option.
In this post, we will discuss the uses of fiber optical fiber or which industry gets the maximum benefit from it. But, before that, we will discuss what a fiber optical cable is, how it works, what are its advantages, and others for complete information.
Fiber Optical Cable- A brief introduction
Also known as optical fiber, the fiber optical cable is the technology that transmits information as light pulses along a glass or plastic fiber. There are varying numbers of glass fibers. They range from a few up to a couple hundred.
The layers of the glass fibers are called cladding, buffer tube layer, and jacket layer. Cladding surrounds the glass fiber core, the buffer tube layer protects the cladding and the jacket layer acts as the final protective layer for the individual strand.
People prefer fiber optical cables over copper cables because of their advantages. Some of the advantages are higher bandwidth and transmit speed. Fiber optical fibers are used for long-distance and high-performance data networking, commonly telecommunication services.
How does fiber optical cable work?
In the form of light particles or photons, the fiber optic cable transmits data. The light particles or photons pulse through a fiber optic cable. The refractive index of the glass fiber core and cladding is different, bending the incoming light at a certain angle.
The light signal sent through the fiber optic cable reflects off the core and cladding in the series of zig-zag bounces. This reflection happens based on the process called total internal reflection. The glass layers are dense so the light signals don’t travel at the speed of light. They travel about 30% slower than the speed of light.
The best part is that there is a way to renew or boost the light signal throughout the journey via fiber optic cables. The transmission just requires repeaters at distant intervals. The repeaters help by converting the optical signals into an electrical signal and processing the same electrical signal and retransmitting the optical signal.
What are the advantages of fiber optic cables?
Fiber optic cables support higher bandwidth capacities and are less susceptible to interference such as electromagnetic interference. Other than this, the fiber optic cables can be submerged in water and they do not need to be maintained or replaced frequently. Most importantly, the fiber optic cables are strong, thin, and light.
What are the types of fiber optical cables?
The two primary types of fiber optic cables are single-mode fiber and multimode fiber.
Single-mode fiber
Used for longer distances because of the smaller diameter of the glass fiber core, the single-mode fiber lessens the possibility for attenuation. Attenuation means a reduction in signal strength.
The smaller opening in the single-mode fiber isolates the light into a single beam that offers a more direct route and enables the signal to travel a longer distance.
Compared to multimode fiber, single-mode fiber has considerably higher bandwidth. In the single-mode fiber, the light source is typically a laser. Regarding the cost, the single-mode fiber is expensive because it requires precise calculations to produce the laser light in a smaller opening.
Multimode fiber
Unlike single-mode fiber, multimode fiber is used for shorter distances. It’s because it has a larger core opening that enables light signals to bounce and reflect more along the way. The larger diameter of the multimode fiber allows multiple pulses to send through the cable at one time. This results in more data transmission.
With the multimode fiber, there is more possibility for signal loss and reduction or interference. This is typically used as an LED to create the light pulse.
What are the uses of fiber optical cables?
Computer networking and broadcasting
Due to optical fiber cable’s ability to transmit data and provide high bandwidth, it is commonly used in computer networking and broadcasting. Other than this, the cable is used in broadcasting and electronics as it provides better connections and performance.
Internet and cable television
After computer networking and broadcasting, the use of fiber optic cable for the internet and television is very high. It’s because the fiber optic cable can be installed to support long-distance connections in different locations. In other words, easy internet and cable connections in long-distance and different locations.
Undersea environments
Not just in simple and easy conditions, but fiber optic cables are also used in most at-risk environments. One such risk condition is undersea. It’s because cables can be submerged in water. The best thing is that these cables don’t require frequent replacement. So, one who uses the cable undersea doesn’t have to risk his life for repair and replacement of the cables.
Military and space
In the military and space, fiber optical cable is used for communication and signal transfer. Other than this, the fiber optic cable can provide temperature sensing in the military and space. This is possible because fiber optical cables are lightweight and small in size.
Medical and healthcare
Fiber optics is used in various medical instruments to provide precise illumination. The cables aid in minimally invasive medical procedures because they increasingly enable biomedical sensors.
Other than this, the cables are used in various tests like MRI scans because they are not subject to electromagnetic interference. Other medical applications where fiber optic cables are used are X-ray imaging, endoscopy, light therapy, and surgical microscopy.
To know more about Ethernet cables, connect with us via WhatsApp at 971585811786.
Cat5 vs. Cat6 Ethernet Cables: What’s Best for You?
Network LAN or Ethernet cables connect devices such as modems, routers, computers, servers, and switches to the web. These cables are something that organizations take for granted. They randomly pick a cable and use it to connect the devices, expecting quality connection and smooth operations. The fact is that the network won’t exist without a proper connection of the networking devices. So, it becomes significant to choose the right Ethernet cable.
When we discuss Ethernet cables, the two varieties that commonly come into the picture are Cat5 and Cat6, plus their common sub-varieties, Cat5e and Cat6a. Both the cable categories are good in their ways, helping different organizations to set up a strong connection. The only problem is finding out which cable is the right option for a particular organization.
The decision is very difficult because it’s about networking on which the operations of the entire company depend. To make your choice, we will discuss the differences between Cat5 and Cat6 cables. We will also give a brief of their sub-varieties.
About Cat5 Ethernet cables
Introduced in 1995, the Cat5 is the fifth generation of unshielded, twisted-pair Ethernet cable technology, which is also known as Unshielded Twisted Pair or UTP. Since its introduction, it has been the most popular twisted-pair cable.
This Ethernet cable contains four pairs of twisted copper wire that end with an RJ-45 connector, which plugs into a standard Ethernet jack.
The Cat5 Ethernet cables ensure high-speed internet with the ability to transfer data at 100 Mbps and 100 MHz bandwidth. In shorter distances, the cables run up to 2.5 GBASE-T.
Talking about Cat5’s sub-variety, the Cat5e offers Gigabit Ethernet speeds up to 1000 Mbps, and a bandwidth of 350 MHz Introduced in 2001, the Cat5e is compatible with standard Cat5 cables. Here, “e” stands for enhanced.
Physically, both the standard Cat5 and sub-variety Cat5e Ethernet cables look identical. The only difference is the Cat5e cables contain four pairs of copper wires instead of two. But, they are different in speed. The Cat5e cables are 10 times faster than Cat5 cables. A significant difference is experienced between standard and sub-variety cables in IT companies or companies dealing with a large amount of information.
The Cat5e cables are more rigorously tested than Cat5 to eliminate crosstalk or signal interference and are twisted more tightly.
Why should you use Cat5 Ethernet cables?
- Offer high-transfer speeds at a low cost
- Ability to transfer up to four signals in one-time
- Support Gigabit Ethernet
- Preferred for applications like networking, telephone wiring, etc.
- Come in both stranded form for flexibility and solid conductor form
- Easy installation without using any special tools
Why shouldn’t you use Cat5 Ethernet cables?
- Limitations in data transfer, only up to 100 Mbps of transfer speed
- Susceptible to signal noise from wireless devices, further reducing data transfer speeds
- Not recommended for network installations
About Cat6 Ethernet cables
Like Cat5e, the Cat6 Ethernet cables have four twisted pairs of copper wire with 250 MHz of bandwidth that support data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps (10GBASE-T). The distance is approximately 180 feet. The best thing about Cat6 Ethernet cables is that they are compatible with Cat5/5e and Cat3 cables.
The Cat6 Ethernet cables are also used for 328 feet but the maximum data transfer speed drops to approximately 1 Gbps. As the global standard for Ethernet cables, the Cat6 Ethernet cables are perfect for applications with substantial data transfer needs, including Internet of Things (IoT) setups.
Regarding Cat6a Ethernet cables, they have thicker, heavier construction than Cat6 cables. Here, “a” means augmented. The individual pairs of the wire have metal shielding to reduce interference further. They support 10 Gbps internet up to 328 feet at a maximum bandwidth of 500 MHz, which is double the bandwidth of Cat6. Most importantly, the Cat6a cables are compatible with Cat6 and Cat6e cables because of their shared RJ-45 jack.
Read About The 7 Best Ethernet Cables of 2022
Cat6a cables are used for applications outside data and telephony, such as automation and physical security systems like access control and CCTV. Also, these cables are preferred in networks with heavy data use but don’t need expensive fiber optic cables.
Why should you use Cat6 Ethernet cables?
- Have stricter performance specifications
- Speed of data transfer is significantly high at greater distances
- More tightly twisted than Cat5 cables
- Cable conductors and cable sheath are thicker
- Interior and exterior signal/ EMI interference is reduced to a greater extent
Why shouldn’t you use Cat6 Ethernet cables?
- More expensive than Cat5 cables
- Tend to be more than what an organization needs today
- Not possible to use in limited space
Cat5 vs. Cat6 Ethernet Cables: What’s Best for You?
Additional thickness/stiffness makes the cable less flexible and harder to work with
Cat6a are around 40-50% thicker and heavier than Cat6
As already stated, both Cat5 and Cat6 Ethernet cables are perfect in their ways. So, you should determine the needs of your organization before deciding on the best option. For example, if you have money and want higher data transfer, you should choose Cat6 Ethernet cables. On the other hand, if 100 Mbps speed transfer is enough, you should opt for Cat5 Ethernet cables. They will fulfill your requirements at a low cost.
Try to determine the requirements based on different factors such as industry, operations, flexibility, and others. To know more about Ethernet cables, connect with us via WhatsApp at 971585811786.
Which is the best CCTV camera for night vision?
CCTV cameras have become a part of our lives. Whether it is a residential, commercial, or industrial area, you will find CCTV cameras. While some of them are placed hidden so that they remain out of sight, others are installed in a way that everyone can notice them easily. Since most crimes, thefts, and offenses happen at night, it has become extremely crucial to install CCTV cameras in Dubai with night vision. Having CCTV cameras with day and night vision reduces the chance of robbery and other illegal activities, making the area more secure and safe.
In this guide, we will share some of the best CCTV cameras with night vision for UAE homes and businesses.
But, before that, let us help you understand why it is critical to have proper surveillance during the night so that even if you change your mind later, you know what you will lose when opting out of night vision cameras.
Why Install CCTV Cameras with Night Vision?
There are various solid reasons to install CCTV cameras with night vision on your property. Some of these critical reasons are:
- Can monitor activities in daylight, in low-lit conditions, and even in completely dark environments
- Produce high-quality resolution images taken during low-lit and pitch-black conditions
- Help deter crimes, especially burglaries, theft, and vandalism as most criminals and offenders avoid places that remain under day and night surveillance
- Gives you peace of mind and a sense of enhanced security
How Does a CCTV camera with night vision work?
A night vision camera also called an IR camera, has a series of LED light bulbs that spread out evenly around the camera lens. These LED bulbs are specially designed to produce invisible infrared light – which is found on the red end of the color spectrum. When installed correctly, these LED bulbs act as a powerful lighting source in dark conditions.
The amount of infrared light is sufficient to make the camera see what’s happening in a specific area and is weak enough to cause harm to anyone.
Infrared light helps scan a dark room or area and identify everything that falls inside its range. As a result, an IR camera or CCTV camera with night vision can record the area without causing any distraction.
While some night vision cameras produce black and green shots, advanced night vision cameras produce black and white images. You should look choose the latter ones because it is easier for human eyes to distinguish between black and white tones.
If there is any existing visible light source in an area, the camera lens will detect and absorb it, and increases the visibility of digital night vision cameras, leading to improved image quality.
What are the best CCTV cameras for night vision?
List of Best CCTV Cameras with Night Vision
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Dahua 8MP TiOC
Dahua 8MP TiOC is counted as one of the best CCTV cameras with night vision. It is a three-in-one camera that comes with 24/7 monitoring, active deterrence, and artificial intelligence. That’s why it is also called a smart night vision CCTV camera. This camera first detects the objects, filters non-target objects such as animals and leaves, and then notifies if anything seems suspicious. Its algorithm is more accurate that detects targeted objects precisely and hence, reducing the problem of false alarm systems.
Key Features:
- 8MP 1/2.8” CMOS image sensor
- Low luminance and high definition image
- 256 codec, ultra-low bit rate, and high compression rate
- Built-in warm light, IR LED
- IR illumination distance: 30 meter
- Intelligent monitoring, abnormality detection, and sound and light alarm
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Dahua 8MP Night Color 2.0 Fixed Lens Network Bullet Camera
It offers Analytics+ functionality which has significantly improved its accuracy and reliability. It is ideal for various applications as it can operate in any lighting condition. Besides, it comes with an IP67 rating which ensures that it is suitable even for challenging environments.
Key Features:
- 1/1.2” 8MP progressive scan CMOS sensor
- Triple stream encoding and AI coding
- Smart H.265+ and Smart H.264+ video compression
- Ultra-wide dynamic range of 140 dB
- Built-in microphone and speaker
- Enhanced power and data transmission distances with ePoE
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Hikvision 4K ColorVu Fixed Bullet Network Camera
It takes high-quality, full-color video 24/7 with the same sharp rendering at night time as it does in daylight. ColorVu technology delivers clear imaging with vivid details for video evidence. Besides, this camera comes with improved alarm accuracy for real security threats and video search efficiency, and takes the security above and beyond.
Key Features:
- 1/1.2″ Progressive Scan CMOS image sensor
- High-quality image resolution (3840 × 2160)
- 24/7 colorful imaging
- Targets on human and vehicle classification (based on deep learning)
- Smart supplement light with a range of 60m
- High security
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Hikvision TandemVu 7-inch 4 MP Dome Camera
Hikvision has a great night vision camera that helps you capture a large area and provide great details simultaneously. It supports WDR, HLC, BLC, and 3D DNR for defog, regional exposure, and regional focus. It has active strobe light and audio alarm to warn intruders off on the property.
Key Features:
- High-quality imaging with 4MP resolution
- Uses DarkFighter technology to provide excellent low-light performance
- Helps secure an area with 25x optical zoom and 16x digital zoom
- Expansive night view with up to 200 m IR distance
- Supports 24V AC and Hi-PoE
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UNV ColorHunter IPC3638SE-ADF28 (40) K-WL-IO Network Turret Camera
This night vision camera from Uniview guarantees video with colorful details when you need them and also provides smart intrusion prevention which is possible due to the increased accuracy of feature extraction.
Key Features:
- 0 Super large lens to collect 4 times the amount of light as F2.0 aperture
- 8MP High image resolution
- Built-in Mic
- Audio and alarm
- Ultra 265/H.264
- Support MicroSD card
- IP67 and IK10
Are you looking for more information on the best CCTV cameras for night vision? Connect with SIRA-Approved Gear Net Technologies, LLC for more information via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
How Do I Track My Employees’ Time and Attendance?
The best way to track your employees’ time and attendance easily is to use employee time attendance management software. Often known as an employee attendance tracker, this software program helps you keep track of your employees’ attendance with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness – which is often a challenge for every employer or HR department.
Things get even more difficult when an organization has a mix of part-time and full-time employees or a firm has three shifts of employees at a warehouse. The more complex the timing and employee shift are, the more difficult it becomes to track their attendance and leaves.
More than half of businesses have to increase their spending on employee compensation. As a result, it is critical for businesses to have a strong understanding of employee attendance tracking benefits.
What are common ways to track employees’ time and attendance?
Tracking of time and employee attendance has been an essential practice for businesses for as long as employees have been receiving paychecks. However, the ways that companies use to track employee attendance have evolved a lot over time along with technology. These days, there are several ways commonly used for tracking employees’ time and attendance. Some of these are:
- Employee time attendance management software
- Apps and phone-based attendance systems
- Manual recordkeeping of employee hours in a spreadsheet
- Employee ID, Key Card, or Badge Swiping
- Physical Punch Cards
- Biometric tracking system such as fingerprints and retina scans
- GPS tracking of employee locations
- Paper-based attendance registers or timesheets
The best choice of attendance tracking method varies from one employer to another. While some ways might seem the easiest or cheapest, they often lead to lots of confusion or headaches later. In fact, some methods are more prone to fraudulent behavior. For example, punch card time-clocking.
A time and attendance system that requires employees to swipe or scan a badge or employee ID card is considered modern equivalent of punch card systems. Once an ID card or badge is swiped, the attendance data is automatically uploaded and recorded to the employer’s computer system. However, physical cards that can be easily lost, stolen or forgotten lead to costly delays and frauds.
Paper-based workforce attendance systems have become a thing of the past. They made it difficult to record and analyze employee data which is critical for managing payroll, creating effective schedules, defining health and safety policies. Getting such data from paper-based systems can consume a large amount of time and efforts.
In today’s time, the best method to handle the time and attendance of employees is to use an automated employee attendance tracking software system. Do you wonder why? Let’s find out.
How is employee attendance tracking software better than other tracking systems?
An employee time attendance management software system comes with a long range of valuable benefits. Some of these important benefits are as follows:
Top 7 Benefits of Using Employee Time Attendance Management Software:
- Makes it easy to schedule shifts
A software-based employee attendance system helps manage attendance and synchronize workflow with much ease. It helps schedule shifts for employees automatically and thus, helps both the employer and employee in better time management.
- Easy to manage different kinds of leaves
When you use attendance tracking software, it is easy to keep track of the days and hours that employees work in an organization, of different leaves available and used, and other holidays as well. Tracking the number of leaves also help with better project and team management as you will know the exact number of employees available for work and exactly when they are available and when they are not.
- Hassle-free processing of payrolls
One of the main benefits of using attendance tracking software is that it assists in supervising payroll processing and makes accounting work easier. It can significantly reduce payroll processing time, enhance the security of payroll data, and save time and resources, which ultimately increases potency.
- Can be integrated with third-party software
Advanced employee time attendance management software also comes with the capability that it can be integrated with other software applications used in the company to provide better insights and help make better and informed decisions.
- Improves workflow with automation
An employee time and attendance management software system eliminates the use of time-consuming complicated spreadsheets. It eases the attendance recording process and gets manual tasks and manual errors out of the equation.
An employer can have all the information in one place and eases the process of leave approvals for staff.
Employees can apply for leaves through the software, and the manager can reject or approve the request based on how many leaves remain in the account, how often an employee requests for leave, and how many employees are on leaves on that particular day or period.
- Enhance productivity by saving time
Through an automated employee attendance tracker, employers or HR departments can save precious time and enjoy accurate data without being busy going through attendance and leaves. This frees up the HR department or employer to focus on other important tasks, thereby boosting productivity and increasing profits.
- Improved security and compliance
Attendance tracking software not only records time and attendance data but also secures it as it is built around highly secure systems and architecture. Software-based attendance systems are more reliable than any other means and help prevent time theft and buddy punching. With accurate tracking of attendance, employers can fairly compensate employees for extra work hours based on current regulations.
For any questions or information on electronic and electrical appliances, networking equipment, and business-oriented software, you can connect with us via WhatsApp at 971585811786.
How do I use the right Cisco (4500) switch power supply?
Do you wish to learn how to manage power on the Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switch? If yes, then continue reading this guide as, here, you will learn everything you need to know about Cisco switch power supply management.
Which power supplies do Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series switches support?
Catalyst 4500 series switches support two types of power supply, which are as follows:
- Fixed Wattage – the power supply that delivers a fixed amount of inline and system power (1000 W AC or 2800 W AC)
- Variable Wattage – the power supply that adjusts the wattage automatically to fulfill inline and system power needs (1300 W AC or 1400 W AC)
When deploying fixed power supplies, you must choose a power supply that can support the switch configuration. On the other hand, when using variable power supplies, you must choose a power supply that can deliver enough power so that the chassis and PoE (inline power) requirements are less than the maximum power available for the chassis and PoE.
When a system boots, variable power supplies adjust the power resources automatically.
Important Note: You must not use the 1400 W AC Cisco Power Supply with any other power supply, not even for hot swaps or other short-term emergencies. Otherwise, it will damage your switch and you may not be able to use your switch further.
When you use different types of power supplies for your switch, the switch uses the only power supply in power supply bay 1 called PS1, and ignores the other power supply. When using different power wattages, there will be no issue of power redundancy.
Which power management modes do Cisco switches support?
Catalyst 4500 series switches support two types of power management modes, namely:
- Redundant mode
- Combined mode
- Redundant Mode
Redundant mode uses only primary power supply and keeps secondary power supply as a backup. Thus, if the primary power supply fails, the secondary power supply fulfills the power requirements of your switch without disturbing your network.
What to Know About Redundant Mode Power Management
- It is a must for both power supplies to be of the same wattage.
- You need to ensure that a single power supply has enough power to support the switch configuration.
- This mode is the default power mode in the Catalyst 4500 series switch.
- In case you set redundant mode but install one power supply, then your switch will accept the configuration but it will operate then without redundancy.
- To enjoy the reliability of redundant mode, it is better to install two power supplies (of the same wattage).
- Combined Mode
The combined mode uses power from all power supplies installed to support your switch configuration. This mode has no power redundancy. Thus, if a power supply doesn’t function, it can lead to the shutdown of one or more modules.
What to Know About the Combined Mode Power Management
- This mode requires your switch to have two power supplies.
- The 1400 W AC Cisco switch power supply doesn’t support the combined mode. In case you set the power budget to 2, the switch will ignore this setting.
- The two power supplies are required to be the same type. If you use different types of power supplies or different wattages, the switch uses only one power supply.
- When using the combined mode, the total power available for switch configuration is not the mathematical sum of individual power supplies.
- Power supplies come with a predetermined current sharing ratio.
The total available power in the combined mode is:
P + (P * ratio)
Which power management mode should you use for your Cisco switch?
The choice of power supplies depends on your hardware switch configuration. For instance, if your switch configuration needs more power than a single power supply can provide, then you will need to use the combined mode. The only problem with the combined mode is that there is no power redundancy, which means if one power supply fails, another supply cannot fully support the power requirements, and one or more module of your network might get disrupted.
How much power is available with different Cisco switch power supplies?
Here is an overview of the available power for different power supplies:
- 1000 W AC Power Supply
Redundant Mode:
- Chassis = 1000
- PoE = 0
Here, chassis power includes power for the supervisor engine, inline cards, and the fan tray.
Combined Mode:
- Chassis = 1667
- PoE = 0
- 1300 W AC Power Supply
In this supply, the backplane consumes 10 W in both types of modes.
Redundant Mode:
- Chassis (max) = 1000
- PoE (max) = 800
- Chassis + PoE + backplane < 1300
Combined Mode:
- Chassis (min) = 767
- Chassis (max) = 1667
- PoE (min) = 433
- PoE (max) = 1333
- Chassis + PoE + backplane < 2166
- 1400 W DC Power Supply
In this, the backplane takes 10 W in the redundant mode.
Redundant Mode:
- Chassis (min) = 200
- Chassis (max) = 1360
- PoE (max) = (DC input – [Chassis (min) +backplane]/0.75)* 0.96
In the case of PoE (max), this power supply has 0.75 efficiency, and PoE has 0.96 efficiency. And the DC input can vary for this power supply and is configurable.
Combined Mode:
N/A
- 2800 W AC Power Supply
Redundant Mode:
- Chassis = 1360
- PoE =1400
Combined Mode:
- Chassis = 2478
- PoE =2545
To calculate the power requirements and check that your system has enough power supply, you must add the power consumed by the supervisor engine(s), the installed modules, and the fan trays.
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What are the types of cables used in Cisco devices?
For networking, it’s crucial to understand the different types of cables that are used in Cisco devices. There are a variety of cable types, depending on what you want to accomplish with your network and what types of devices you’re connecting together. If you want to learn more about the cables used in Cisco devices, keep reading!
Here are some examples of Cisco devices and the types of cables used to connect them to other Cisco devices or servers, as well as to computers or other peripheral devices, such as printers or monitors. You’ll also find some helpful tips to ensure that you choose the right cable for your network and installation needs.
Coaxial Cable
A coaxial cable, or coax, is a type of cable that has an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating layer and an outer conducting shield. Coaxial cables are used in a variety of applications, including computer networking, cable television, and radio communications.
To connect cable modem cards to the HFC network, Cisco recommends using a headend-grade coaxial cable or a quad-shielded coaxial cable. Ensure that the center conductor is straight and extends 1/8 in. beyond the other end of the connector. Although there are many varieties available, like 59-series quad shield and 6-series quashield, 59 series should be preferred.
Serial Cable
One type of cable used in Cisco devices is a serial cable. This type of cable is used to connect devices that use a serial connection, such as a computer and a modem.
Serial cables are typically either RS-232 or RS-485 cables. RS-232 cables are the most common type of serial cable, and are used for connecting devices that use an asynchronous serial connection. On the other hand, RS-485 cables are used for connecting devices that use a synchronous serial connection.
Rolled Cable
A rolled cable, also called a rollover cable, looks like Ethernet cable but is not an Ethernet cable. It is used to connect a computer to a Cisco console port. It is an 8-conductor cable with RJ-45 connectors on each end.
The rollover cable is wired in such a way that the transmit pins on one end are connected to the receive pins on the other end. This allows you to connect the console port of one Cisco device to the AUX port of another Cisco device.
Rolled cables of Cisco are used to manage Cisco routers and switches from the console port of those devices. In most cases, this cable is used when configuring these devices for the first time.
By using a DB9 to RJ45 adaptor, a rolled cable connects the PC’s serial port to the router or switch’s console port. A rolled cable connects Pin 1 to Pin 8 on the other end.
How to Identify RJ-45 Rollover Cables?
You can identify a rollover cable by holding the two ends of the cable together, with the tab at the back. It is important that the wire connected to the pin on the outside of the left hand plug is the same color as the wire connected to the pin on the right hand plug. On one connector, the color wiring is reversed (pins 1 and 8, 2 and 7, 3 and 6, 4 and 5, 5 and 4, 6 and 3, 7 and 2, 8 and 1).
Crossover Cables
A crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect two computing devices together directly. Crossover cables are used in situations where a standard Ethernet cable would not be able to connect two devices, such as connecting a computer to a printer.
The main difference between a crossover cable and a standard Ethernet cable is that the wires inside are crossed over so that the transmit signal on one end is received on the other end, and vice versa.
Connecting one device to another without a hub or switch is the purpose of a crossover cable. Therefore, a crossover cable can be used to connect a PC directly to another PC, without the need for a hub or switch. They are also used to connect two switches together. A crossover cable always sends pins 1 and 2 to 3 and 6, and pins 3 and 6 to 1 and 2.
Console Cable
A console cable is used to connect a Cisco device to a computer so that you can configure the device using a terminal emulator program. The cable has a RJ-45 connector on one end that goes into the Cisco device, and a DB-9 or DB-25 connector on the other end that goes into the computer’s serial port.
Most Cisco devices come with a built-in console port for connecting with a cable. You may also use an external console server for connecting multiple devices simultaneously to the same computer using this type of cable.
STP Cable
One type of cable used in Cisco devices is STP cable, which is shielded twisted pair cable. This type of cable is most often used in Ethernet networks. STP cable is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference than other types of cables, making it ideal for use in industrial environments.
This type of cable is made up of two twisted pairs of copper wires, each with a different function. The first pair is used for transmitting data, while the second pair is used for receiving data. STP cable is typically used in Ethernet networks and can be found in a variety of sizes, from patch cables to full-sized Ethernet cables.
Conclusion
Cabling is an important aspect when installing or managing a network or devices. Each cable serves its own specific purpose, so it’s imperative to know their types and how they are used. We hope this article helped you identify what cables are used for what purpose.
If you need to buy Cisco cables or you need help with the selection of the right Cisco cables for your network and devices, please connect with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
How many Cisco licenses do I need and why?
If you are running a business or have Cisco hardware appliances at home, the one question you will certainly ask is whether you need Cisco licenses for using its hardware appliances and if yes, then how many licenses you need for them. In reality, you need to understand more than the number of Cisco licenses you need.
In this guide, we will explain Cisco licensing for Cisco appliances in detail and help you find the answers to the questions that you have related to Cisco licenses.
Do I need Cisco licenses for using Cisco hardware appliances?
Yes, you need Cisco licenses for using Cisco switches and other hardware appliances, such as firewall security appliances. So, if you have or you are going to buy Cisco switches online or offline, it is a must for you to understand what and how many licenses you will need.
What kind of licensing do I need for using Cisco hardware?
All Cisco hardware appliances come with unique serial numbers. Typically, Cisco offers perpetual licenses which are unique to each serial number.
You can buy a perpetual license once and use this license throughout the time you are using the hardware for which this license is issued.
Once you replace the hardware, the license becomes obsolete. This means the new replacement hardware will need its own set of license(s).
However, if you RMA (return merchandise authorization) the hardware appliance, you are allowed for a one-time transfer of that license to the new hardware. This is the only exception where you can transfer a license. Otherwise, in all other cases, you will have to buy a new license for new hardware.
In addition to the perpetual licensing model, you may also need to buy separate licenses for certain software features and services. The licenses used for software features and services are distinct from the perpetual licenses for hardware and they require their own support contracts.
For instance, if you want to activate Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) feature for your firewall, you will need a software license or entitlement before using it. In this case, one Cisco firewall device can have two or more support contracts or licenses associated with it. One will be for the hardware failure and the underlying operating system and another for the software support and updates that are specific to IPS.
Such licenses are generally called add-on licenses. The add-on licenses provide Cisco innovations on its hardware appliances and also on the Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center (the Cisco DNA Center).
What Happens If the Cisco Support Lapse and I Still Keep Cisco Licensing?
If you happen to let the Cisco support lapse due to any reason and still have the Cisco license, the core module of the service or feature will continue to work the same but it won’t receive the latest threat updates, leaving your business’s cybersecurity more vulnerable to new threats and attacks. Plus, you will also not be able to contact Cisco support (TAC) to get any assistance with the relevant software module. So, it is highly recommended to keep both the Cisco support and licensing.
How many Cisco licenses do I need for my home or business?
The number of Cisco licenses you need depends on the number of Cisco devices that you have and the services and features you need to activate in those devices. At a very basic level, the number of Cisco licenses should be equal to the number of Cisco devices you have.
For instance, if you are using 10 Cisco switches in your office, you will have at least 10 Cisco licenses to use them and get proper hardware support. Now, assume you have activated a service or special feature in all these switches called network stacking. Then, you will need 10 perpetual licenses and 10 network stack licenses in total.
For some Cisco hardware appliances, you will need more than one license. For example, for a Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series switch, it is mandatory to buy both Network Stack licenses and Cisco DNA licenses at the time of purchase. Both licenses are perpetual licenses. They come in two licensing tier options called Essentials (-E) and Advantages (-A). Network Stack Essentials or Advantage comes with the hardware, but you need to choose a Cisco DNA term license at the time of order.
Note: While making a selection, you will also need to select the preferred consumption model (Cisco DNA Premier, Advantage, or Essentials) and duration for the Cisco DNA term license (3, 5, or 7 years). And you can also add other components such as a secondary power supply, power cables, and more. So, it is better to get an idea of your needs before you place an order for Cisco switches or other hardware appliances.
How do I get support with Cisco Licensing?
With Cisco Licensing, there are usually two models and SKUs that you will see on your order and build of material sheets. These two models are Smartnet (SNT) and Software Support Services (SWSS). Though both these models look familiar, choosing the wrong one can leave a company vulnerable to security threats.
The Smartnet model applies to only hardware. Based on the level purchased, you will get anywhere from 8×5 next business days (NBD) to 24x7x2 hours replacement on that hardware. While your Smartnet is valid, it also grants you operating system updates that are similar to Windows updates.
However, SWSS is offered with one single purpose and that is to ensure that the software add-on features stay updated and eligible for support.
If you buy products with both SNT and SWSS SKU on them, it is preferred to choose both SKUs also at the renewal time. In case you choose SNT and leave SWSS, you will not get any Cisco support if you want help with the software module. On the other hand, if you choose SWSS and leave SNT, you will get software updates and support but will not get any support if your hardware fails. They won’t help you replace your hardware. So, in such a case, you will need to buy new hardware along with new licenses attached to it.
If you are buying Cisco hardware appliances such as switches and firewalls and need help with choosing the right Cisco licensing for your needs, please get in touch with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
The 7 Best Ethernet Cables of 2022
Looking for faster Internet speeds? Investing in Ethernet cables might just be the best thing you can do to ensure that you always receive the fastest connection available to your home or office.
These seven Ethernet cables are some of the best on the market, offering top-notch speed and reliability at a price that won’t break the bank. These are the best Ethernet cables of 2022 and have been selected based on specific criteria that includes input lag, speed, reliability, and overall quality.
1) Jadaol Cat 7 Flat Ethernet Cable
Jadaol’s Cat7 cables are the best of the bunch when it comes to speed and durability. With a bandwidth of up to 2000MHz, Jadaol Hyper Speed Cat 8 / Cat 7 Ethernet cable enhances data transmission speeds by four times compared to Cat 6. Thus, while working, gaming, and surfing the internet, you will not experience lagging or network speed issues.
With four shielded twisted copper wires and a UV-resistant PVC jacket, Jadaol in-wall network cables are more durable, flexible, waterproof, anti-corrosion, anti-aging, anti-UV, and tough for use both indoors and outdoors.
Plus, they’re available in a variety of lengths. So, you can find the perfect one for your needs. In addition to the Cat 7 Ethernet cable, the package includes ten cable clips to simplify installation. With its RJ45 connectors, the cable can be easily used with old networking equipment.
2) DBillionDa Direct CAT8 Gaming Ethernet Cable
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line ethernet cable that can handle even the most demanding gaming needs, look no further than the DBillionDa Direct CAT8 Gaming Ethernet Cable.
This cable is durable and able to handle data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure it will last. The cables are made of 100% 25 AWG oxygen-free bare copper wire, which means they can handle high data speeds. They are faster, thinner, more stable and durable than CAT7.
3) AmazonBasics Ethernet Patch Cable
If you’re looking for a fast and reliable Ethernet cable, the AmazonBasics Ethernet Patch Cable is a great option. It offers high speed of up to 1000Mbps for fast data flow. It’s made of high-quality material and is designed to deliver fast and consistent speeds.
You can’t go wrong with the AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat 7 Ethernet cables if you are looking for a pocket-friendly and affordable Cat 7 networking cable. They’re also shielded with aluminum mylar foil and an outer layer of PVC, making them resistant to interference from things like power lines and electromagnetic fields.
It uses the RJ45 connector to connect easily to a modem, router, or computer. In spite different sizes of this cable, you should use it as a patch cable to connect your game console, computer, or media streaming device directly to the router.
4) Busohe Flat CAT7 Ethernet Cable
This busohe flat CAT7 ethernet cable is one of the best options for those who want faster internet speeds. It is made of high quality materials and is compatible with most devices. It runs smoothly under carpets, alongside windows, and other areas with limited space thanks to its flat design.
With it, you can connect all types of computers, servers, modems, routers, switch boxes, laptop, Computers, Smart TVs, printers, IP cameras, Roku, PlayStations,, Xbox, and other gaming systems at the same time.
5) Dell CAT5e RJ-45 7ft LAN Ethernet Cable
If you are looking for a reliable and good-quality Ethernet Cable, whether it is wired 3-5 meters or more, then this cable is just the right one. It is made from premium materials, to ensure that its performance doesn’t also get affected when used in a warehouse environment.
All in all, Dell CAT5e RJ-45 7ft LAN Ethernet Cable is a high-quality Ethernet cable that’s built to last. High-speed wired transmission and extra shielding help ensure that you get that extra oomph in your transfer speeds.
6) Ugreen Flat Ethernet Cable – Cat 7
In terms of cables, UGREEN is one of the most trusted brands out there. So, they are an easy recommendation when it comes to Cat 7 ethernet cables.
Data is transmitted without loss with 24K gold plated connectors coupled with 8P8C connectors. Also, as a result of additional shielding and improved twisting, the wire is better protected from interference, especially when placed near large appliances or equipment.
7) CableGeeker CAT 7 Ethernet Cable
CableGeeker CAT 7 Ethernet Cable is a high-quality cable for LAN applications. It carries data at rates of 10Mbps using a NRZI digital signaling interface for transmission. The cable features up to two pairs of shielding, making it resistant to EMI, RFI and noise interference that can drain electrical current from equipment. It complies with Cat7/Cat6 cable specifications and standards.
There is no doubt that the Black, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, and White cables are the highlights. Instead of labeling them or tugging them to find the right cable, you can easily identify a particular cable for a particular gadget.
8) Mediabridge Ethernet Cable
In addition to meeting Cat 6 cable standards, these Cat 6 cables from Mediabridge can also deliver up to 10 gigabits per second. So, they are capable of handling up to 1 gigabit per second.
Mediabridge offers a variety of Ethernet cables as well as High Speed Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat6A cabling ranging in lengths between 6 feet and 50 feet in order to meet any Internet connectivity need.
Conclusion
Ethernet cables make for an easy, affordable, and effective way to extend your internet connection. They can be used wired or in conjunction with wireless routers to provide speedy internet access to all of the devices you need it on. With plenty of options available, we’ve taken a look at the best Ethernet cables available on the market today for any type of budget and quality.
For any queries related to purchase of high-quality Ethernet cables, please connect with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
Best Firewall Hardware for Small Businesses in 2022
If you are planning to start your own small business, then make sure you have the right firewall hardware installed in your office. It will keep intruders out of your network and keep your private information secure.
In order to ensure that you are using the best firewall hardware, you should consider these eight options as viable in 2022 when you’re making your purchase decision.
These eight options will allow you to make an informed decision about which firewall hardware best suits your needs and budget.
Sophos Firewall
If you’re looking for the best firewall hardware for small businesses in 2022, you can’t go wrong with Sophos Firewall. It’s easy to set up and manage; plus, it provides comprehensive security against a wide range of threats. For an affordable price, you get all-in-one protection from data breaches and viruses.
The best part is, in addition to hardware firewalls, Sophos provides virtual firewalls as well. This, together with the ML-based software’s powerful capabilities, allows the system to adapt to changing networking requirements and keep up with the latest risks. In addition to detecting and filtering compromised devices, the system advises about the best course of action to take.
Bitdefender BOX
Bitdefender BOX firewall is an amazing new firewall which protects your computer from intrusions, blocks incoming and outgoing connections from unauthorized programs.
It also helps protect against data loss, provides complete protection against malware and virus infections and much more. The firewall can be installed on Windows, macOS and Linux. It provides a lot of protection and a good user interface among other things.
To put simply, it provides a range of browsing security features, content filtering, and phishing/fraud prevention, along with network intrusion monitoring.
SonicWall TZ400 Security Firewall
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line firewall to protect your small business, the SonicWall TZ400 is a great option. It’s easy to set up and manage, and it comes with a wide range of features to keep your network safe. It offers features like
- Enhanced performance, reliability, and speed– This firewall technology lets you inspect all traffic without slowing your network down. Furthermore, TZ Series firewalls protect critical business applications from unproductive applications by providing bandwidth to those that need it.
- Provides all- in one Solution– The SonicWall solution for TZ Series appliances provides convenience and affordability. It provides comprehensive network protection against viruses, spyware, worms, Trojans, keyloggers, and more, without the complexity of building your own security solution.
- Providing secure wireless connections– With superior performance and signal quality, you can connect businesses, schools, stores, and branch offices with high-speed wireless connectivity. It protects wireless traffic from harmful threats by combining a SonicWall SonicPoint with a SonicWall next-generation firewall.
Cisco Meraki MX68
The Cisco Meraki M X68 is a great firewall for small businesses. It’s easy to set up and manage, and has a lot of features that small businesses need, like VPN and content filtering. The Meraki firewall can maintain a fast WiFi connection, which is one of its main advantages.
A Cisco Meraki router and firewall could be a great choice for business owners looking for a router and firewall combo. In addition to supporting up to 50 users, this can also support firewall-based throughput, VPN throughput, and a variety of interfaces.
Ubiquiti UniFi Security Gateway
Compact and versatile, this firewall is perfect for small businesses and homes alike. Featuring three 1GB ethernet ports, the device protects all devices on your wifi network by connecting to your router.
Due to the fact that UniFi devices such as switches or wifi access points can all be controlled from the same interface, Ubiquiti is especially useful for users who already have UniFi devices in their networks.
Plus, it offers a variety of features that can be customized to fit your business’s needs. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable firewall option, the Ubiquiti UniFi Security Gateway is a great choice.
WatchGuard Network Security
When it comes to simple setup and usage of products, WatchGuard excels at it while maintaining the highest level of security. With its wide range of products, WatchGuard can meet the needs of any organization, regardless of size.
By analyzing the activity of the network and any potential threats, WatchGuard makes a valuable contribution to network security. With standard one-year security support, the T20-W costs as little as $450.
Protectli Vault – 4 Port
A mid-range Vault that is ideal for small companies and teams. It offers features like added security through VPN and coreboot options. 2.5G gives better performance and aluminum chassis provides the maximum durability. A four-port Vault model is suitable for most small businesses, and there are also three and six-port models available.
Avast Endpoint Protection
Avast Endpoint Protection firewall is a next generation firewall that protects and secures your devices. The program can be used with all operating systems on Windows, Mac and Linux.
This can prevent all kinds of infections, spyware and identity theft. With Avast Endpoint Protection firewall you are protected from any kind of threats such as Ransomware, malicious file downloads and other threats to your system.
Conclusion
The best firewall hardware for small businesses in 2022 is not a single solution, but depends on the network in question. Businesses looking to save money should consider using a low-cost router with an integrated firewall. Those making large investments in security should look for the most comprehensive solution for the requirements of their network.
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How to Upgrade Systems with Cisco Secure Firewall ASA (FirePOWER)
Cisco Secure Firewall ASA is an integrated suite specially designed for network security and traffic management products. It can be deployed either on purpose-built platforms or software solutions. It is engineered to help you handle network traffic while complying with your organization’s security policies.
In a typical deployment, multiple traffic-sensing managed devices installed on network segments monitor traffic for analysis and send reports to managers such as the firepower management center, firepower device manager, and adaptive security device manager (ASDM). These managers offer a centralized management console with GUI. You can use this interface to carry out administrative, management, analysis, and reporting tasks.
In this guide, we will help you upgrade the Cisco ASA Firepower module using ASDM. This post is based on the upgrade guide shared by Cisco. So, everything you will read here is stated by Cisco experts.
Important Note:
Before you upgrade firewall appliances, you must be aware of the traffic flow and inspection that can occur when you reboot a device, upgrade the device software, OS, or virtual hosting environment, uninstall/revert the device software, move a device between domains, or deploy changes in configuration.
So, it is strongly recommended to upgrade your firewall module only when any interruption will have the least impact on your deployment.
The Procedure to Upgrade Firepower Module with ASDM
When upgrading is in process, you must not make any configuration changes, manually reboot, or shut down the module. You must not restart an upgrade the process even if the upgrade process appears inactive during pre-checks. In case you encounter any issues with the upgrade or you find the appliance unresponsive, it is advised to contact Cisco TAC.
Here are the steps to upgrade Cisco Firepower Module:
- First of all, ensure that you are running a supported version of ASA. You will find most ASA and ASA Firepower versions compatible. Even if you don’t need an upgrade, you may need it to resolve issues. When upgrading the ASA Firepower module is in sequence, you should check the ASA upgrade procedures for standalone, failover, and clustering scenarios. As per Cisco experts, even if you are not upgrading ASA software, you should still refer to ASA failover and clustering upgrade guides so that you can perform a failover or disable clustering on a unit before the upgrade to avoid traffic loss. In the case of a cluster, you should upgrade each secondary unit serially and then upgrade the primary unit.
- Get the upgrade package; you should download it directly from the Cisco Support & Download site. Otherwise, you may get a corrupted package.
- Then, connect the ASA appliance with ASDM and upload the upgrade package by following the below instructions:
- Go to Configuration > ASA FirePOWER Configuration > Updates
- Click Upload Update, choose the file, and upload.
- Now, to avoid any failure, deploy pending configuration changes. During this process, you may see a small number of packets dropping without inspection due to increased resource demands. Some configuration deployment may restart Snort and interrupts traffic inspection. This may interrupt traffic until the restart completes, based on how your device handles traffic.
- When upgrading to Version 6.1.0 through 6.3.0.x, you must disable the ASA REST API. Otherwise, the upgrade will fail. You can use CLI on the ASA to disable the REST API. To disable it, you can use the no rest-API agent and re-enable it by using the command rest-API agent.
- Go to Monitoring > ASA FirePOWER Monitoring > Task Status to see if the task is complete. Running tasks during an upgraded stop, become failed tasks, and cannot be resumed.
- Go to Configuration > ASA FirePOWER Configuration > Updates. Click the install icon that is present beside the upgrade package you uploaded. Confirm that you want to upload and reboot the module. Depending on how the module is configured, traffic either drops or traverses the network without inspection.
- Continue to monitor the upgrade process on the Task Status page and don’t make any configuration changes to the module when the upgrade is in process. Unless it indicates that the upgrade has failed, you must not restart the upgrade or reboot the module even if the upgrade shows no progress for several minutes.
- Once the upgrade completes, you can reconnect ASDM to the ASA.
- Go to Configuration > ASA FirePOWER Configuration. Click Refresh so that the interface does not exhibit unexpected behavior.
- Go to Configuration > ASA FirePOWER Configuration > System Information and ensure that the module has the correct software version.
- If there is a newer intrusion rule or the vulnerability database available on the Support Site, install the newer version.
- Complete any configuration changes post-upgrade and redeploy configurations.
If you manage the ASA Firepower module by using Firepower Management Center, you should upgrade the Management Center before upgrading the module. For that, you will have two options for upgrading the module. Depending on what you use, you may need to upgrade either:
- A standalone secure firewall management center, or
- High availability firepower management centers
Each of them has different procedures. So, upgrade accordingly. You can find the steps to upgrade both of them on the Cisco Support website.
For any queries or information about the purchase of the Cisco Firepower series of firewall appliances, you can connect with us via call at +971 4 2409 998 or you can also get in touch with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786.
Should I Upgrade to Cisco FirePower?
If you are still using Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), you might be thinking about whether upgrading to Cisco Firepower will be a good decision for your business or not. So, in this blog, we will discuss Cisco Firepower in detail to help you better understand what this firewall offers, licensing conventions, and more.
What is Cisco Firepower?
Often written as Cisco FirePOWER, it is an advanced firewall developed by Cisco. It was launched as the heir apparent and replacement for the Cisco ASA firewall line. Cisco Firepower runs on two different codes:
- The ASA (Adaptive Security Appliance) Code
- The FTD (Firepower Threat Defense) Code
The ASA is basic software but it doesn’t have the advanced next-gen and IPS functionality. The next-gen ASA software has a Firepower module that runs inline on top of the existing architecture of the ASA. In that case, ASA provides IPS, Malware, and URL filtering capabilities through Firepower.
However, now, the Cisco Firepower appliance integrates the firewall capabilities into Firepower capabilities together and offers one single solution – which is branded by Cisco as Cisco Secure Firewall.
The Secure Firewall assortment offers various vital capabilities, including:
- Unified Management of Firewalls
- Application Control
- URL Filtering and IPS
- Malware Defense
What is the use of Cisco Firepower?
Cisco Firepower line is designed to help businesses handle their network traffic while complying with network security policies – the guidelines for protecting the business network.
The Cisco Firepower Module runs on ASA devices installed in different network segments and monitors network traffic for analysis. When it is deployed inline, it can influence the flow of the traffic using access control features that allow you to specify how to handle the incoming traffic, outgoing traffic, and the traffic traversing the network.
The data collected about network traffic and all the information you get from Cisco Firepower can be used to better filter and control traffic depending on:
- Simple transport and network layer characteristics such as source, destination, port, protocol, etc.
- Latest contextual information about network traffic and characteristics, such as reputation, risk, business relevance, applications used, URL visited, etc.
- The users of Microsoft Active Directory LDAP in your organization
Each type of traffic inspection and control is carried out where it makes the most sense for higher flexibility and performance. For instance, reputation-based blacklisting because it simply uses data of source and destination and can block prohibited traffic quickly while detecting and blocking intrusions and exploits.
What are the key capabilities of Cisco Firepower?
The main capabilities of Cisco Firepower are as follows:
- Access Control Policies
- Identifying and Preventing Intrusions
- Advanced Malware Protection and File Control
Access Control Policies
It is a policy-based feature that helps you specify, inspect, and log the traffic that is allowed to traverse your network. It determines how the traffic is handled on your network.
The easiest and simplest access control policy handles the entire traffic through default action. You can set this policy to block or trust all traffic without any further inspection for intrusions.
However, you can use a complex access control policy called blacklist traffic based on Security Intelligence data. It also includes the use of access control rules to implement control at a granular level over network logging and handling. By using this policy, you can handle traffic by security zone, network, geographic location, port, requested URL, application, or user.
Each access rule also includes an action that determines whether you monitor, trust, block, or allow matching traffic.
Identifying and Preventing Intrusions
Intrusion detection and prevention is called the last line of defense before traffic is allowed to enter the network. You can also set and configure intrusion policies that include intrusion rules and settings for traffic inspection to check against security violations. In inline deployments, intrusion policies block or alter malicious traffic.
In case the system-provided policies don’t provide full protection against intrusion, you can create custom policies to improve the performance of the system in your business environment. It can provide you with a focused view of the malicious traffic and policy violations occurring on a network.
Advanced Malware Protection and File Control
The ASA Firepower module’s advanced malware and file control protection components can identify, track, capture, analyze, and optionally block the file transmission over the network.
File control features allow devices to detect and block users from uploading or downloading files of specific types over specific application protocols.
On the other hand, advanced malware protection helps your system to inspect network traffic for malware. Even if you store a detected file, you can submit it to the CSI Cloud for a simple known-disposition lookup.
What are the license conventions for Cisco Firepower?
A Protection License is needed for devices to perform intrusion detection and prevention, file control, and Security Intelligence Filtering. This license corresponds to the Protection subscription that automatically comes with the purchase of an ASA Firepower module.
A Control License is needed for devices to control users and applications. This license requires you to hold a Protection license and is included automatically with the purchase of an ASA Firepower module.
A URL Filtering License is needed for devices to utilize updated cloud-based category and reputation data to see which traffic can traverse your network based on the URLs requested. It requires Protection License and can be purchased as an add-on subscription.
A Malware License is needed for devices to provide advanced malware protection over your network. It also requires having a Protection License. You can purchase it separately as an add-on or as a service subscription combined with Protection License.
Are you ready to upgrade your network security with Cisco Firepower modules? Please connect with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786 for any queries or information.
Best Wireless Access Point of 2022
Also called an access point (AP), the wireless access point (WAP) is a compact electronic device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired or wireless network. The WAP devices create a Wi-Fi network within an existing wired or wireless network so that there is an option to accommodate more wireless devices.
Today, WAP devices have become an important part of many organizations as well as home users. And it’s because these devices eliminate the major issues like poor Wi-Fi coverage, slow connectivity, dead zones, weak signal, and others. One of the best things about wireless access points is easy installation.
Due to the benefits offered by WAP devices, their demand is very high. Considering this high demand, there is a large variety of wireless access systems to choose from, making the selection process very complicated. Organizations don’t know which WAP device will suit their requirements or give good results. Sometimes, they end up choosing the wrong device, hampering the operations and performance of their organizations.
To make your selection easy, we will discuss the best wireless access points for 2022. But, before that, we will discuss the points that you should consider before investing in a wireless access device.
- Power of Internet
- Concurrent dual brand
- Load balancing
- Defense against a rogue access point
- Beamforming
- Mesh networking support
TP-Link EAP660 HD Wi-Fi Access Point
If you are looking for an affordable consumer-friendly wireless access point, then TP-Link is the option for you. All the WAP models or series of TP-Link are suitable for the organizations and their performances. Earlier, the EAP245 was very much in the picture. But, the company made some serious advances and introduced the EAP660 wireless access point.
The EAP660 access point includes both getaways and switches. This access point comes with a simple design, a circular-shaped case, entirely covered by a white matte finish. The device sits on the ceiling with the tendency of running fairly hot, but thankfully, the company has taken the necessary precautions to overcome that.
The access point has a single fairly small LED sitting at the top of the case, showing its status. The LED indicator flashes when the AP upgrades the firmware as well as it become solid when the device works properly.
As there is no additional Ethernet port for wired clients, only wireless clients can connect to the EAP660 HD. In this case, the access point is equipped with the following features:
- A quad-core 2GHz Qualcomm IPQ8072A
- 512MB ESMT RAM
- 128MB ESMT F59D1G81MB-AZM1P0H9N storage
- Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8072A 802.11b/g/n/ax 4×4;4 chip for the 2.4GHZ radio
- Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8072A 802.11a/n/ac/ax 4×4;4 for the 5GHz radio
The TP-Link EAP660 HD runs either as a standalone device or as part of a larger environment using the Omada controller.
Ubiquiti U6-LR Wi-Fi 6 Access Point
Considered one of the best Wi-Fi 6 access points, Ubiquiti U6-LR makes a smooth and fairly inexpensive transition for SMBs and enterprise clients toward the newer technology without a radical change in the infrastructure. This access point is very capable and can hold its ground against its main competitors. The only thing is Ubiquiti is large, measuring 8.66×1.89 inches.
The size is large but the look of the access point is great. The case is saucer-shaped, covered by a white matte finish, and with a narrow canal at the top, circling to let the LED shine through. The LED blinks differently, indicating different signs. It’s possible to mount U6-LR outdoors because of its plastic case. As there are no ventilation cut-outs anywhere on the case, no water and dust enter the enclosure. The best thing is that the access point doesn’t get hot like other enclosed case access points.
Ubiquiti doesn’t have any option to power up the device so the use of a PoE switch or a PoE adapter is very important. For making any configuration changes to the device and the network, the access point uses UniFi Controller Software.
Linksys LAPAC 1750C WAP
As a part of the new access points that support the Cloud controller, the Linksys LAPAC 1750C is suitable for today’s exigence. The device follows the trend of compact circle and hexagon shape that can be easily positioned anywhere, even on the ceiling. The case has soft, rounded corners instead of sharp angles and is covered by a white matte finish. There is a small bar for the LED lights along with a narrow canal surrounding the top of the device. From the narrow canal, the case flows from the narrower top side towards a larger footprint.
The Linksys LAPAC 1750C WAP measures 9.57×9.33×1.72 inches, which can be positioned on the wall or the ceiling. Mounting is easy because the access point comes with a mounting kit. The access point can be mounted horizontally as well on the desk using the four small round silicone feet, providing stability. Like other access points, the LED light in this access point blinks or becomes solid, signifying different things. There is no PoE injector in this.
The Linksys LAPAC 1750C WAP comes with the support for the 802.11K Roaming technology that negates the need for re-authentication every time the user roams to a new node. The access point is popular and highly demanded because of the centralized management system that allows the creation of access point clusters, managed by a single controller. There is an option to use the access system in offline mode just by simply entering the IP address of the device and doing the necessary configurations. The Cloud Controller offers several benefits such as VLAN tagging, Bandwidth Limit, Splash Page, and so on.
These are the 3 best wireless access points of 2022. If you wish to know more, connect with us via WhatsApp (+971585811786)
