Buying Guide
New Versus Refurbished Network Hardware
The choice is rarely about quality. It is about entitlement, traceability and what happens eighteen months after the invoice is paid.
Read the guide7 min
Knowledge Center
Buying and Design Guides for Enterprise Network Hardware
10 guides covering the decisions that come up before a purchase order: part numbering, power budgets, optical reach, drive compatibility, support entitlement and refresh planning.
Product Guide
How to Read Cisco Catalyst Part Numbers
A Catalyst part number encodes the port count, the port type, the uplink arrangement and the software tier. Misreading one character changes what arrives.
Read the guide8 min
Design Guide
PoE Budget Planning for Access Switches
Port count and power budget are two separate limits. Most PoE shortfalls come from planning only the first one.
Read the guide8 min
Material Guide
Choosing Optical Transceivers for Reach
Coding, fibre type, reach and connector are four independent decisions, and any one of them can stop a link coming up.
Read the guide7 min
Buying Guide
Support Contracts Explained for Buyers
A support contract is bought once and used on the worst day of the year. The level and the name it is registered under both matter.
Read the guide8 min
Design Guide
Access Switch Selection for Campus
Five decisions set the part number. Getting them in the right order prevents most of the changes that happen late in a project.
Read the guide9 min
Product Guide
Server Drive Compatibility and Firmware
A drive that fits physically can still be rejected. Interface, caddy generation and firmware all have to agree with the chassis.
Read the guide8 min
Installation Guide
Access Point Mounting and Installation
Wireless installs are rarely delayed by the access point. They are delayed by the mount, the power class or the cable that feeds it.
Read the guide7 min
Checklist
Network Refresh Planning Checklist
Refresh programmes fail on supply far more often than on design. This is the sequence that keeps a phased rollout on its dates.
Read the guide9 min
Troubleshooting Guide
Verifying Hardware Authenticity
Checks that cost minutes on arrival and save a great deal later. Most of them can be done before the carton is opened.
Read the guide7 min
FAQ
About the Knowledge Center
Who Writes These Guides
The sourcing and technical team who quote and check the hardware. Each guide covers a decision that comes up repeatedly in enquiries before a purchase order.
Are the Guides Specific to Your Line Card
They are written to be useful regardless of supplier, but each one links to the part numbers on our line card that it applies to.
Can You Advise on a Design Rather Than a Part Number
Yes. Send the constraint, the site and the devices involved, and an engineer will come back with the options and what each one trades away.
Ask the Question Behind the Part Number
Most enquiries start with a constraint rather than a model. Send the constraint.