Ethernet cables: solid vs. stranded

When you set up a wired network using Ethernet cables (e.g. Cat5e or Cat6), there are 2 types: solid and stranded. The rule of thumb is that you use solid cables when they’re not going to move, e.g. between a wall socket and a patch panel. You use stranded cables when they will move, e.g. …

Definition Update for Windows Defender – infinite loop

I recently came across an odd situation involving Windows Server 2016 and WSUS updates. On the WSUS server, I typically see several new Definition Updates for Windows Defender (KB2267602) every day. E.g. on 2017-11-26, Microsoft released: 1.257.995.0 1.257.996.0 1.257.998.0 1.257.1001.0 1.257.1003.0 1.257.1005.0 The update with the highest number will supersede the others, so I only …

Upgrading Cisco Unity Express

I recently upgraded an NME-CUE (Cisco Unity Express Enhanced Network Module) from version 3.2.1 to 8.6.7. This module was moving from a 3845 router (running CUCME 7.1) to a 3945 router (running CUCME 10.5), so these versions match the compatibility matrix. On the whole, this went fairly smoothly, but there are a couple of issues …

Native IPv6 in dd-wrt

As I mentioned in a previous post, I installed dd-wrt (kernel 2.6, VOIP, build 14896) on my wireless router (Linksys WRT320N), which connected to a VDSL modem using PPPoE. After that, it worked fine for IPv4, so I had the same functionality as the original Linksys firmware. However, the purpose of the exercise was to …

CWTS

Last month, I took the Certified Wireless Technology Specialist (CWTS) exam. This is issued by CWNP, who are similar to CompTIA, i.e. it’s a vendor-neutral exam rather than being based around specific technology (e.g. Cisco access points). The CWNP website says: “The CWTS certification validates the knowledge of enterprise WLAN sales and support professionals who …