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. …
Author archives: John C. Kirk
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 …
Continue reading “Definition Update for Windows Defender – infinite loop”
Windows FTP clients
I’ve recently been setting up a new FTP server, and I wanted it to support FTPS. However, I ran into a few problems when I tested it, which turned out to be partly due to the client software I was using. I’ve been using CuteFTP for several years: I registered for version 1.0 back in …
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 …
IPv6 router
As I’ve mentioned before, I switched my home ISP to A&A so that I could get IPv6 on my internet connection. That gave me 2 pieces of the puzzle (OS support and internet connection), but I still needed to sort out my network infrastructure, specifically my router. This post says what I’m trying to achieve, …
VDSL modem
Back in 2011, I had VDSL installed in my flat. As part of the installation, the BT engineer replaced the faceplate on my master phone socket and also supplied me with a new modem: Earlier this year, the modem developed a fault and I couldn’t get online. Annoyingly, this happened on a Friday evening, so …
CompTIA CE
In 2007, I passed CompTIA’s A+ exams; that gave me a qualification which is valid for life. In April 2012, I enrolled in the CE (Continuing Education) program. In April 2015, I passed the Network+ exam, which gave me the Network+ ce qualification (valid for 3 years). Since I was within the deadline, I could …
Network+
I recently sat CompTIA’s Network+ exam. I’ve been meaning to do this for a while, and as I mentioned in 2012, passing this exam would give me 2 new qualifications: A+ ce and Network+ ce. I did pass the exam, but the CE side of it was sufficiently complex to warrant a separate blog post.
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 …