Networking system can either be open or closed. Open system is connected to the network while closed is not connected to the network and thus cannot be communicated with. A computer network is therefore an interconnection of several devices (host) and connected using various paths for receiving or sending media or data. There are diverse mediums and devices that assist in communicating between two different devices (Bridge, Hub, Switch, and Router). In this article, we shall look on the number of networking models that we stock

Ubiquiti

Unifi Access points

This article presents four basic comparisons for unifi access points (UAPs); specialty line, the XG line, the HD line and the AC line. Specialty line is not a true separate product family. It has mixture of other lines.

Unifi Access Point: In contrast to the traditional enterprise Wi-Fi systems that needs an on premise controller, Unifi, Network controller is a software deployed on-site using a Linux machine, Mac or Personal computer or off-site in a public or private cloud service. The Unifi 802.11 AC dual Radio Aps features the latest Wi-Fi 802.11 AC. You can manage and configure UAPs using the Unifi Network Controller software with easy to learn interface. You need to take the benefit of unlimited scalability to build a small or big network. Start with one and expand to thousands while maintaining a single unified system. Unifi AC AP is comprised of three access points. Ubiquiti Unifi Access Point is scalable solution designed to be easily managed and deployed. It has a sleek design and can be mounted easily on a wall or ceiling. The basic key features of a Unifi Access point is that: it has a frequency of 2.4ghz and has a range of 122M. It can be powered over PoE with Toughswitch, an 803.3af instant Adaptor or for larger deployment, a unifi switch.

Unifi HD Access Point: This was the first Unifi 802.11ac wave 2 AP. It combines performance achieved through MU-MIMO technology. It also uses 4 by 4 spatial streams. It delivers greater performance than a typical wave 1 AP. The Unifi AP was released for high density instances where monitoring of data security is key such as in hospital and banks. The nanoHD provides a smaller footprint solution with similar high density goal in mind. Both wave 1 and 2 offers 28 independent channels without overlapping: twenty fiver for 5Ghz and three for 2.4Ghz. when using 5Ghz band, the option is available to deploy smaller cells in that more clients can be supported. On the other hand, when you use 2.4ghz band in high density location, you encounter channel saturation and self-interference.

Unifi XG Access Points: It allows creation of an ultra-high density network with not only the access points but also the Unifi Security Gateway XG8, Unifi XG swerver and Unifi Switch 16 XG. This is the latest ubiquiti product and is a prototype of hiw the future will look like. XG access points offers a 1/10 Gps ICM Ethernet Port.

Unifi Specialty Models: Specialty models are devices that performs specific functions. The In-Wall access points are the ideal size to replace an Ethernet wall jack which blends with hotel rooms or offices, ideal for new installation. It is not only an access point, but also serves as a gigabit switch with a PoE power passthrough.

The mesh line has multi-hop uplink technology which allows for an expanded network ideal for large outdoor installations. The UAP-AC-M is useful for easy and quick temporary setups with diverse mounting options and sleek and small shape.

Consequently, the AC EDU has an integrated public address system. It can be configured as a SIP endpoint for a phone system or works with a mobile app. When the public address capacities are needed, the AC-EDU joins two non-attractive devices into one sleek addition.

UniFi Hotspot System: This is intended as a separate management platform. It comes freely with an integrated Unifi Network controller software. Hotspot operators and Unifi Network admins can access the network system through GO TO HOTSPOT MANAGER LINK. The users will be redirected to another area of controller for exclusive management of the hotspot.

TP-link Networking

Managed Switches: TP-link JetStream series presents a future proof and robust network solution with rich management features, great scalability, and high accessibility and security functions making it perfect for campus network, ISP and enterprises.

Smart Switches: TP-link smart switches presents a cost effective network solutions for small and medium enterprises. It is integrated with L2 features such as Tp-link smart switch, SNMP and Storm control, STP, IGMP Snooping, QoS and 802.1Q VLAN provides the administrator’s with a simple, affordable yet intelligent network solution.

Unmanaged Switches: TP-LINK managed switches increases the speed of your network and backbone connection. There are plug and play features with no software configuration. It presents a high ports performance that allows an effective and simple expansion of small and business networks which means that it is more efficient.

TP-LINK Accessories: Switch accessories, PoE adaptors, SFP modules, Media convertors, redundant power supply, SFP plus cable and 10 Gigabit SFP plus module are some of the TP-link basic accessories.

Having an ideal and reliable Wi-Fi signal at home is necessary since we are increasingly depending on the internet each day to connect phones and smart devices. Howbeit, the humble router can cast its Wi-Fi far away. For those in bigger houses or houses with thicker walls, receiving a signal in all the corners may be quite a task. In essence, you will need Wi-Fi extenders to boost signals and further stabilize your existing connections.

Our extenders ranges from KSH 4000 to 30,000 depending on the area you need to cover. Cheap devices in essence require more fiddling.

The process of setting up your network device is dependent on how many technological acronyms that you can remember.

Repeaters Vs Powerline Vs Mesh Networks: Repeaters are sometimes called extenders. They are plug and play and pick WiFi signal from your router, copy it and rebroadcast it to the new corners of the house. It only repeat the signal it receives. If it gets a weak signal, it will rebroadcast a weak signal. The power line adaptor on the other hand houses mostly two units. You plug one near the router and the second one any place that you like. The signal will not lose its strength no matter how far you are from the router. It only works when you use one circuit in your house. If you have different circuits in different floors then you will need a different solutions. These two options create a brand new signal with its own network. Nevertheless, the new network can fall victim to the same problem of the original network: copper pipers, big furniture’s and thick walls can hinder or reduce the strength of the signal. They can also slow down the signal since they uses the same channel as they get information from your router.

Mesh networks: In theory, it means that Wi-Fi is never cuts out again. It works by having various nodes scattered wound your home. It comes in bozes of three. The first one connects you to the current router. The first mesh ensures you connect to your current router to create a network, the other node acts as an additional routers to ensure you get the same first signal being broadcast from each. It also stabilizes your router.

A mesh network should ensure a seamless and vast network that doesn’t cut out because if one node goes down, the other two will handle the load until it is back online. The disadvantages is that having multiple routers can use more energy and they are expensive to purchase.

Mikrotik Networking

Microtik Antennas: Microtik Antennas are designed to be use with a NetMetal, NetBox and BaseBox products. If you are looking to conclude your MicroTik backhaul network, mANT30. If you are considering for a sector, mANT15 and mANTBox will work for you.

MicroTik Wireless products and LTE routers have been manufactured in high quality LTE category 2 modem for speed of upto 100mbit/s downlink and 50mbit for the uplink. These are great devices for remote cellular network location coverage. Professional LTE chips can provide connectivity for buildings. The 4G models as compared to microtik to LTE, supports a slightly different brand set. When choosing for 4G or LTE variant, it is imperative to find out from your mobile operator such as Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom.

Microtik CloudCore Routers: These are carrier grade with Tilera multicore CPUs referred to new flagship device, these products are faster than the previous models. MicroTik has superior technologies and on top of their routers are powered by the RB line with cloud core thus fulfilling the premium niche. RB series is favorite for smaller budget.

RouterOS License: the Router OS licenses are requited if you need to upgrade your software on MikroTik switches. It offers licenses for Level, 4, 5 and 6 of RouterOS as well as Hosted Service License, which is needed for running virtual machines.

PC license and Routerboard: Routerboard devices come with pre-installed license. Howbeit, for X86 systems, license key need to be obtained. License key is just a block of symbols that needs to be copied to Microtik account and then it can be pasted on the router. The key can be pasted anywhere on the terminal or just by clicking paste key in Winbox license Menu. Consequently, you need to reboot for the required effect to take place.

RouterBOARD: RouterBOARD is part of MikroTik hardware platform which is in line with the RouterOS. There are various routerboard options presented for various applications scenarios from managing network switches and running wireless access points to firewall appliances with QoS features.

Almost all RouterBOARD models can be powered by a PoE and have power adaptor. Device models are designed to work with wireless technologies have a MiniPCIe/miniPCI slot for radio modules. Most of the models have a serial port connector.

RouterOS is linux based network operating system intended for installation on Microtik routers. It can be installed on personal computer, thus turning it a wireless access point, VPN server and client and router with firewall. It can serve as captive portal based on wireless access system. IOt can be configured through command line interface, with Microsoft Window based applicatoion, web based interface, secure Shell, telnet which provides a GUI. An API permits specialized application development for management and monitoring. The OS is distributed freely but several levels of license are available for purchase.

Microtik Product Acceptance: For market support in Kenya, MicroTik has established a network of resellers and trainers who issues various industry certifications. Microtik products have been accepted in the Kenyan market since they are popular in do it yourself for low budget applications and computer networking.

Why MicrotiK

MicroTik provides switching, routing and wireless products for all possible uses; from high end data centers upto to customer location. Whether building wireless links on the sea or internet exchanges between secure tunnels between banks or countries, MicroTik can do it all.

Best Performance
Best Price
Supports simple CPEs to complex networks
Microtik Products are well documented with guides, application notes and examples.

hEX series: Thus a powerful but a small router with IPsec acceleration, Gigabit Ethernet and more.

Cloud Core Router are powered by the fastest networking processor. CCR series is a top line Ethernet router. CCR uses Tilera multicore CPUs that are powerful and can handle all port routing without switch chip.

Cisco Networking

Switches and routers are the foundation for all business communications from video to voice to wireless access. They can improve the company’s productivity, customer service, improve security and cut business costs. Cisco switches and routers support:

Sharing Applications

Improve employee productivity
Provide staff access to business applications.

Switching and routing technologies allows staff in different location to have equal access to tools, information and business applications. Switching and routing can also provide access to advance applications and enable wireless networks, video conferencing and IP Voice.

Speeding access to information: Review what is happening across the business operation and manage information.

Enhancing Customer service: It improves customer responsiveness and provide ready access to information. It reduces operating cost and thus saves on expenses. In this article we shall discuss the three segments of Cisco products: small and medium business, service provider and enterprise. Cisco products ranges from Internet, Data center, Collaboration (data, video and voice), security and networking (mobility, wireless, optical and Ethernet)

VoIP services: Cisco is a major provider of VoIP services and is moving into home user market through acquisition of Linksys. Linksys has partnered with Yahoo, Microsoft and Skype to integrate consumer VoIP services with cordless and wireless phones.

Hosted Collaboration Solution (HCS): Cisco has partnered to offer cloud based cisco virtualization. As part of Cisco Unified Services solution that includes Cisco Unified Manager, Cisco Unity Connection, Cisco Unified Presence, Cisco Webex Meeting center and Cisco Unified Contact Center.

Network Emergency Response: Cisco NERVs are deployed and maintained during natural disasters and public crises. The vehicles provide wireless and wired services including radio and voice interoperability, network based video surveillance and voice over IP and secured high definition video conferencing and first responder in crisis.

Intent-based networking design: Cisco’s modular and fixed, distribution, core, and access LAN switches are designed for intent based networking. Cisco networks are intelligent and secure powered by internet without security embedded throughout.

Wireless Access Points : With superior performance, security, intelligent, the new Cisco Catalyst 9100 access points are the beginning of Wi-Fi (802.11 ax).

Benefits and Features

With an increased in mobility and explosion of IoT devices on the network, the expectations for speed and security have never been higher. Cisco Catalyst 9100 access points exceed the new Wi-Fi 6 standard and presents radio frequency excellence for high density environments. The cisco access points are always dependable and connected. They are more IoT devices are connecting each day help it to deliver. Cisco collaborates with diverse makers to enhance compatibility and interoperability.

Wi-Fi 6 Access Points: Demand for reliable and seamless wireless access has gone mobile. The dependency on network is very high. With Cisco Aironet and Cisco Catalyst access points are the next generation of Cisco Access point. Cisco catalyst offer integrated security, resiliency, intelligence and the benefits of the new, high efficiency Wi-Fi standard. The access points are ready for user expectations, next generation cloud driven applications and IoT devices.

Wi-Fi 6 Standard:

Reduce latency: uplink and deterministic resource scheduling
Higher capacity: 4 times increase over the previous standards
Greater IoT coverage: Allows Internet-of-Things devices to be far from the access points
Power efficiency: three times less power consumption
Improved interference mitigation.

Whether you have small, medium or large network, Cisco has a Wi-Fi 6 access point ready to take care of your future needs. The Wi-Fi Access Points Includes

Cisco Catalyst 9130 Series Access Points: For larger organizations, this access point goes beyond Wi-Fi 6 standard and employs intelligent, secure and resilient features that expands the ecosystem of the device. With Integrated Security, RF ASIC, Flexible Radio Assignment and four radios and more, your network is thus equipped to deliver superior wireless experience. The 9130 supports Intelligent Capture that probes the network and provides Cisco DNA center.

Cisco Catalyst 9120 Access Point: It is ideal for medium to large sized organizations. It offers Cisco RF ASIC, dual bands (5 and 2.4Ghz), the four radios of the access point, IoT ready with Zigbee and BLE. It comes with an next generation ClearAir and flexible Radio Assigment. It supports intelligent capture that probes the network and present Cisco DNA center with an extensive analysis. The Cisco software can track more anomalies instantaneously and review all the packets on demand.

Cisco Catalyst 9117: Perfect for small and medium business. It is Wi-Fi 6 compatible with an internal antennal and employs three radios 5GHZ, 2.4Ghz and BLE

For organization that uses the standard 802.11 ac wave 2, Cisco has wireless solutions that helps you identify the needs. The wave 2 access point provides functionality and innovation required to ensure that the organization can optimize the experience of the user and augment network security to scale for first world mobile.

Cisco Aironet 4800 Access Point: Provides top notch security, high performance and detailed analytics including hyper location and integrated BLE. You get the wireless network that is stronger data analysis and security without degrading performance.

Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points: Has the ability to stay flexible with modularity and keep bandwidth demands from growing number of wireless applications and devices.