1.29.2007

Why Buy Used Cisco or Refurbished Cisco Equipment from Genesis Global?

Over 75% of businesses today are purchasing refurbished computer and network equipment. Why so? Because it cuts costs dramatically and our customers receive high quality, excellent condition, reduced cost Cisco Systems hardware! At Genesis Global, we confidently stand behind all of our Cisco and other networking products. We are confident, because our used equipment goes through a 25-Point refurbishment process. This proven method assures that all of our used network equipment is restored to its original, like new condition.

Some customers have asked, “Does all used equipment such as routers, servers, switches, network, and storage equipment go through the 25-point refurbishment process?” Yes, all used equipment is carefully tested with our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and every fan tray, every module, and every cable is checked for data-transfer and packets received. Our Genesis Global Quality Control Department maintains extremely high standards, and individually tests all used network parts. This is why quality refurbished equipment from Genesis Global is so phenomenally successful.

Even if you want to upgrade your existing Cisco Systems network, we can extend the life of your Cisco equipment. We can trade in your old Cisco for new Cisco – saving you the hassle of going through your finance department while still supplying you with the new Cisco equipment you want and need. You’ll never find another bargain like this one! We are inspecting each system for their imperfections whether it’s cosmetic or internal each and every day!

Genesis Global Cisco equipment is built to last. By shopping at Genesis Global Inc. (where used network equipment is predominantly sold), you will experience rock-bottom prices, outstanding customer service, and quality network equipment that will grow with your network. All you have to do is email us at: sales@genesisglobalinc.com or call our toll free line at 1-800-908-9665, and ask for a quote from one of our adept and courteous Genesis Global Cisco Account Managers! They are experts at finding the right equipment for you and your network.

1.26.2007

Back to the Basics: Communication Devices

Since today's communication technology can be confusing for many people, Genesis Global, Inc. wants to go back to the basics and take a brief look at the various types of communication channels available. This article addresses eight basic factors which affect data transmission: "transmission rate—frequency and bandwidth; line configurations—point-to-point versus multipoint; serial versus parallel transmission; direction of transmission—simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex; transmission mode—asynchronous verses synchronous; packet switching; multiplexing; and protocols."

Transmission Rate—Frequency and Bandwidth Frequency:
Transmission rate (or speed) of information traveling through a channel can be effected by wave frequency. For example, twisted-pair telephone wires, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables are channels that send data at different speeds due to their different wave frequencies.Bandwidth: Bandwidth is a channel that can send several speeds of frequency all at the same time. The more bandwidth there is, multiple frequencies of data can be transported at a faster speed. “The rate of speed of data through the channel is expressed in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), or megabits per second (Mbps).”

Line Configurations - Point-to-Point vs. Multipoint:
Point-to-Point: “A point-to-point line directly connects the sending and receiving devices, such as a terminal with a central computer.” This method keeps data private and secure since data is transmitted from one device to another. A router connected to a PC is a simple example of a point-to-point connection.

Multipoint: “A multipoint line is a single line that connects several communications devices to one computer.” For instance, one line of coaxial cable can transmit data to three or more routers.

Serial vs. Parallel Transmission Serial:
Bits of data travel through channels sequentially—one bit of data follows the next (as in the case of twisted-pair telephone lines). This is equivalent to cars moving down a one-lane road, one behind the other. Parallel Transmission: Bits of data “are transmitted through separate lines simultaneously. The arrangement resembles cars moving in separate lanes at the same speed on a multilane freeway.”

Direction of Transmission - Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-Duplex Simplex:
When two computers are in communication, data can flow through a channel in only one direction. For example, the traditional television only sends information out. Half-Duplex: When two computers are in communication, data can flow in both directions. CB and marine radios can send and receive information, but not at the same time. Full-Duplex: When two computers are in communication, data can flow in both directions at the same time as seen in telephone conversations.

Transmission Mode - Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Asynchronous:
(also called start-stop transmission) In this mode, data is sent one byte (or character) at a time. "Each string of bits making up the byte is bracketed, or marked off, with special control bits. That is, a "start" bit represents the beginning of a character, and a "stop" bit represents its end." Synchronous: (timed transmission) "Instead of using start and stop bits, synchronous transmission sends data in blocks. Start and stop bit patterns called sync bytes, are transmitted at the beginning and end of the blocks. These start and end bit patterns synchronize internal clocks in the sending and receiving devices so that they are in time with each other."

Packet Switching:
Messages are broken or divided into packets when sent and pieced back together to form the original message within a network. This is not suitable for real-time video and voice transmission.

Multiplexing:
Multiplexing allows a single communications line to carry multiple signals at the same time. For example, trunk networks transmit thousands of telephone calls on a single line at the same time.

Protocols:
Protocols are the rules that govern the exchange of information between software and/or hardware in a communications network. To conclude, communication technology does not have to be confusing. As technology continues to evolve through time, so does our language. By expanding your technical vocabulary, you will be able to make more informed decisions on network hardware and network peripherals. Occasionally reviewing these basic terms, helps us to be more aware of the different data channels required for communication devices.

Why Have a Computer Network?

What exactly is a computer network?

According to Wikipedia: "A computer network is two or more computers connected together using a telecommunication system for the purpose of communicating and sharing resources."

Arguably, network experts debate about this—they feel a computer network should be defined as a minimum of three or more computers connected together, not two.

Whether it's a minimum of two or three computers to constitute a computer network, clearly the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. What are some of the advantages? Let's briefly cover the five advantages of computer networking. As Hutchinson & Sawyer brought out in Computers, Communications, & Information, the advantages of computer networks are: "sharing peripheral devices, sharing of programs and data, better communications, security of information, and access to databases." Sharing Peripheral Devices Print sharing (where multiple users share the same printer) can cut operational costs. For example, large and expensive laser printers are used by multiple users within company networks. Providing a business has a network, large in-house printers can affordably be leased or purchased. Sharing of Programs and Data File sharing in the business environment is important, because it saves space, time, and paper. Digital files on a share drive are not only cost effective and convenient, but a company's database is accessible to only authorized personnel and inaccessible to unauthorized personnel. Network-linked employees can share groupware and work together on shared projects. Purchasing network versions of software is yet another advantage of having a company network. Better Communications Schedules and task assignments can be easily shared and organized in a network. When emailing within a network, group settings and contact lists are easily kept up-to-date. Attaching scanned documents and emailing business communication is cheaper and easier than faxing information to another department at a different location. Security of Information When information is shared on a network and accidental data loss occurs, data recovery is much more likely to occur when working on a network. When shared information is stored on multiple computers and databases, it stands to reason that if a hard drive fails, others will have the shared information residing in another repository. Firewall appliances that are built for networks go far beyond what a consumer grade firewall can do. Access to Databases Typically, extensive databases (whether public or private) are shared on a network. Sophisticated databases have built-in parameters to protect the data from accidental overwrites or misuse by disgruntled employees.

As you can see, computer networks have many advantages and are understandably gaining popularity for small-medium sized businesses. It is no wonder why computer networks are notable for their cost-saving features and ease-of use for end-users worldwide. If you are concerned about your budget and need to set-up or improve your home or business computer network, call us at
Genesis Global, Inc.: 1-800-908-9665. We can help you meet your networking equipment needs, as well as work with your financial budget in conjunction with getting you improved network communication devices.

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