The Dell Power Companion lets you bring extra power with you, so you can be more productive. This handy device powers select Dell Notebooks and Ultrabooks, as well as up to two smartphones, tablets or other USB-enabled devices.

Brad

** Sometimes it is better to outsource. Sometimes it is better to try things and get a sense of accomplishment than hiring someone else.

The reward of a thing well done is having done it. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jeff

Microsoft Accounts – trouble configuring

When you can’t sign in to your Microsoft account

Onedrive won’t let me sign in because an account is already linked

This not discussed in this basic outline are things like VLANs, LAYER 1, 2, 3, Stacking, POE+, POH, etc. Basics here are for small business, flat networks.

Fundamentals or CORE of The Network

Where to start: Unconnect Everything or Disconnect/Connect One Device at a Time
Rely on your partners and vendors (technical support)
Documentation from the beginning
Standardize: repeat process for profitability

The networks you build are built for your profitability and manageability for the reliability, efficiency and productivity of your customers.

The equipment you install today will totally affect your proficiency in future.

Step One: Understand the current platform or plan your installation:

Identify clients needs. Have a standard for micro, small, medium, etc. customers. Who will be using the LAN, how will the LAN be used, what devices are connected, ISP speed effects, wireless design questions?
Identify equipment locations. Where is MDF, IDF and how will they connect? Identify bottlenecks (IP Cameras). Do you need fiber between locations? Building construction effects on wireless and cabling? Do you need POE? Plan for 20% overage in ports.
Plan IP Scheme. Map your network. Standardize – do the same thing every time.
Is this a project you can handle? Do you need to outsource all or some of the project?
Every project begins and ends with proper documentation. The key to success and long-term support is proper documentation.
Focus on Coverage, Capacity and number of Clients (endpoints).

Step Two: Equipment

Choose business class equipment. If the customer will not pay the 10-15% more good equipment costs, factor in the cost of added support to everything you do. Customer must use your equipment for a managed/flat fee deployment. Choose a vendor that scales with their equipment.
Managed or unmanaged equipment? Smart, VLANS, Web Managed, Remote Access
Just do not be cheap. Supported equipment from a quality company with respected practices. (TPLINK – NO, ARAKNIS – Yes)

Consider the Following:

Documentation (labeling, identification, notes, etc.)
Choose your products carefully.
Can you repeatedly implement and support those products with easy sourcing, updates, etc.?
Fewer product lines the better.
Build more and more familiarity with your products.
Make sure your product lines can scale.
Can you image product setups with standardized configuration files?
Build relationship with your vendor and support.

OTHER NOTES

Robotic Process Automation

The Gap Band – You Dropped A Bomb on Me (Jeff Pick)

She Dropped Me the Bomb – Kix (John Pick)

Music By Jim Holley