5G Signal Strength
Excellent: -50 dBm to -65 dBm (or full signal bars) Good Signal: -66 dBm to -80 dBm (or 3-4 signal bars) Fair Signal: -81 dBm to -95 dBm (or 2 signal bars) Poor Signal: -96 dBm and below (or 1 signal bar or no signal)
Category Archives: Hardware
Windows Time
This command will cause the system clock to sync with Internet time servers. It is useful when an older server is losing time. $Time = w32tm /stripchart /computer:time.windows.com /samples:1 /dataonly Write-host ($Time[2]) -ForegroundColor Green Write-host “The PC time is “(get-date) -ForegroundColor Yellow Write-host “NTP Status:” -ForegroundColor Yellow Write-host (w32tm /query /status) -ForegroundColor Yellow Write-host (w32tm /query /source) -ForegroundColor… Read More »
Dell Command Update
Powershell: #Dell Command Update Repair if(test-path “C:\Program Files\Dell\CommandUpdate”){$Path = “C:\Program Files\Dell\CommandUpdate\dcu-cli.exe”} Else{$Path = “C:\Program Files (x86)\Dell\CommandUpdate\dcu-cli.exe”} Start-Process -FilePath $Path -ArgumentList “/applyupdates”
AD: BitLocker Recovery Key
Many laptops ship with BitLocker enabled by default. Without the key, there is no possible way to access the data in the event that the PC fails. To Backup this key run this in PowerShell: manage-bde -protectors -get C: The Key is stored in AD and can be viewed with his: $objComputer = Get-ADComputer LAP001 $Bitlocker_Object = Get-ADObject… Read More »
Logitech Webcam Mic is Disabled by Default
For some bizarre reason, Logitech started shipping their 920e web camera with the microphone disabled, it does not even show up as an input device in Sound Settings. To resolve this: Install Logi Tune > Enable the mic > Power cycle the camera
Daisy Chain Monitors
Daisy chaining is a feature of DisplayPort monitors, and can be helpful when you lack the needed ports on a PC, or cable length. By default this is turned off on most monitors, and when connected the 2nd display will either mirror the first, or be disabled. To enable the feature on Dell monitors from the hardware menu… Read More »
Xfinity modem rental
Xfinity will allow you to install your own modem and drop the rental fee. This does not apply if you have a static IP address. In this case you will be required to use a Comcast owned modem.
Cisco AnyConnect VPN
To enable support for client computers the client software package must be loaded into the ASA in the form of a .pkg file. These can be found here on our network: S:\Software\Networking\!Cisco\AnyConnect This is loaded into the ASA under Config>Remote Access VPN>Network (Client) Access>AnyConnect Client Software
VOIP Bridge Setup
To setup a Grandstream fax or conference bridge for Vonage:
NVidia GTX vs. Quadro
Purpose – Quadro cards are designed for specific render tasks, like CAD and video rendering, outperforming Geforce by a significant margin. AutoDesk has only certified Quadro Cards for Revit. Quality – Quadro cards are designed for maximum durability and longevity and stand up to the rigors of daily strenuous use better than the consumer-oriented Geforce. For these reasons… Read More »
DRAC Reset
You can reset a drac for firmware upgrade ot when you reach maximum sessions from ssh: racadm racreset
Vonage Phone Access
To log into a Vonage phone, use the 6 digit account number. If the device is not yet provisioned the default password is “admin”.
View Cellular MEID on Windows 10
Go to: Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Advanced Options
PPI – Pixels Per Inch
The PPI of a monitor is a measure of its size in inches and the total number of pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions. It is important to account for PPI when choosing a monitor for a client to ensure a positive user experience. A 20-inch 4k monitor would be virtually useless, as the elements of the… Read More »
Site VPN 1/2 Connected
In a Site-toSite VPN setup between two Cisco ASAs you find that traffic stops passing between sites, however, the connection is established. In addition under Monitoring>VPN>IPSec Site-to-Site one side shows: Bytes Rx 0 / Tx increasing and the other ASA shows BytesRx increasing / Tx 0. While rare the fix is to: change nothing, save the configs and… Read More »
MFP Color
A vendor recently sent an army of technicians, over four visits, to address the color disparity between 2 identical Xerox MFPs (one had been used twice as much over 3 years). They began by replacing all the consumable parts, calibrating both units and color correcting via the driver (helped a little), but the unit still had a red… Read More »
Financing options
When dealing with clients and making recommendations, keep in mind and mention to them that there are a number of companies that offer competitive financing, or will make it possible for the client to purchase equipment as part of a lease with a $1 buyout. We work with a number of companies that specialize in financing IT infrastructure.… Read More »
ATT DSL Arris Modem
To enable inbound traffic for a client network follow these steps.
Dell RAID Firmware
To prevent loss of data on Dell servers, firmware and Windows drivers for the RAID controllers must be updated as new versions are released. Use Dell Open Manage to determine which RAID controller you have. Collect your system Service tag. (CMD: WMIC csproduct) Go to support.dell.com and enter your service tag. Narrow the category down to SAS Raid.… Read More »
Reset Apple TV Remote
Aluminum remote: Hold menu and left for ten seconds Hold menu and right for ten seconds
Disable Aggressive Mode on Cisco ASA
Configuration > Remote Access VPN > Network (Client) Access > IKE Parameters > Check the box where it says “Disable inbound aggressive mode connections (IKEv1 only)
DisplayPort 1.2
With Display port 1.2 you can daisy chain multiple monitors from 1 port. I found that this feature is disabled by default in the monitor hardware hardware. Based on the warning enabling this with a non compliant card will cause issues.
Dell Performance issue
Dell is once again shipping their workstations with Intel Speed Step enabled. This should be turned off in the BIOS.
NIC Driver Mystery
I setup an older Dell Latitude 6410 with Windows 8, checked the drivers, tested the Wi-Fi and sent it out the door. The only problem was the the laptop could only connect to some networks.
Cabling
Making Ethernet cables: Straight = wO,O,WG,Bl,wBl,G,wBr,Br Cross Over = wG,GwO,B,wB,O,wBr,Br Patch Cable Color standard: Color Use Black Desk side Patch Blue PC to Switch 1000 Green Router to ISP Orange PC to Switch 10/100 [Cat5] Red Server to Switch White DRAC & KVM Yellow Switch to Router Switch to Switch Switch to Wireless