Networking and communications equipment is not always installed in clean, climate-controlled environments. Many devices operate outdoors, in industrial facilities, on building exteriors, at entry points, or in other locations where rain, dust, and other environmental factors can affect performance over time.

That is why data sheets often include environmental ratings and certification codes such as IP, NEMA, IEC, MIL-STD, UV, and ETSI. These standards can be difficult to interpret at first glance, but they provide important clues about where a device can be safely deployed and what conditions it is designed to withstand.

In this article, we demystify the weather and environmental protection standards manufacturers use so you can more confidently choose the right equipment for harsh environment deployments.

Not all networking equipment is deployed in protected server rooms or climate-controlled offices. Many devices are installed in industrial facilities, public spaces, or other environments where they may be exposed to impacts, vibration, or even vandalism.

Ruggedized telecom and networking devices are built for harsh environments, but how rugged is “rugged”? Datasheets often list standards like IK, MIL-STD, and IEC, but what do they really tell you? 

In this article, we decode ruggedization standards so you can deploy this equipment with confidence.

Product Review

Cisco is a household name when it comes to networking, the internet, and telecommunications in general. With its legendary reliability and virtual ubiquity in the market, the company has consistently delivered equipment and services of the highest quality around the world.

This reputation has followed the company into the voice equipment market, as well. In this article, we’ll take a look at Cisco’s multi-platform IP telephone offerings and examine their benefits for your business.

Cisco is a name familiar to almost anyone who has worked in networking or telecommunications over the past few decades. Founded in the mid-1980s, it pioneered some of the most fundamental concepts in networking, including LANs, WANs, and multiprotocol routing. In this article, we take a closer look at Cisco and its cutting-edge networking and telecommunications solutions.