Security NetWorkings

The Finesse of Fiber Optic Strippers

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:45:00 -0500

Learning the proper way to strip fiber optic cable will help jobs go more smoothly.

One Device, Multiple Uses

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 14:30:00 -0400

Here’s an incredibly powerful tester for coax, Category cables and with one additional device and some Norwegian engineering.

No, No, a Thousand Times No!

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0400

Treat your existing customers with the respect they deserve and give them the breaks, discounts, or other goodies you offer or you may well see them head on down the road.

How POE+ Switch Can Make Outdoor Cameras Easy & Quick to Install

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400

One of the realities of living in rural Michigan is that AC power outages happen — and you best be prepared for the potential consequences.

3D Audio Makes Its Debut

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:55:00 -0400

In this blast from the past, Dave Engebretson revisits a column from December 2014 on 3D Audio

Welcome to the Jungle & Our Vital Industry

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Thu, 04 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this blast from the past, Dave Engebretson revisits a column from November 2014.

Critical Need to Shore Up ID Theft Threats

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

When criminals gain access to your personally identifiable information, they can do serious damage to your career, reputation, credit history — and worse.

What to Understand About Wi-Fi 6 Upgrades

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Wi-Fi 6, aka 802.11ax, brings faster throughput speeds and less bandwidth congestion than previous iterations of the technology.

New NEC Class 4 Options Boost Powering Possibilities

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

A new circuit classification, referred to as fault-managed power systems (FMPS), is drafted for inclusion in Article 726 of the 2023 edition of the NEC code.

What’s an ‘SFP’ & Why Do we Care?

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Security dealers should know what an SFP is and how it impacts their jobs.

‘Summertime’ Blues, 2022 Edition

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Ah, yes. An exciting time in Chicago 2022. I had two terrible experiences this past summer which I would like my faithful readers to know about, and take heed.

Look Before You Leap

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:03:24 -0500

At a recent fiber optic technician training class, I heard some interesting stories about using existing pre-installed fiber optic links for various types of data communication.

How BSPs Are Out to Nab Your Residential Customers

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Dave Engebretson explains the threat posed to traditional residential security dealers by broadband service providers and DIY systems.

Turing Brings AI Power and Analysis to CCTV Systems

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

As technology marches on, we are reaching some interesting inflection points. I have found that there are many devices and software programs that appear to be smarter than me, which is quite disconcerting. (Ever see “Terminator 2”?)

Turning Smartphones Into Secure Access Devices

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Dave Engebretson explains feature sets made possible with the integration of Keri Systems’ Borealis cloud solution and Geokey.

How to Test Clients’ Wi-Fi & Internet Capacities

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Dave Engebretson tests a variety of Wi-Fi access points to see their performance

Smart Phones: Pocket Landmines?

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

With more smart phones in use than PCs today, they are especially vulnerable to hackers, especially through QR codes.

OberCloud ABI Simplifies IP Camera Hookups & Network Monitoring

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

New OberCloud ABI product simplifies IP camera hookup and provides integrators with a great RMR tool.

Camera Placement, Focus & Resolution Critical to Facial

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We have all seen the explosive growth of surveillance video installation and usage. The next step is to provide high-resolution cameras with proper mounting height to enable accurate facial recognition now or in the future.

Hey Alexa, Unlock My Back Door & Potential QR Vulnerabilities

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Smart home devices and QR codes can inadvertently unlock vulnerabilities

IP Camera Hacking & Lawsuits

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Dave Engebretson explains the importance of purchasing quality, trustworthy DIY doorbells and IP devices.

Idter's new innovation in the intrusion detection and alarm monitoring space

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 19:27:00 -0500

Dave Engebretson shares a new innovation in the intrusion detection and alarm monitoring space.

YourSix Cloud Service Provides Important Protection for IP Camera Systems

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

As computer and network technology continues to burrow into the devices we depend on for daily connectivity, there is a clear and present danger for all connected devices

COVID-Proof Training for the Security Industry

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Dave Engebretson explains the benefits of online security training when in-person instruction is not possible.

Trail Cameras for Outdoor Surveillance in a Hurry

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

How you can provide fast, affordable outdoor camera options for your customers

Wi-Fi Woes: A Modern Technology Tale

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (David Engebretson) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Dave Engebretson tells a tale about the wi-fi at his mother’s home.

COVID-19 Backwash Cripples Product Supply Lines

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Dave Engebretson explains how the coronavirus crisis has affected the supply chain.

Proper Handling for Fiber Optic & Network Cables

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Mon, 31 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

The tools you need, and how to properly handle fiber optic and network cables.

Working With Composite Cables for Ethernet & PoE

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

AS IP USAGE CONTINUES TO GROW in our industry, a new type of cable is being made available for installation use.

The Camera in the Fog

slaytonsolutions@sbcglobal.net (Dave Engebretson) — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Dealing with the issue of non-functional video cameras