Buying guides

PoE for access points: switches, injectors and power budgets
Check PoE type, power budgets, Ethernet speed and included accessories before buying a wireless access point or adding one to an existing network. Read more...
Access point, router or mesh: what does your office need?
Understand access points, routers and mesh Wi-Fi, then plan cabling, power and management before choosing equipment for a small office. Read more...
USB-C docks and monitors: check video, charging and USB ports
Before buying a USB-C hub or dock, check video support, power delivery, display limits and the ports your keyboard, webcam and headset need. Read more...
How to choose an office monitor: size, resolution and connections
A practical guide to 24- and 27-inch office monitors, Full HD and QHD, desk ergonomics and the connections to check before buying. Read more...
Office cable checklist: Ethernet, monitor and printer connections
Make a desk-by-desk list of network, monitor and printer connections, including the connector at each end and the measured cable route. Group matching requirements into quantities, then check the basket and delivery total. The example below suits five desks that each need a 2m Ethernet and 2m HDMI lead. Read more...
Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a: which ethernet cable do you actually need?
For an ordinary wired desk connection, choose a copper Cat6 patch lead with RJ45 plugs and the length your cable route needs. Working Cat5e can still serve a gigabit network. Consider Cat6a when planning a suitable 10 gigabit installation, rather than replacing good cables just because a higher category exists. Read more...
How to choose a network switch for a small business
Count the devices and uplink connections, choose the link speeds they need, and decide whether the switch must supply power. Use a managed model when you need features such as VLANs or monitoring. Check the total power budget, power supply and installation requirements before comparing prices. Read more...
Which display cable do you need? HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C compared
Match the computer's video output to the monitor's input, then check the resolution, refresh rate and cable length you need. HDMI-to-HDMI and DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cables are straightforward when both devices support the required mode. A USB-C connector alone does not establish that the port can send video. Read more...