Products
What is SATA?
Written By Tyler
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) cables are used when connecting hard drives, solid state drives, and optical drives into computers. It is based on the serial technology, but is more flexible, thinner, and less massive than a PATA (Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment).
SATA has three different types of cables among itself. SATA-1, also known as first generation, provides a transfer rate of 1.5 gigabits per a second. SATA-2, also known as second generation, provides a transfer rate of 3.0 gigabits per a second and supports a new feature of NCQ (Native Command Queuing). SATA-3, also known as third generation, provides a transfer rate of 6.0 gigabits per a second and doubles the flash read speed.
SATA also has an external cable called eSATA, which is designed for external connectivity. This cable gives you the ability to insert and remove SATA wires easier with the protection against EMI and ESD damage. eSATA provides the same transfer rates as internal SATA. According to the Serial ATA International Organization, “eSATA is growing in popularity in the notebook personal computer segment, delivering SATA speed and performance for external storage in mainstream notebook architectures.”
Majority of SATA wires are compatible towards PATA drives. Here at FireFold, we have SATA cables to help you get connected.
When to use a Cat5e Splitter
Written By Tyler
Cat5e splitters are not here to replace routers or switches, although they do split one connection into two connections. It is able to make two signals through one cable by placing one adapter at one end and another at the other end.
The splitter is typically used for phone or security systems in SoHo (Small office/Home office) networks. This is allowed since phone and data transfers only use two of four twisted pairs, allowing the splitter to use the unused pairs to support the second connection.
Internet access can also be shared, but it only supports one connection at a time since there is only one IP address. The splitter supports two connections, but uses all four twisted pairs at a time to transfer the Internet connection.
By purchasing this splitter you will be saving yourself money and time by not purchasing more cable to run through your walls or ceiling. You will have to purchase two (2) splitters for the split to actually work. If you plan on adding just one extra connection in your SoHo, then this is a prefect fix for you.
What is a Patch Panel?
Written By Tyler
Patch panels have the purpose of managing cable connections that involve patch cables mixing with permanent cables.
In the front of a patch panel, there are jacks in place for patch cables that correspond to the longer permanent cables that are arranged in the back. Patch panels allow circuits to be monitored and tested in the convenience towards the technicians, where they are able to quickly remove the patch panel on the rack and change the circuit signals.
A patch panel connects computers to each other and the Internet in a LAN (Local Area Network) and can also be used to further connect to a WAN (Wide Area Network).
Out with the old, in with the Blu
Written By Tyler
As technology advances, here at FireFold we make sure we supply you with the most up-to-date technology. We are now supporting Blu-ray, which is the latest generation for optical disc storage. Blu-ray delivers six times the resolution other than DVD. This allows the image to have the capability of a HD 1080p signal instead of only a 480p like a DVD.
Blu-ray comes capable with a hold of 25GB (gigabytes) on single-layer disc (50GB on dual-layer) which is five times more storage space than DVDs which only holds 4.7GB. Future capacities are designed for 1TB (terabyte) to 5TB. Having more space allows more extra features to be stored on the disc like behind the scenes, director’s cut, and deleted scenes.
Don’t worry, your DVDs will still be able to play in the player. The designers of Blu-ray wanted customers to still be able to use their older DVD collection, so they made the player be able to read both older DVDs and Blu-ray discs. A blue laser is used to read Blu-ray discs, while a red laser is used to read DVDs and audio CDs.
You will need the following to be able to enjoy this new advancement in entertainment technology: a Digital television, Blu-ray Player, HDMI cable, and a Blu-ray movie of your choice.