With the new year only a few days old and the 2009 recession almost behind us, many companies are now looking to upgrade their network and computer systems. One of the big upgrades for many this year is the Windows XP/Vista to Windows 7, a task that has so far met with mixed reviews but has faired MUCH better than the Vista debacle of '07. While I'm sure we haven't met all the bugs that Microsoft's latest offering is sure to produce.

Cisco systems has already made some headway in the software compatibility department. According to Microsoft's Compatibility Center, 4 Cisco desktop apps are already certified to work with Windows 7; Cisco VPN client version 5, Cisco LEAP Module, Cisco EAP-FAST Module, and the Cisco PEAP Module. The modules themselves are used with a VPN and can securely transmit authentication credentials. Cisco's VPN support for Windows 7 covers both the IPSEC and SSLVPN clients, although the VPN client 5.0.6 only does the 32-bit version at this time, SSLVPN can handle the 32 and 64-bit operating system.

Consumers using Cisco's Unified Communications product line should be warned that support for Windows 7 won't be available until the version 8.0 is released sometime in the first quarter of 2010, minus about a dozen UC products that will have to wait until version 8.5. Out of 50 UC products published, only 3 of these have been promised to support the 64-bit OS through a 32-bit emulator. Make sure to check with your company's IT department before doing a Windows 7 upgrade to avoid setbacks!

Perhaps you've heard the rumors, 'the internet is running out of space!'. While that statement may not be entirely correct, you should be aware that the current IP protocol used throughout most of the world, IPv4, is running out of addresses. First developed in the '70s, the main protocol that governs IPv4 was released in 1981. By 1992, the ever-increasing number of businesses and individuals using the internet would effectively send a 'wake-up call' to the IETF regarding the use of IPv4. Work on a protocol to eventually replace IPv4 began as early as 1994 and this new protocol would eventually be dubbed IPv6. Using a 128-bit address size over IPv4's 32-bits, IPv6 can generate enough addresses to cover everyone on Earth many times over. 

The Internet is now part of most people's daily lives; governments, businesses, schools, etc. are also highly dependant on this amazing tool. As of 2008, the U.S. government has mandated that all vendors switch to an IPv6 format, but that doesn't mean your current network supports IPv6. Most experts believe the IPv4 protocol will be completely exhaused by 2011-2012, so don't miss out, make sure your current network supports IPv6! Usedrouter.com Inc offers a variety of products from Cisco and other brands that do support IPv6, let us know if we can help!

The wireless LAN industry has almost recovered from the recession, it was able to return to numbers close to where it was before the recession started during the third quarter of 2009.  Forecasts are showing that the industry will achieve record numbers once the fourth quarter is calculated according to research company Dell'Oro Group.

Cisco continued to dominate the WLAN market for wireless gear holding on to 30% of total revenue. Its closest rival, Netgear, had less than 10 percent of the market, Dell'Oro said. For more Details on this article Click Here!