ASAP IT Technology Blog

A gateway for VoIP, otherwise known as Voice over Internet Protocol gateway is a component that transforms analog telephony signals to digital signals. The gateway is a type of hardware that has been designed to transform TDM telephony traffic from the PSTN into digital  IP packets for transport over to an IP network. A type of IP network that can receive this packet can be a LAN network, though there are many others. The VoIP portal can also transform digital IP packages into traffic known as TDM telephony. This type of connection is used for transportation across the publicly switched telephone network, which is otherwise known as the PSTN. For more detailed information on the voice over internet protocol, read the article below.
 
The method in which a VoIP gateway can function is simple. A voice over internet protocol portal functions as an overpass that is placed in between the publicly switched telephone network and the IP network. The voice over internet protocol, depending on the origin location of the voice traffic, will then transform the voice traffic into a standard mold that fits its destination network, which can be either the publicly switched telephone network or the IP.
 
In the case that the voice traffic stems from the publicly switched telephone network, the voice over internet protocol will enable the transformation from an analog voice signal into a digital signal. That digital signal is then compressed by way of a codec and is then categorized into a line of packages that can be taken with a signaling protocol and moved throughout the IP network. If the voice traffic is originating from an IP network the voice over internet protocol gateway will decompress the digital packets into a digital signal that is then converted into an analog signal to be sent across the publicly switched telephone network.
 
If you are working on your internet gateway, you need to use the codec and the protocol so as to ensure that the portal is working correctly. Not only that, but you must ensure that the codec is suitable for your voice over internet protocol phone system or other systems. Depending what kind of codec or protocol you use, you can significantly strengthen or weaken the quality and standards of your call.
 
When it comes to the protocol for the voice over internet transfer, it is the VoIP that is the determining factor of how your voice packet is taken throughout the network. Normally, a voice over internet protocol portal will maintain just one protocol.
 
There are various voice over internet protocols, but the most common types include but are not limited to the SIP, which is the Session Initiation Protocol, the SCCP which is the Skinny Cisco Client Control Protocol, the MGCP, and the H.323. The SIP refers to a\ standards-based protocol that is utilized and supported by the overall majority of VoIP phone systems while the SCCP is a proprietary protocol used by Cisco's as well as other IP phones. Meanwhile the MGCP refers to an older voice over internet protocol that is no longer supported, while the H.323, much like the former, is an older voice over internet protocol that is generally obsolete.
 
There is much to know and learn about the VoIP, so if you need any help with acquiring a certain product, get in touch with our team today and we can provide you with a same day estimate. At ASAP IT Technology, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the unique parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@ASAPITTechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.

In today’s world, network servers provide us with countless abilities and services that many of us unknowingly rely on almost daily. From sending emails to downloading files, servers provide for a variety of internet and network activities that may benefit both individuals and businesses alike. While the network server acts as a primary component of our current IT infrastructure, many may not be familiar with their complexities and functionalities. In this blog, we will discuss more in detail on what a network server is, as well as examine some of the most commonly utilized types.
 
In general, a network server refers to a computer that establishes the ability for sharing resources and data to other workstations (clients) that are connected over a network. Servers may be used for simple tasks, such as sharing files and emails within an organization, or to provide for a service on the behalf of a company. The computers that operate as servers are fairly similar to standard work stations, and they are mostly differentiated due to the processes that they execute, rather than the hardware that they hold.
 
Nevertheless, most devices that serve to establish servers are very powerful so that they may cater towards the needs of a number of clients that are connected to it. To handle multiple processes and/or clients, a network server will often feature increased amounts of RAM, memory, hard drives, and other components. Network server stations may also have a specialized operating system so that they can continue to run and function for 24 hours a day depending on the needs of consumers and personnel.
 
Across the internet, a multitude of client-server models are in constant operation, and one may interact with many during a single session unknowingly as they carry out their day on a computer. One of the most common server types, and one that most would be familiar with, is the web server. These types of servers are designed to host web pages for the World Wide Web and may be accessed over HTTP or other protocols. Mail servers are another type that many may use for both personal and work related matters, and these types of servers are for the storage and transferring of emails and through LAN, WAN, and the Internet.
 
Beyond basic email and web servers, there are also many servers that specialize in data. With the database server, organized collections of data may be maintained and shared over a network. File servers are another type that allows for file and folder sharing over an established network. These types of servers are commonly used by many organizations, allowing for common drives or data access points that may be used by personnel for their various operations.
 
Depending on the need, there are various server types that can cater to a variety of clientele for data storage, business, instant communication, entertainment, and more. When it comes time to begin sourcing the hard drives, storage servers, and network server components that you need for your next project or operation, ASAP IT Technology has you covered with everything you are searching for. ASAP IT Technology is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aviation, NSN, and electronic parts that you are searching for, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. ASAP Semiconductor is an FAA 0056B accredited and AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at +1 (714) 705-4780.

When setting up a typical computer network, two important devices that allow for network connection are the modem and router. For those that are newer to computer networking, distinguishing between these two devices can be difficult, especially as they can either be separate or combined devices. As everyday businesses and many day to day activities now greatly depend upon functioning networks, understanding these two devices and their capabilities can be very helpful.

What is a Modem?
 
The name “modem” is a portmanteau of “modulator-demodulator”, describing the functions that a modem provides for a computer network. In simpler terms, the modem is used as a medium that either encodes or decodes information that it sends and receives from other devices. While the data is on a computer, it is stored in a digital format for use. When sending information over a network, that digital format is transformed into an analog wave and sent over phone or cable lines.
 
There are various types of modems, and these types can affect the method in which data is transferred and a network connection is established. The cable modem connects to a network via a coaxial cable that is tightened to the back of the device. The other end of the coaxial cable may be connected to a wall panel if present, or to the back of the cable box. With current technology standards, the cable modem is considered to be the fastest option with “high speed internet” capabilities. DSL is another form of modem, allowing for connection with a cable. DSL connections work through the phone line of a network infrastructure. Similar to DSL, dial-up modems also use the phone line to establish a connection to the internet service provider (ISP). Unlike DSL, however, dial-up internet connection cannot be established while a phone is being used if there is only one line. Dial-up is also the oldest form of internet connection, and it provides slower network connections as compared to the other two options.
 
What is a Router?

While modems encode and decode information for use, the router connects networks and directs traffic in between them. A network consists of the internet connection and a private local network. Devices communicate to each other over the private local network, and the router bridges the connection from the local network to the internet connection. Routers also allow for establishing a Wi-Fi network, providing an access point for wireless connection of devices to the internet. Finally, routers can provide protection to devices that connect to the internet, controlling the traffic and devices that can connect to the local network.
 
For some connections, such as a single computer on a network, a router might not be needed. Nevertheless, they are recommended for multiple devices, as well as general business and home networking. Modems and routers may be purchased as two separate devices, connecting to each other through cabling. In recent years, some ISPs have begun offering devices that combine the router and modem into a single unit. If VOIP is a need for your project, ISPs may also have router/modem combined units that also have phone interfaces.
 
When it comes time to begin sourcing the analog modem and router devices and components that you need for your next project or operation, ASAP IT Technology has you covered with everything you are searching for. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the IT hardware parts that you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the computer components, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. ASAP Semiconductor is an FAA 0056B accredited and AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at +1 (714) 705-4780.

A network adapter is defined as the component of a computer’s internal hardware that is used for communicating with another computer over a network. A network adapter enables a computer to connect with any computer, server, or other networking device via LAN connection. They can be used over both wired networks via ethernet cable and wireless networks through a router.

The network is typically the only component within a computer for interfacing or connecting with a network. Adapters are commonly built on a printed circuit board with jumpers that connect to the computer’s motherboard. Adapters for wired networks feature an RJ-45 port that uses cables for network connectivity. Wireless adapters connect to the network via a built-in or externally connected antenna. Both network adapters, whether wired or wireless, support LAN protocols like TCP/IP and others. This blog will provide further insight into network adapters, their types, and functions.

Several types of hardware adapters exist: integrated wireless chips, USB adapters, media adapter, and PCI adapters. An integrated wireless chip is a built-in network adapter that is pre-installed in a new computer. This is common only in newer models. A USB adapter is probably the most commonly-used adapter. It is a simple USB plug that fits into a port to enable computer network connections. This is found in WiFi or ethernet applications. A media adapter, sometimes called a game adapter, is used to connect to older models of game consoles or other home entertainment with modern networks, simultaneously providing WiFi capability.

The final type of network adapter, the PCI adapter, is found on older PCs. Also called a NIC(Network Interface Card), the PCI adapter is a type of add-on card installed inside a desktop computer. A variation of the PCI called a PC Card can be inserted into the side of a laptop computer and provide the same function. In addition to these, there are some types of network adapters that have no hardware component, but rather consist solely of software. These are called ‘virtual adapters’ because they lack any physical parts. Virtual adapters are commonly found in VPNs (virtual private networks), which mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic to protect your online identity. In addition to VPNs, virtual adapters are used in research computers or IT servers that run virtual machine technology.

How to Install A Network Adapter? 
The process of installing a network adapter differs depending on the type and model of adapter you are using, but, generally speaking, consists of two simple steps. The first step is to connect the adapter hardware to the computer, and the second is to install any corresponding software needed for the adapter to operate. Most adapters can be installed while the computer is running normally, but PCI adapters require the user to turn off and unplug the computer before installation. Regardless of the network, adapters are a necessity. Any adapter you purchase will support either WiFi or ethernet standards, and is an essential piece of both wired and wireless computer networks. Specialized adapters with very particular applications are also available, but are not commonly found or needed in most personal or workplace networks.

At ASAP IT Technology, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the wireless devices and network storage adapter parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. Our inventory of over 6 billion new and obsolete parts also contains wireless NIC (network interface controller) parts and much more. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.

A computer network is a good example of something being greater than the sum of its parts. The combination of servers, workstations, network interface cards, active & passive hubs, routers, bridges, and much more create a network of operating parts that put the world at a user’s fingertips. Each of these parts has an important task in the function of the computer network. This blog will explain what a computer networking system is and many of the smaller parts it consists of.
 
Servers and clients are the two components making an exchange within the network. A server, the most powerful component of a network, is a computer that holds shared files, programs, and the network operating system. Servers provide access to resources to any user of a given network. Servers come in varying types and configurations, and a single server can provide multiple services. Servers are sometimes referred to as host computers. A client in this case is a computer that accesses the server, network, and shared network resources. Client computers are essentially the user of the network. For example, if you are playing an online video game, your gaming console is the client of the game’s network. Clients are also sometimes referred to as workstations. To function, a client must be equipped with the hardware and software necessary to connect to a LAN (local area network) whether it be wireless internet or a wired connection.
 
The servers, clients, and network as a whole are controlled by the network operating systems (NOS). The NOS is the component that controls communications and shared resources on the network, as well as provides distributing processing ability. Current NOSs provide the basis for client/server applications, integration of all types of computers, and connection of workgroups. The operating system works in tandem with the computer’s operating system. Each client needs an additional card known as a network interface card (NIC). The NIC’s job is to move signals from from the network to the data stream inside the PC via network cables. It can also format data and control the flow of data from the client to the network and vice versa.
 
The heart of any network is called the hub. The hub is a centralized distribution point for all data transmission in a network. The hub receives transmissions and rebroadcasts them to the other clients connected to the network. In most cases, the hub is a passive device, meaning it does not know the destination of the data it receives and instead sends copies to all connections. Similar to the hub, the switch is a telecommunication device like a hub but with more advanced features. Switches use physical device addresses in incoming messages to identify the right destination or port to which the message must be delivered.
 
The router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers direct information sent through the internet, such as a web page or email, from one router to another until the data reaches its destination. They are connected to two or more data lines sourced from IP networks. When data comes in, the router reads the network address to determine the final destination before directing the data to the next network.
 
Each of these parts plays an important role in the function of a computer network and communication system. At ASAP IT Technology, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the network hardware parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.

There are various benefits to acquiring a great motherboard, especially for those who enjoy or aspire to build their own PC. Along with embracing the power of deciding just how much storage your computer can hold, you can also customize the resolution for high quality graphics and more. Instead of simply buying a computer that is set with its own limitations, many people opt for building their own PC, and a significant part of this process is in choosing the right motherboard.
 
To the PC, the motherboard acts as the backbone that allows for the communication of several different components and commands. It is built as the printed circuit board (PCB) which enables the interaction between the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), computer memory, and storage. It consists of a medley of circuits, transistors, capacitors, slots, connectors, heat sinks, and more. Choosing the perfect motherboard is entirely dependent on whether or not you intend to upgrade your PC in the future. If you prefer not to have to upgrade in the future, then choosing the right motherboard now is important.
 
The first easy decision to make as you’re narrowing down to the perfect motherboard is to choose between which CPU you need for your PC. The choices are between Intel and AMD. You’ll have to do further research into these companies as both are constantly upgrading and both produce CPUs that can sufficiently meet your web browsing, productivity, and gaming needs. It’s their upgrades and features that you’ll have to look out for, as AMD’s Ryzen processors may be more suitable for apps that can use multiple processor cores at once.
 
After you’ve determined your central processing unit (CPU), the last step is selecting a motherboard that uses the correct chipset and socket. Choosing the wrong one means that you’ve just invested money into a great motherboard that simply doesn’t fit the sockets pertaining to your CPU. There are multiple places that you can reference for this, including Newegg’s online comparison tool.
 
At ASAP IT Technology, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the unique computer IT hardware parts. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the IT hardware parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1 (714) 705-4780.

Every computer needs a storage solution, somewhere that it can save and edit data for future use. (SSDs) Solid state drives and hard disk drives (HDDs) are roughly similar hard drives in their physical specifications, but store data in very different ways, and have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages.

Hard disk drives consist of one or more magnetically sensitive platters, an actuator arm with a read/write head for each platter, and a motor to spin the platters and move the arms. There is also an I/O controller and firmware that tells the HDD’s hardware what to do and communicates with the rest of the system. The platters are divided into concentric circles called tracks, which are further divided into logical units called sectors. Each track and sector number results in a unique address used to organize and locate data. Whenever a computer retrieves or updates data, the I/O controller tells the actuator arm where data is located, and the read/write head gathers said data by reading the presence or absence of an electrical charge in each address.
           

The drawbacks of HDDs are that mechanical parts used to read and write data, and physically find and retrieve the data takes more time than finding it electronically. These mechanical parts can also skip and fail if they are handled roughly or dropped. They are also heavier, and use more energy than SSDs. However, HDDS are much less expensive than SSDs, and have much more storage space.

Solid state drives are a newer type of storage device, but are progressing rapidly and adding more and more storage capacity with every passing year. Solid state drives use NAND, a type of flash memory. At the lowest level, floating gate transistors record a charge or lack of a charge to store data, and are organized into grid patterns, which are further organized into blocks. Block size can vary, but each row that makes up the grid is called a page. An SSD controller performs several functions, as well as keeping track of where data is located. Each time an SSD retrieves or updates data, the controller looks at the address of the data requested, and reads the charge status. Updating data in an SSD is more complex, as all data in a block must be refreshed whenever a portion of it is updated.

The greatest drawback of SSDs is that they are newer and therefore more expensive than HDDs. SSDs are also much smaller in terms of capacity than HDDs, which can be two and a half times larger than SSDs. SSDs however, are much faster for games, apps, and movies, are lighter and more shock-resistant, and use less electrical energy.

At ASAP IT Technology, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the computer IT hardware parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.

Modern digital devices are multimedia, meaning that they record data in multiple formats, such as both audio and video. With a wide range of devices including cameras, capture cards, microphones, and more utilizing multimedia data storage and transmission and being used by both home and business-oriented PCs, it is important to understand how these devices work.
 
Webcams are simple digital cameras that can take video or still images and transmit them over the Internet. Unlike digital cameras, webcams have no storage capacity. Most plug into a USB port, but some also use IEEE 1394 or parallel ports. Webcams are typically used in live chat situations, or face-to-face video calling, and offer resolutions ranging from sub-VGA to up to 2 million pixels. Some offer autofocus and zoom features to improve image quality, and have built-in microphones.
 
Digital cameras have largely replaced conventional film cameras for both amateur and professional photography. These cameras use CMOS or CCD sensors to record images onto internal or card-based flash memory form factors such as compact flash, SD, memory sticks, xD-picture cards, and smart media. These images can be transferred to computers for emailing, printing, or storage via flash memory card readers or direct USB port connections.
 
Musical instrument digital interface, or MIDI music is created from digitized samples of musical instruments that are stored in the ROM or RAM of a MIDI device such as a sound card, and played under the command of a MIDI sequencer. MIDI sequences are then stored as files for future playback, and can be transferred between sound cards and MIDI-enabled devices such as keyboards via the MIDI port.
 
Sound cards are typically used to record and play back analog audio, but are also used to play back digital audio sources as well. When recording analog sources such as CDs, sound cards digitize the audio at varying sample rates and store files in uncompressed forms like WAV, or compressed forms like WMA and MP3. Most cards support 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound audio.
 
Video capture cards are used to capture live video from sources like analog camcorders, TV, and more. Most recent capture cards with video capture capabilities are multi-purpose cards that include other functions like TV tuner and video capture functions, graphics cards with video-in/video-out S-video or composite video ports, and USB devices. Videos are stored in a variety of formats, such as MPEG, AVI, and more.
 
At ASAP IT Technology, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the multimedia devices and parts, paired with an unrivaled supply chain network that delivers some of the fastest shipping in the industry. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the computer hardware parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.

Generally speaking, computer memory is classified as either internal or external memory. Internal memory, sometimes called main or primary memory, is memory that stores small amounts of data while the computer is running. External memory, or secondary memory, refers to an external device that stores and retains data. Some examples of external memory are hard disks, compact discs, or USB flash drives.
 
The two types of internal memory are ROM and RAM. ROM, a non-volatile memory (meaning it can retain data without power) stands for read-only memory. The main function of this type of memory is to start/boot a computer. Upon boot-up, the computer then primarily uses RAM, or random-access memory. This type of memory stores data while the central processing unit is enacting other commands. The more RAM a computer has, the less the CPU has to read data from secondary storage devices. This allows the computer to run much faster.
 
RAM is very prevalent in any operating system. The two common types of RAM are called DRAM and SRAM. DRAM is used as the computer’s main source of memory. The individual memory cells are made up of a transistor and capacitor with an integrated circuit. Transistors leak and capacitors slowly discharge, meaning DRAM has to receive a refreshed electronic charge every few seconds in order to retain data. The other type of RAM, SRAM, retains data as long as power is supplied to the system. The main difference between SRAM and DRAM is that SRAM does not need to be refreshed. This means SRAM is much faster, but far more costly as well.

ASAP IT Technology is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor and has access to an unrivaled supply chain network. This allows us to promise parts with short lead times at competitive prices. We can help you find all the computer memory parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.

Did you know that 40% of small businesses believe that without the use of a printer they would be rendered inoperable? That is an astounding figure, and though the remaining 60% could survive, the lack of a printer would undoubtedly hinder their business’ performance. This is why finding the perfect printer for your business a crucial, though sometimes forgotten, task. What follows is five important things to consider before purchasing a business printer.

Given that high-quality printers can cost a pretty penny, you want to buy a printer that will allow your office to work just as efficiently in two or three years as it does now. Growth and change is a natural part of any new business, and increase in printing needs will inevitably appear as a result of that. Additionally, it’s important to consider how many employees will be using each printer. If you purchase too few printers, the printer will be overworked and slowly break down and malfunction over time. However, buying too many printers will leave many unused, becoming a bad investment. Current and potential company size are both important factors to be aware of before buying printers.

Two important factors to consider before choosing a printer are your average print volume and expected spikes in printer use. Average volume is the number of pages your printer would print in a normal day. You want a printer that will not only meet that number, but exceed it to account for variations in daily printing. Expected spikes refers to the times of year when printing volume will be higher than usual due to big projects or other factors. Printers with higher print volume are ideal for handling these surges without performance issues. 

There are several economic factors to consider beyond the price of the printer itself. Cost of printer parts, ink/toner, maintenance fees, and monthly utility costs like energy usage are all important considerations that need to be made. These costs can vary greatly depending on the size or type of printer you purchase.

Print quality requirements are not always easy to determine because you need to find a printer of reasonable quality that can also put up with the significant needs of an average office. It’s important to consider your print quality expectations and ask yourself if you need professional/print-shop quality. If that’s the case, you might consider outsourcing your printing to another company (though this only makes sense financially if your large print jobs are rare).

Printers become more and more like computers with each new model. It’s just as important to protect your printer’s hard drive as your PC’s. Be aware that printers with internet connections are vulnerable to hacking and should be protected like any other sensitive material.

At ASAP IT Technology, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the unique parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the IT hardware parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.