IT Technicians are often expected to perform a variety of tasks and having the right tools at the right time can make a world of difference. Here are three unique connectivity accessories that can help overcome challenges faced in your role, making tasks easier. Challenge 1: How do I install more PCI or PCIe expansion cards than a desktop computer can support? The day-to-day work of an IT Technician can often involve installing and testing multiple hardware and connectivity accessories. These tasks, which can be tedious thanks to the amount of labour involved, can also be challenging. Many businesses rely on older legacy hardware to perform a specific task but need more infrastructure to test and deploy this hardware on newer systems. To fill this void for the embattled IT Technician, StarTech.com offers a PCIe-based four-port PCI and PCIe expansion chassis. This external device gives technicians access to two legacy PCI slots and two PCIe x1 slots allowing testing to be completed on cards like multi-port RS-232 serial cards and network expansion. The flexible expansion chassis can also be used to deploy specific niche or legacy hardware on a system that lacks the required expansion ports of space, such as in the case of a slim form factor PC. Learn more about the StarTech.com PCIe to PCI/PCIe Expansion Chassis (PEX2PCIE4L) Challenge 2: How do I provide Gigabit PoE to Wireless Access Points or devices like security cameras or kiosks from a desktop computer? This 4-port gigabit Ethernet card can help reduce the number of dedicated PCs for PoE-based tasks like network security cameras, wireless access points, and remote touch screens or kiosks. Each port of this 4-port card delivers 25.5 watts of power while also supporting advanced networking features like VLAN tagging and Jumbo Frames. Learn more about the StarTech.com 4-Port Gigabit PoE Ethernet Card (ST4000PEXPSE) Challenge 3: How can I connect a fiber network directly to laptops? While wireless networks are the easiest to use, and wired Ethernet is traditionally a more reliable and often faster option, fiber optic-based networks are still at the top of the heap for overall speed and performance. The issue with fiber, however, is the lack of flexibility to easily deploy to users’ desks. Even in cases where fiber can be deployed to a desk, using a laptop is usually off the table without an array of expensive and complex hardware. This USB-C network adapter instantly removes the barriers facing a fiber network by utilizing any USB-C port on a laptop, or desktop, to connect directly to a fiber connection. The adapter provides flexibility thanks to the open SFP slot. IT Technicians can also make use of this adapter for quickly and easily testing or troubleshooting SFP modules using a laptop. Learn more about the StarTech.com USB-C Fiber Optic Converter (US1GC30SFP) StarTech.com offers a wide variety of innovative accessories to make it easy for IT Professionals to keep their equipment performing reliably. Learn more about StarTech.com Product Performance