When most people hear “IT” or “cabling,” their eyes glaze over. I get it — wires, ports, and protocols don’t exactly sound exciting if you don’t live in that world every day. But here’s the thing: technology touches all of us, and understanding the basics can save you time, money, and frustration.

I’ve spent over 30 years working in IT and low-voltage cabling. Along the way, I’ve noticed something: the people who have even a little knowledge about how things work — whether it’s their home Wi-Fi, their office network, or the cables running behind their walls — end up with fewer headaches and smoother systems. So, let’s break this down in plain English.