Knowledge Base
Monoprice Academy
Monoprice Academy is a free technical resource for IT managers, AV integrators, procurement teams, and business owners who need straight answers about connectivity, infrastructure, and AV equipment.
Every guide is written to help you spec the right product, understand the standards, and make confident purchasing decisions — without the sales pitch.
01
Resource Articles
14 articles
Networking
01Your Guide to Choosing the Right Ethernet Switch for Industrial Environments
02How to Choose the Right Industrial Ethernet Cables for Reliable Connectivity
03Ethernet vs. Industrial Ethernet: What Businesses Need to Know
04How to Identify and Fix Common Industrial Ethernet Collisions
05Optimize Your Business Bandwidth for Speed and Productivity
06Data Center Infrastructure & Solutions: A Buyer's Guide
07Wi-Fi 7 for Business: Features, Benefits, and How to Upgrade Today
08Ethernet Cable Types & the Importance of Component Testing
09Find the Best Ethernet Cables for Home & Office Today
10Choose the Right Ethernet Cable: STP vs UTP Guide
11Fire-Rated Ethernet Cables: Select the Best for Your Setup
12Solid vs. Stranded Cables: Maximize Network Performance
13RJ45, RJ11, RJ12 Connectors: Compare & Find the Right Fit
14Upgrade Ethernet and AV Systems with Keystone Jacks
02
Resource Articles
7 articles
Fiber Optic
01Fiber Optic vs. Copper Cables: Which is Best for You?
02Single Mode vs. Multimode — Which Fiber Fits Your Needs?
03Choosing Between Simplex and Duplex Fiber Optic Cables
04Unlocking the Power of Multimode Fiber: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5
05Common Challenges in Fiber Optic Cable Maintenance
06Why Fiber Optics are the Lifeline of Modern Data Centers
07How Fiber Optics Powers Artificial Intelligence Workloads
03
Resource Articles
10 articles
Audio / Video
01The Ultimate Restaurant Tech Buyer's Guide
02HDMI 2.2: The Future of Ultra HD Connectivity
03DisplayPort 2.1 vs HDMI 2.2: Which One Fits Your Business Needs
04Audio & Video Splitters, Switches, and Matrices: Ultimate Guide
05HDMI vs. DisplayPort: In-Depth Technical Comparison
06Understanding the Differences Between Active and Passive Cables
07Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, Mini-DisplayPort, and USB-C Explained
084K Vs. 8K HDMI: Which One Should You Choose?
09Certified vs. Non-Certified HDMI: What's the Difference?
10HDMI Matrices: Elevate Business Entertainment
04
Resource Articles
3 articles
Audio
05
Resource Articles
3 articles
Mounts
06
Resource Articles
5 articles
USB
01USB Power Delivery: The Smart Solution for Business Charging
02What is Thunderbolt 5 and How Can It Transform Your Business
03Understanding USB-C Differences for Consumers and Businesses
04A Comprehensive Guide to Phone Charging and Data Cables
05USB and Thunderbolt: Types, Generations, and Differences
07
Resource Articles
2 articles
Docks & Hubs
08
Resource Articles
11 articles
Home & Office
01The Small Business Cable Buyer's Guide
02Buyer's Guide for IT Office Setups
03Your Guide to Call Center Tech Setups
04Work Smarter, Feel Better: The Power of Ergonomics in the Workplace
05The Ultimate Office Setup Buyer's Guide
06How to Pick the Best Monitor for Business, Gaming, and School
07Essential Peripherals for Business, Home Office, and Gaming
08How to Pick the Proper Business Peripherals
09How to Pick the Proper Gaming Peripherals
10Powering Up Your Business: The Essential Guide to Power Cords
11Choosing the Right Power Solutions for Your Business
09
Resource Articles
12 articles
Buyer's Guides
01The Small Business Cable Buyer's Guide
02Your Guide to Call Center Tech Setups
03Buyer's Guide for IT Office Setups
04The Tech Buyer's Guide for Streaming, Content Creation & Podcasting
05Buyer's Guide: Tech Solutions for Places of Worship
06The Smart Hotel Buyer's Guide: Tech & Essentials
07In-Ceiling and In-Wall Speaker Buyer's Guide
08Fixed TV Wall Mount Setups in Commercial Spaces
09A Buyer's Guide to Data Centers Connectivity
10The Ultimate Office Setup Buyer's Guide
11Buyer's Guide for Educator Setups
12The Ultimate Restaurant Tech Buyer's Guide