Ethernet Cables?

[jackson3837]

Hello,
I was wondering if there is a maximum distance that an ethernet cable can go? After a while, does perermance decrease? Thanks:D

[Vernon Frazee]

http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/EthernetDesignations.asp

[BigFred]

Hi Jackson

The stated figure for Cat5 is 100 metres ie about 330 feet. The longer the cable is the more attenuation effects the signal, and the more chance there is of errors occuring. However another of the reasons for limiting the length is that the longer the cable and the shorter an ethernet frame is, the more the chance of a collision going undetected.

If the cable you intend running is just to connect two machines, and there are no others on your network then it is possible to move from this maximum stated length, and get away with it. But only if you are doing this for yourself. If it is a job you are doing for someone else you could end up in all sorts of trouble.

I've seen two machines on Cat5 a little over 200 metres apart working together, aparently without any problems. BF