Blog, Network Cabling
Maximum length of Ethernet cable: How Long Can It Be?
Nov
Many office or home networks are connected to an Ethernet network via cables. But at the beginning or in the middle of the deployment process, when you need to replace equipment, you may face the problem of the cable not being long enough. So, how can you extend the ethernet cable’s maximum length? Some people are told that WiFi can be used as a substitute, which is convenient as wiring is unnecessary. However, network cables are better in terms of security and transmission performance.
So, what is the Maximum length of an Ethernet cable? How can it be extended? What factors affect the transmission performance of Ethernet? This blog will give you some ideas; let’s have a look!
Table of contents
Effects of Ethernet cable length
Too Long Ethernet Cable Length
Ethernet cables transmit electrical signals, and the longer they travel, the more internal and external interference they experience. The electrical signals continue to decay over long distances, which not only affects the transmission distance but may also lead to a decrease in data rate and even packet loss.
In long-distance transportation, the timing of individual packets’ arrival is different, resulting in a misordering of data and the problem of “clock jitter.” This is more pronounced over long distances and can cause the network to become unstable. But don’t worry too much; within the maximum limits of the standard, it has little effect on network stability.
Also, network cable resistance increases with length, which can lead to power loss. Too long network cable also wastes money and is not easy to store and organize, resulting in cable clutter.
Too Short Ethernet Cable Length
On the flip side, while there is theoretically no minimum length limit to Ethernet’s length, too-short cables cause problems. Too short cables restrict the layout and debugging of network devices and do not facilitate future device migration or network expansion.
Maximum length of Ethernet cable
Under ideal conditions and certain limitations, the maximum length of an Ethernet cable is 328 feet (100 meters). Once this scale is exceeded, the cable’s ability to transmit data is compromised. Also, if the cable transmission rate increases, the maximum length of the cable transmission will be shortened accordingly.
You can visualize this from the max ethernet cable length table below:
| Category | 1Gbps | 2.5Gps | 5Gbps | 10Gbps | 25/40Gbps |
| Cat5e | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | No | No |
| Cat6 | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 37-55m（121-180ft） | No |
| Cat6a | 100m（329 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | No |
| Cat7 | 100m（330 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 50m（164 ft） |
| Cat8 | 100m（331 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 100m（328 ft） | 30m（98 ft） |
How to determine the ideal cable length
- Measure the distance between the devices to be connected to the network equipment. But be careful not to go in a straight line. To avoid tripping while walking, cables usually run along walls or ceilings.
- Allow a little extra length to avoid pulling too tightly when moving network devices and manage and maintain the cable. Be careful not to leave too much length, as this will cause you to deal with new problems.
- Generally, a short distance (1 meter) is suitable for connecting closer devices, such as a desktop router to a computer; a medium distance (1-10 meters) is ideal for office or home wiring, such as connecting a router to a reserved network socket on the wall; and a long distance (10-100 meters) is suitable for laying cables between floors or in larger spaces.
- If you do not choose to buy the finished Ethernet cable in advance and will make the Ethernet cable, it is the best choice to make it by yourself after purchasing the cable and RJ45 connector. You can carefully plan your ideal cable length to fit your practical needs and life aesthetics.
Top 4 Ways to Extend Ethernet
When the Ethernet cable length is insufficient to reach the network devices that need to be wired, you may consider replacing the cable with a longer one or switching to WiFi. However, replacing the cable needs to be purchased or made by yourself, and the distance may be more than the maximum length of the cable. WiFi has the problem of unstable network signals and the security risk. Therefore, we can choose to extend the Ethernet cable.
We provide four ways to extend the Ethernet cable; you can choose one according to your needs and the environment.
RJ45 Coupler
This is a simple way to extend Ethernet cables. RJ45 couplers are equipped with RJ45 ports to connect the RJ45 connectors on both ends of the cable. They help link two Ethernet cables, so you don’t have to worry about signal loss at the connection. They are inexpensive and easy to use. Best of all, they are small enough to be easily placed in the corner of a room and don’t take up much space.
Note: It is recommended not to use more than 3 couplers, and the total connection length should not exceed 100 meters. So, this method is suitable for the case where the cable has already been laid but is not long enough to connect a new network device. If you have not yet laid the cables, it is better to plan the cable length according to the situation. After all, the coupler is an expense, and the connection can easily be loosened by accident.
Network Switches
Unmanaged network switches are plug-and-play and require no additional configuration. Their basic function is to receive data from the router and transmit it to the end device connected to the switch port. You can connect multiple Ethernet ports and send them to extend the total cable distance. The maximum distance from switch to switch is also 100 meters.
Note: This method is also easy to install and use, and the total length can be extended to several hundred meters. Additional switch ports can be convenient for new user devices to join. However, additional power outlets are required, and switches are more expensive than couplers.
Ethernet to Fiber Media Converter
The Ethernet to fiber media converter has Ethernet and fiber optic ports. To extend the Ethernet cable, you must configure two Ethernet to Fiber media converters. At the source end, the media converter converts the electrical signals from the Ethernet cable to optical signals, then transmitted over the fiber optic cable connected between the two Ethernet media converters. Finally, at the destination end, the media converter reconverts the optical signal into an electrical signal for transmission over the Ethernet cable.
Note: This method can be extended to several kilometers of Ethernet transmission, but the media converters are costly, and the fiber optic cable between the two converters is fragile.
Ethernet Extension Connector
This connector combines extension, connection, relocation, and repair of two Ethernet cables. It can be installed without a crimping tool, making it suitable for very urgent cabling situations.
Note: This type of connection still has a total length of 100 meters, which is suitable for shorter Ethernet cables. However, it requires cutting off the cable connector, which is not a good choice if you mind. However, this type of connector is more affordable and easy to operate.
FAQ
Q. Can I bend the Ethernet cable?
A. Before answering this query, let’s understand the cable bending radius. The Cable bending radius is the smallest radius at which a cable can be bent without damage, usually measured from the centerline of the cable. International cable standards (such as ANSI/TIA-568) have specified the minimum bending radius of various types of cables to ensure the safety and performance of cables in actual use.
This parameter relates to the cable’s service life and affects its data transmission capability. When cables are bent excessively, they may cause irreversible damage to the inner conductors and the outer insulation, thus affecting the transmission of signals.
Q. How far can I lay Ethernet cables outdoors?
A. Again, the same principles that apply indoors apply outdoors under ideal conditions: 328 feet. However, it is essential to note that using Ethernet cables is the best outdoor laying method. This type of cable is UV—and water-resistant.
Q. Does temperature affect Ethernet cables?
A. It does, but the discussion here is usually about outdoor cables. After all, you can regulate the temperature of your home or office area to a comfortable level.
Cars with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation may harden in icy conditions. This brittleness increases the risk of the cable breaking during installation or maintenance. At the same time, however, low temperatures may result in lower cable resistance, leading to higher signal transmission rates. During the winter months, you may notice a slight increase in network performance.
High temperatures have the exact opposite effect on cables. As the temperature rises, the cable’s resistance increases, leading to increased signal loss and, thus, lower-quality data transmission. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures also accelerates the deterioration of cable materials and reduces the cable’s life.
Conclusion
If you want to establish an Ethernet connection beyond the 100-meter limit, network switches, and Ethernet fiber media converters may be a better choice. For extended connections up to 100 meters, choosing a coupler or an Ethernet extension connector may be the most cost-effective and optimal choice.
There are many ways to help you extend Ethernet cables. You can choose the most suitable method according to your specific needs. However, the maximum length of Ethernet is always something to consider.
I hope this article can provide you with a reference for cabling. This article shows that an ethernet cable’s max length, performance, and length must be well balanced. There are many more factors to consider regarding actual cabling, so I hope you can choose the most suitable one.
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