Anyone know what the distance limitations for Gigabit over Ethernet is?

[spyordie007]

Cat 5 E of course.
100 M for 10/100 but I would assume that you dont have as much distance if you want to maintain a 1000 connection, anyone know what the limitation is?

-Spy

 

[ttn1]

I haven't used it myself, but the reports I have read are that the spec is the same as 100mbit. Meaning max distance is 100m.

I've also heard that it is very sensitive to cable quality, termination, shielding and interference from outside sources. Most network people I know say it's a PITA to get it working right.

 

[ScottMac]

Gigabit Ethernet over copper is no problem, no big deal.....as long as you have a compliant cabling infrastructure. GigE over copper is much more sensitive to the common mistakes most unknowing people make when they install their own cable (and don't know what they're doing).

100 Meters is the Spec for Cat5 / 5e UTP (90 meters of solid conductor in the walls with no more than five meters stranded jumpers on the ends).

That is one of the prime reasons for businesses to hire a competent data cabling contractor to do the design and installation, and that the contractor must certify and warranty the cable plant in writing.

That's the biggest problem with doing the cable yourself or hiring Cousin Fred: You may be able to get by with what you're doing today, but when you try to bring up something newer/better, it craps out because of a compliance issue.

BTW: Some / many GigE over copper switches are spec'd to work with standard Cat 5, but if you're putting cable in, 5e is probably a better way to go.

FWIW

Scott