Cat5 Cabling max length?

jai6638

Golden Member
Apr 9, 2004
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Hey. ... Whats the max length of CAT5 cabling ishould use? i need to connect 2 computer in 2 differnt bedrooms ( with a livingroom in between ) .... i wanna minmize the loss of bandwith..


thanks
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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The Standard is:

16.4' (5 meters) Patch from wall to computer. +

295.2' (90 meters) Horizontal (in the wall or under the carpet etc.) +

16.4' (5 meters) Patch from wall to computer. +

Total =328' (100 meters)

You would find people claiming Good Connection using 400'.

But that is like buying a Ferrari and using it with Regular gas.

:sun:
 

jai6638

Golden Member
Apr 9, 2004
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I need some help here.... I have a netgear wireless B router and was wondering if i should go wireless or stick to cabling? the reasons why i wanna stay away from wireless are as follows:

1) dont trust WEP a lot coz im pretty sure there'll be someone who'd wanna use my bandwith ( given that i live in an apartment complex )
2) i personally think that there would be some bandwith loss due to distance as well as inteference from my phones,walls,etc

Your help in this matter is appreciated

 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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jai6638

Philosophically, I see it similar to: "I am Not going out since I might be involved in an Accident".:shocked:

1. With Decent security the probability the some one will still your Bandwidth is Low.

2. Yeah my 802.11g is slower then Wire.

However it is not affecting Internet activities, and I am not using it for Heavy File transfer. So for my use it is as good as Wire.

In other words, it is a personal call.:beer:

Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?

Link to: Wireless Security.

:sun:
 

madthumbs

Banned
Oct 1, 2000
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Because of the topology of ethernet, you would probably be best to place the router in the living room. Already mentioned by JackMDS, 100 Meterrs or 328ft is the theoretical limit. For internet, wireless is definetly fast enough.
 

ScottMac

Moderator<br>Networking<br>Elite member
Mar 19, 2001
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To supplement Jack's (correct) earlier post: the "90 meters" in-the-wall MUST be solid core cabling.

Stranded core cabling is used for jumpers (handles more flexion beofre breaking). Stranded has much higher loss than solid core.

FWIW

Scott
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
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and to add 90 meters solid core with 5 meters on each side isn't a "theory" limit or max. It is what ethernet is designed for. Folks run 1000 Base-T on 90+ meter runs all day without any errors whatsoever.