How short can a cat5 cable be?

[Cnuke]

I have heard many things and tested different lengths. Bottom line is I am running a network with 250+ users and I have 1 foot patches between the switches and the patch panels with not speed loss. I have read that it sould be one meter and I know most testers will not test 1 foot, but I believe that if the ends are done correctly you will have no problems.

 

[CollegeGuy]

Exactly, Cnuke.

When you are dealing with short cables, reliable operation absolutely relies on having properly wired connectors.

 

[Russ]

I use one footers between switches here at my shop, and have done several small networks with them. But, that's not the real test.

The real test is a local ISP that I built some servers for. They use 1 foot cables on their patch panels, and have hundreds of users and dozens of web sites. I can only assume that it's not a problem.

I think the quality of the cable is the issue, not the length. Specs are frequently designed to accommodate the lowest common denominator, so they have to account for those who use lower grade materials.

Russ, NCNE