Max cable length ?

[Mickiete]

I have been asked if I can add extra pc's to our network from another
building.

Building 1 has 6 pc's and building 2 has 5 pc's. The problem I have is that
building 2 is a few hundred meters away, the cable installation run is of no
problem, but I am getting conflicting reports. One says that the max length
of Cat5 cable from pc to pc is 90mtrs, 100mtrs max. But the other says that
if I have a switch/hub fitted every 90mtrs the hub will boost the signal for
the next 90mtrs, and so on until I reach building 2.

The data being transferred is text files.

Could someone please advise me on which one is correct. Or advise me on the
BEST way.

--


Thanks,
Mick.
Walsall
West Midlands, UK

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[CJT]

I have been asked if I can add extra pc's to our network from another
building.

Building 1 has 6 pc's and building 2 has 5 pc's. The problem I have is that
building 2 is a few hundred meters away, the cable installation run is of no
problem, but I am getting conflicting reports. One says that the max length
of Cat5 cable from pc to pc is 90mtrs, 100mtrs max. But the other says that
if I have a switch/hub fitted every 90mtrs the hub will boost the signal for
the next 90mtrs, and so on until I reach building 2.

The data being transferred is text files.

Could someone please advise me on which one is correct. Or advise me on the
BEST way.

I believe the latter is correct. You need to limit runs to 100 meters,
including all cables (so 90 meters "in the wall" to be conservative and
allow for drop cables, etc.), but a switch can be at the end of a run,
and pass the packets along on another 100 meter run, etc.

I think the length limit (and speed -- but also cost) for fiber is
higher, and might be an alternative.

 

[noone]

LOL. You answer your question and don't even know it. The limit is 100mtrs
that's why you need a hub at each 100. Common sense. The hub has to plug
in somewhere, hence, the power needed to boost the signal back up so it can
travel another 100mtrs. Otherwise signal loss will be too much to discern
the data.

 

[Andy]

Best answer: fiber or as in your native tongue fibre . Easiest
solution for what you are tasked with. A cheaper solution is CAT5e but
not very practical considering the power and length required. A few
hundred to mean could mean 500 or less so I would definitely either
a.) run fibre or b.) call the local broadband provider and have a line
run to the building for you. Those are the sloutions I find easiest.

 

[Stuart Dunn]

Another problem is earth imbalance. If the two buildings have separate power feeds you must use fiber
otherwise you could fry your equipment. This is often manifested by hub ports and/or nics abruptly failing
every couple of weeks or so. While this is annoying and expensive, if there is a very large imbalance (caused
poor conductivity in the local earth) it can be very dangerous and cause cables to burn out. Also use fiber if
you are running the link above ground (lightning isn't your friend). 10/100 fiber media converters are not
that expensive and certainly cheaper than buying 2 or 3 switches. Distance, say 2KM approx, depending on
network speed, fiber grade, single mode v multi mode etc.

 

[Andy Koop]

It is correct that your limit is 100meters including patch cords.
That is where the 90 meters comes from. 10 meters for patch cords and
90 for the run.

As the other response states "Fibre" is the best way to avoid outside
interference. If you are running 10/100 switches you can use straight
100base media converters and save some money (10/100 media converters
are more expensive). Check these out:
http://www.transition.com/products/mcon_platform/standalone/fastethernet/e100btxfx05.htm

Also if you run copper and want to upgrade to 1000 mbps later you will
have more issue trying to push that much speed over a run with just
copper.

1000 mbps over Multimode 220m
1000 mbps over Singlemode 2k