CAT5e distances/repeaters 2

[TerryWK]

I am upgrading a 10base2 network between two buildings to CAT5e in the offices with a fibre optic link between the two buildings. The fibre link is already in place and I need to run a CAT5e cable from one office down to the fibre in the basement. I have roughly measured the drop and it is getting very close to 90 metres from the cabinet in the office to the fibre link plus the CAT5 in the office. I know the max distance for CAT5 is 100 metres but how crucial is this figure, could I get away with having an extra 10 metres. If not, any other cabling alternatives, or can I use a repeater with CAT5 and if so which type?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jimbopalmer]

Since you have not run the cable yet, why not run fiber? You will need a converter somewhere already, and the distance on fiber is not an issue.

multimode

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2076007634

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[TerryWK]

I can't afford to run fibre plus I am using an existing 3Com 4400SE switch with a 1000BaseSX module to link to the fibre in the basement. The CAT5 will then connect to the switch. Can I use a hub/switch to act as a repeater before the cable reaches the basement without losing any bandwidth?

 

[daronwilson]

You can use a hub as a repeater, though you will add latency to the network. And, since this is the backbone of the network, everyone will enjoy the latency. Adding a switch would certainly be better, but still this is in the backcbone and should be avoided.

It is interesting to me to see the different questions on the site. To me it sounds like you don't want to spend the money to do it technically correct, so you need to find a way to cheat and make it work.

I would put in a switch before I would try to make the Cat5e go further than 100 meters. I've done it, something like 360-370 feet, and it appears to still run at 100 mbs, but I sure wouldn't do it on a backbone. We cheated on a couple stations one time to get them running, knowing that if they quit we have to rewire something to make that work.

If you had to do it, perhaps your best bet is a switch in that circuit. Of ocurse the correct method is to throw $500 at it and put fiber between the two places and not worry.

hope that helps!
It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com