Max distance using daisy chained switches

[tedsmith]

Is the maximum distance extended by a switch or not?
Is it possible to have a switch next to the server feeding 2 more servers 80meters away with these two second switches feeding PC another 80 meters away (total 160 meters).
I want to use Cat5 and 100mhz ethernet.
I know this exceeds the normal 100meters limit but some people say you can have 100m in each leg?
Would there be any problem sending TCP/IP both ways from each workstation to the server but not between workstations?

 

[TimRegester]

It certainly is possible. You should have no problems doing this. A switch does extend the distance.

The 100m limit relates to a single ethernet cable plugged into a switch port and going to another device. If that device is another switch the distance a further device can be from that switch is another 100m. So the maximum run of 80m in each case is within limits.

Assuming you use crossed cables for the switch to switch connection (unless both switches support what is called mdi/x.

I hope this helps.