max length of utp cabel?

[mrcolt]

Hi, newbie here, hope you can help me.

I'm just wondering how long a cat. 5 utp-cabel can be before the signal gets to weak or maybe even lost. We have one win2000 server connecting 12 pc's running win2000pro workstations in a workshop. The distance we need is 60-70 meters (almost same i yards). Will there be any need for a "booster" of any kind? If so, do you have any recomendations?

Hope you can answer me on this one!

 

[wybnormal]

Cat5= the standard is 100 meters.. 5 meters for each drop cable and 90 for punch to punch.

The reality is that you many times can extend past that but no promises are made. IF you do push out like that, get quality parts.. cheapo NIC cards rarely can drive the signal the full 100 meters without problems.. same with cheapo hubs etc. So instead of spending 5$ on a NIC, spend the 10$ to get a better quality.

Also, use quality cable and make sure the installers actually test it.. not just punch and leave.

MikeS
Find me at

http://www.packetattack.com

"The trouble with giving up civil rights is that you never get them back"

 

[mrcolt]

Thanks alot MikeS! Really great to get help this quick!

So youre saying that our cable that would be close to 70 meters would give us no problem, and that is great news. And yes, we have spent a few bucks (kroner actually!) on cards and hubs, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks again!

 

[jimbopalmer]

The solid cable intended for in the wall use can go that far, the stranded 'patch' cable tends to be for shorter range. I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[mrcolt]

How much shorter are we talking about then?

 

[CHM1]

Don't forget you have an UTP cable so no shield or foil; so you can have noise on the cable and the ratio S/N could be affected (more chance if the cable length is high though less than 90m).
But I also got some problems whith FTP cabling (with some PCS and some RJ45 outlets I got many Ethernet errors and I needed to use FTP cords with the 9th pin cabled, though with an older PC it worked fine with a standard UTP cord).
I also got problems with old 3COM cards (3C509 10 Mbps) when plugged to a CISCO Catalyst 3524.

So I think cabling is a very accurate thing and you need not only the cable and the plug certified, but all the chain globally and the enterprise which do the cabling job.