Ethernet LAN Media and Cable Lengths

Ethernet LANs typically use copper or fiber optic cables to transmit data between devices. The maximum cable length supported by Ethernet depends on the type of cable being used, as well as other factors such as the signal strength and the presence of interference.

For twisted pair copper cables, which are commonly used in Ethernet LANs, the maximum cable length varies depending on the category of the cable. The most common categories used in Ethernet LANs are Category 5 (Cat5) and Category 6 (Cat6) cables. Cat5 cables can support a maximum cable length of 100 meters (328 feet), while Cat6 cables can support a maximum cable length of 55 meters (180 feet) for 10GBASE-T connections, or up to 100 meters (328 feet) for slower speeds.

For fiber optic cables, which are used in high-speed Ethernet LANs, the maximum cable length can vary depending on the type of cable and the transmission speed. Single-mode fiber optic cables can support distances of up to 40 kilometers (24.8 miles), while multimode fiber optic cables typically support distances of up to 550 meters (1,800 feet) for 10GBASE-SR connections.

It’s worth noting that the maximum cable length is not the only factor that affects Ethernet LAN performance. Other factors, such as the number of devices on the network, the amount of network traffic, and the quality of the network equipment, can also have a significant impact on performance.