What is the maximum length for Ethernet cable runs?

The maximum recommended length for Ethernet cable runs is 100 meters. This length applies to cables that adhere to the standards set by IEEE for twisted pair cabling, such as Cat5e, Cat6, and others. Exceeding this length can lead to signal degradation, increased latency, and a higher likelihood of packet loss, which can severely impact network performance.

The 100-meter standard includes the combined length of the horizontal link (up to 90 meters) plus the distance from the wall outlet to the network device (up to 10 meters). This ensures that the Ethernet signals remain strong enough to maintain high data transfer rates and overall network reliability. Therefore, designing installations with this limit in mind is crucial to avoid connectivity issues.

Options mentioning lengths shorter than 100 meters, such as 50 meters, are indeed feasible but not the maximum permissible length. On the other hand, lengths extending to 200 or 300 meters significantly exceed the established standards, which compromises the integrity of the network connection.