You have many different options when it comes to Ethernet cable length. You can accommodate different situations, whether your router is next to your computer or you need to reach down the hall. Does the length of Ethernet cables matter, however? Continue reading to learn the answer.
Know What Type of Cable You Need
Even if you have a fast WiFi 6 router, your internet connection will act as your bandwidth constraint in your home. Apart from fiber-optic networks, the speediest internet plans from prominent internet providers will hover around one gigabit per second (1,000 Mbps).
If you have the fastest internet connection possible, you should use a Cat6a cable. The Cat6a cable is an excellent investment as it allows you to keep up with any potential speed boosts in the future. Cat5e is also a smart choice for slower internet download rates up to a gigabit.
Importance of Ethernet Length
Though fiber-optic connections are an exception, most Ethernet cables are copper wires with a maximum transmission length. There is limited leeway in extending a cable run beyond what most people advise, as this could lead to uneven internet or network performance. Managing the lengths of each channel and connection in the network ensures data integrity and avoids potential capacity congestion.
In layperson’s terms, the longer a signal travels through a cable, the more it degrades through attenuation. Attenuation continues until the signal is either no longer detectable or is too garbled for the receiving equipment to comprehend it. You also risk cross talk, the interference caused by external electrical currents and radio, the further you go.
What Is the Maximum Length of Cable?
A Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable can reach 295 feet (90 meters), with up to 16 feet (5 meters) of patch cable on either end, for a total of nearly 328 feet (approximately 100 meters). The signal begins to deteriorate once you go beyond this distance, lowering your connection speed and dependability. Although high-quality cable can support stretches of over 100 meters, you may experience a reduction in transmission speed.
So, does the length of Ethernet cables matter? The simple answer is yes, though you will almost certainly never run into problems in most residential applications. However, you may run into issues if you need to set up connections across greater distances, such as workplaces or outdoor connections.
You’ll find a variety of Cat6 cables in bulk in our inventory at CableWholesale. This cable type allows you to deliver the fastest speeds to your home or office network. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.
