0

Is there a (significant) signal quality difference between ethernet switches?

n other words:

A 1000base-t, do some switches allow longer cable runs than other switches?

2
  • Your question, although valid, misses important aspects for ethernet technologies. Whilst a gigabit (and any other network media) may be capable of longer distances, there is a high risk of signal degradation,ultimately resulting in data corruption between switches. This is why both devices and cables have standards compliance. Cat6 is the certified gigabit cable and has a maximum length of 100m for a 1000BASE-T.
    – Kinnectus
    Jun 28, 2014 at 22:41
  • @BigChris Cat5e is certified for 1GbE operation up to 100m. Cat6A is certified for 10GbE up to 100m. The Cat6 standard has been discouraged for a decade or two, but works for 1GbE@100m and 10GbE@55m.
    – Chris S
    Jun 29, 2014 at 1:19

1 Answer 1

3

Is there a (significant) signal quality difference between ethernet switches?

No.

A 1000base-t, do some switches allow longer cable runs than other switches?

Nope. If you need longer runs, use fiber. Long runs of copper, even if under spec, put your equipment at high risk of inductive lightning damage, which is another reason to use fiber.

2
  • You can also use intermediary switches for longer runs, but there are various disadvantages. Jun 29, 2014 at 1:47
  • Yes you can. That said, I've never once regretted forking out for a longer fiber run when necessary. I'm fairly certain I'd be kicking myself if I chose to use daisy-chained switches for these.
    – EEAA
    Jun 29, 2014 at 1:48

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .