Ethernet...booster?

[LeAnn B]

What kind of hardware to I need to boost an Ethernet signal over 300 feet? Wireless is not an option. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

LeAnn

[sadlerjon]

Put an ethernet switch somewhere in between - it can be anywhere just so the lengths of each leg are less than 300ft.

You have to keep under 300ft in order to deal with Ethernet collision detection timing. The signal itself will go longer distances but you're going to get reduced performance.

If you're going between buildings, I highly recommend using fiber. Theres no collision detection timing required for fiber and you get electrical isolation as a benefit -- thats a key thing to eliminate ground loops and to protect against lightning.

[Nathan J]

Ethernet is rated to go up to 100 meters.

You can use one of these (http://www.patton.com/products/pe_pr...p?category=146) or just use a switch (up to) every 100m.

[Nathan J]

Originally Posted by sadlerjon

Put an ethernet switch somewhere in between - it can be anywhere just so the lengths of each leg are less than 300ft.

You have to keep under 300ft in order to deal with Ethernet collision detection timing. The signal itself will go longer distances but you're going to get reduced performance.

If you're going between buildings, I highly recommend using fiber. Theres no collision detection timing required for fiber and you get electrical isolation as a benefit -- thats a key thing to eliminate ground loops and to protect against lightning.

What he said!

[LeAnn B]

Awesome, thanks so much guys!

[tedanderson]

The standard gets you 328 feet and some change (which works out to be 100 meters) so if you don't have to go much further than 300 ft, you just might make it. I have one connecting two buildings together that is well over 400 feet. I think that it works because I am using a repeater at both ends that guarantees 300 feet regardless of whether the data is being pushed or pulled.

[Gracetech]

Remember the average rated distance is 100 meters but that's not a hard line. You can push out to 150 meters and beyond on standard cables and even further on shielded ethernet cable. Of course as suggested you can always throw a switch/router in between to re-up the signal strength.

I've single run cat5e shielded over 450 feet before without any degradation. Remember to use solid core cable for long runs as well.

crt