What is the maximum length of a Cat5e Ethernet cable?

The maximum length of a Cat5e Ethernet cable is 100 meters. This standard is defined under the specifications for twisted pair cabling, where the total length includes both the horizontal cabling and any patch cords. The 100-meter limit ensures that the cable can effectively transmit data without significant signal loss or degradation, which is crucial for maintaining a reliable network connection.

The choice of 100 meters is critical because beyond this length, the performance of the cable can diminish due to attenuation and increased bit errors. This is particularly important in environments where high-speed data transmission is expected, as Cat5e cables support speeds up to 1 Gbps. Understanding this limitation helps network professionals design efficient and effective networking solutions while adhering to the established standards.