What is the maximum reach limit for twisted-pair cable?

Twisted-pair cabling, which includes types like Category 5e, Category 6, and Category 6a, generally has a maximum reach limit of 100 meters for Ethernet connections. This length is considered standard for maintaining signal integrity in networking applications. Beyond this distance, the signal can begin to degrade due to attenuation and interference, which can lead to communication errors and reduced network performance.

The 100-meter limit encompasses the total distance allowed for horizontal cabling, which includes both the lengths of the cable run from the networking device, as well as any additional patch cables used to connect to wall outlets. Adhering to this distance ensures that the network operates effectively and reliably, making it a crucial guideline for network design and installation.