Why is Ethernet limited to 100 meters?

why is ethernet limited to 100 meters?

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Ethernet ports have a limited range that is 100 meters. You might wonder, why only 100 meters? The problem is a bit technical. IEEE designed it to provide the technology within 100 meters of range without affecting the bandwidth and data speed. As per principles of electromagnetic physics, Ethernet has a limited capacity. Suppose you go out of the range, the single-to-noise ratio decreases, and resistance increases. It will lead to low-quality signals.

Who wants to limit the technology? Undoubtedly, everyone wants unlimited range for Ethernet due to fast data connection, but remember, everything has an upper and lower limit. When you cross the boundary of 100 meters of Ethernet, you will lose the signals. This rule applies to all other types of technologies as well.

Today, we will have a quick overview of why Ethernet has a 100-meter range.

Understanding the basic science of Ethernet

What is Ethernet Technology?

Ethernet is a popular choice for networking in enterprises and data centers. You know, why? Because it provides the users with a high-speed data connection and a high power supply.

Ethernet technology connects multiple computers over the LAN(local area network). The use of Ethernet cables is a medium to enable this technology. It works based on the IEEE 802.3 standard, also called the Ethernet standard.

Four types of Ethernet networks

Multiple Ethernet networks depend on the speed of data connection and relevant aspects. Let’s have a quick go-through of the networks.

Fast Ethernet

Fast Ethernet enables you to get the data speed at a rate of 100 Mbps. No doubt, it is better than 10 Mbps, but there is Gigabit Ethernet for higher speeds. It might comprise twisted pair cables or fiber optic cable to transfer the data. It works on the principles of CSMA/CD media access control protocols and can use the 10BaseT cabling. We call Fast Ethernet to be 100BaseT.

Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet is another fascinating network of Ethernet technology. Do you know why it is unique? I suppose yes. As the name indicates, Gigabit Ethernet can offer you up to 1GB per second of data speed. Enough for smaller networks!

It is ten times faster than the 100BaseT. We also call it “1000BaseT,” referring to 1000 Mbps data speed.

Get a detailed overview of Fast and Gigabit Ethernet here—What Is Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet?

10 Gigabit Ethernet

Not precisely a separate network, but we can call it a variant of Gigabit Ethernet but a faster and more reliable option. IEEE 802.3ae standard introduced ten times faster than the 1000BaseT network. High data applications and data storage centers use this technology for better data compatibility.

Here is a guide for 10G Ethernet —What is 10GB Ethernet used for?

Switch Ethernet

Switch networks comprise the Ethernet switches. Do you know what an Ethernet switch can do for you? Simply put, it can connect multiple devices at a time and provide them with power and data, unlike the Ethernet cabling system.

To understand the use of Ethernet switch, get a guide here— What is An Ethernet Switch Used for?

Five different standards of Ethernet technology

Here are some popular Ethernet standards that would help determine this technology.

  • IEEE 802.3 refers to 10Mbps bandwidth with UTP cable(Unshielded Twisted Port)
  • IEEE 802.3u refers to 100Mbps bandwidth with UTP cable.
  • IEEE 802.3z operates the 1000Mbps bandwidth while cable type is optic fiber.
  • IEEE 802.3ab operates at 1000Mbps bandwidth, but the cable is UTP
  • IEEE 802.3an works at 10GBps bandwidth, and the cable type is UTP.

Why do we use the Ethernet network?

Good question. Many people have such questions. They want to know why they should convert from other networks to Ethernet. The ultimate reason is again the data speed—10GB per second. Don’t you think it is more than enough for your network? This fact compels every data center to employ this technology.

Get a quick guide here—How Much Speed Will My PoE Switch Provide?

Why is Ethernet Limited to 100 meters?

Ethernet has an upper limit of the range that is 100 meters. You might ask why, when, how exactly? Am I right? Let’s go through it step by step.

What are the lengths of different Ethernet ports?

Every Ethernet port has a different range. It depends on the bandwidth and data speed to increase or decrease the length. However, I have listed the maximum size for each Ethernet port to understand it better. Have a look!

  • Cat3— 100 meters with 10 Mbps speed
  • Cat5— 100 meters with 10/100Mbps
  • Cat6— 100 meters with 1000Mbps
  • Cat7—100 meters with 10GB per second
  • Cat8— 30 meters with 40GB per second

Based on the stats, you can decide which Ethernet port is suitable from every aspect.

Two reasons why it is limited to 100 meters?

The answer is not that simple. As I want to discuss it in detail to help you understand the exact reason, I have listed two scenarios.

Reason 1

  • Since Ethernet uses twisted ports such as copper, there is an electrical cross-talk mechanism. The magnetic field of one wire interacts with the other, leading to a small voltage. This voltage is enough to diminish the signals once 100 meters range has crossed.

Reason 2

  • The second possible scenario refers to an increase in resistance. There is very much resistance in copper wires until 100 meters in length; as soon as you cross it, the resistance increases, leading to diminution of signals.

Can I increase the Ethernet length?

Yes, there are several mechanisms to increase the Ethernet length. You can use PoE extenders if you are in the PoE network. Signal amplifiers always play a significant role in it. However, optic fiber can make it possible to achieve higher distance feats quite effectively.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Ethernet technology?

Ethernet technology —the most popular technology today!

Every data center uses it because of its low cost and high data speed. The great thing about it is the dual use of ports. Whether you need a high speed or high power supply, give it a try to Ethernet.

4 Advantages of Ethernet

  • High-speed data connection. 100GB per second is no longer a dream today!
  • Highly secure. Several security protocols such as SSL and SSH keep hackers miles away.
  • Reliable network. No radio frequencies can interrupt—no tensions about slowdowns.
  • High-performance network with low use of power

3 Disadvantages of Ethernet

  • Limited to 100 meters
  • Extra expenses when you want to install some additional components
  • Need professional IT services to install.

Mr.Hua

Mr.Hua

Hi, I'm Mr. Hua, The funder of HoweVision technology, I'v been woking industrial communication equipment for 8 years now, and the purpose of this article is to share with you the knowledge related to industrial communication from a China supplier's perspective.

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