Network Cable Lenght

I am setting up a netwotk in my house where wireless is not an option and I am having a bit of difficulty with the lenght of the cable. I need to have 100' of network cable to get from the basement to the atic. I bought 2 50' cables and a network coupler. The cables are fine when they are by themselves (I've tested them individualy) but when I put them together it doesn't loopback. My router has a virtual cable tester and it tells be "RX Short Cable at 33 Meters" (approx. 100').

What is the maximum cable lenght that a network cable can be before you need an access point. Can anyone suggest anything to me.

Thank you,
Sebastien Couture

 

Maximum length of an 10/100BaseT Ethernet segment (that is a single cable length for most networks) is 100 m, that is a 328 feet. So the length should not be the problem.

I'd put money on it being the coupler at fault. They are rarely of good quality and often introduce noise. Your two best options are:

1. Run a single 100 m long cable from one point to the other.
2. Replace the coupler with an active repeater. Simplest is a small hub, though nowadays a small switch is probably as cheap. A switch might also be better if you have a hub at one end or the other, as having more than one hub in a line can create latency problems. Another advantage of this set up may be the opportunity to spur out from the central location.

 

Sometimes I forget how valuable my tools are for terminating and testing CAT 5 cables.
Thanks for reminding me.

I guess it could be possible one segment of cable is terminated in 568a and one is in 568b.
Im with Reggie on this one and pointing the finger at the couppler.

 

Thanks a lot for the advice. I was thinking the same thing acctualy. I only paid about $5 for the coupler and I've seen them around before for up to $20. I aggree that a hub or switch would be better but the cables meet inside a wall.

As for the 568a and 568b theory, I've checked that and they are both straight through cables.

I'll try returning my coupler and getting a better one.

Thanks again.

 

Hey guys I just wanted to let you know that I replaced the coupler with a more expensive one and now everything works great.

Thanks again