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Old 01-22-2008, 04:11 PM
Bill Kearney
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Default Re: Long cat5 run question

> Will I be able to run a 200ft distance to another computer in another
> building?


100BaseT supports up to 330 feet. That's total distance, not line of sight.
So don't forget to take into account the lengths necessary to get from the
router, up/down the wall, over to the building exit, down/up the wall, under
the ground, etc, all the way to the other end. You'd be surprised how much
distance gets chewed up.

> Suggestions on what type of router to get for this endevour would be
> helpful.


If all you're doing is adding to the current subnet there's no router
needed. You can just hang another switch off the connection. Just don't
chain more than 3 switches. If you needed more than that you'd need to use
a router. How much traffic or how many computers are expected to be active
in the other building?

> It will be running outside. Can cat5 wire be buried?


Direct-burial jacket covered wire is available. Conduit is better as it
allows much better maintenance. But for inter-building connections it's
often common to use fiber optic cable. There are 100mb converters available
for the purpose, you'd use one on each end. Using fiber allows going longer
distances and avoids risks like lightning and surges. I'd much rather have
fiber in conduit that anything directly buried into the soil.

-Bill Kearney



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