Twisted Pair Ethernet Applications at Lengths Greater than 100m

Abstract: We will investigate the application-level performance of category cables installed at lengths beyond the standard limit of 100 meters. At these lengths, we will examine each cable’s ability to transmit 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps with a variety of network interfaces from numerous manufacturers. Cable runs beyond 100 meters can simplify some installations, but functionality cannot be guaranteed. However, tolerances and extra margins within the active equipment and cable’s transmission parameters may support these extended distances.

To study these extended length capabilities, cable products with specific characteristics were chosen. These products’ transmission parameters were compared to the channel limits in ANSI/TIA-568.2-D as well as the relevant IEEE 802.3 application requirements. After the link tests were completed, the results were studied for trends. Certain kinds of equipment did not function with extended length channels. Other kinds of equipment would only link with one of the cable designs – demonstrating that cabling performance mattered for certain extended links. Other equipment would link with all of the extended length channels in the test set. From these measurements, conclusions were drawn about equipment sensitivities to reduced performance caused by channels at extended lengths.

Presenter Bio: Michael Dodds received his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University in 2017. He joined Berk-Tek in 2016 and currently works as a Test Engineer.