Twisted pair copper structured cabling has long been a reliable and affordable media to deploy Ethernet networks. While Panduit does not have insight into how cable manufacturers have validated claims for performance beyond 100 meters, in many cases it appears to have been through testing on some sampling of equipment. While this may appear to be a preferred manner to evaluate, it is subject to significant variability due to the unknown amount of margin built into the devices under test. Simple actions like using different devices that were not tested or upgrading firmware may suddenly cause the device to no longer function at extended lengths.

The results are as follows:

• 1000BASE-T systems were designed to meet a minimally compliant Category 5 channel
• Critical parameters that limit system length are insertion loss and propagation delay skew
• 22 AWG Category 6 and higher cables offer further insertion loss margin to the standard
• A 140-meter 22 AWG permanent link with 10 meters of 24 AWG patch (150-meter channel) can minimally meet the 1000BASE-T system requirements and support reliable communication between a diversity of networking equipment and endpoints