What is the maximum length supported by Cat 5e for 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T connections?

The maximum length supported by Cat 5e for 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T connections is 100 meters. This standard was established to ensure reliable transmission of data. Cat 5e cabling can support data rates of up to 1 Gbps over this distance, making it suitable for both 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet) and 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet) applications.

The performance characteristics of Cat 5e are designed to maintain signal quality and to prevent interference, making it an effective choice for networks requiring higher speed data transmission within the specified range. This capability is critical for ensuring that networks running on Gigabit Ethernet maintain optimal performance, especially in data center environments where high bandwidth and low latency are essential.

Distances greater than 100 meters can lead to signal degradation and increased error rates, which is why adherence to the maximum length of 100 meters is essential for maintaining network integrity and performance, especially in professional settings such as data centers.