Theoretical and Real Life are sometimes not the same. If you have a good cable tester (expensive), it could help you. -----Original Message----- From: plug-discuss-bounces@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us [mailto:plug-discuss-bounces@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us] On Behalf Of Alan Dayley Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 11:21 AM To: Main PLUG discussion list Subject: Re: OT:Switch boosts ethernet? If this were a casual situation, we might do what you suggest. But using a cable that is too long is known to be a source of intermittent and odd problems. In this situation we'd rather do it right once and not worry about errors happening when we least want them. This is a pretty good if not detailed explanation of the length limit: http://www.duxcw.com/faq/network/cablng.htm Basically, as I understand it, when the Ethernet sender ships out the packet it will wait for an acknowledge from the destination. The signals running through the cable are very, very fast but are not instant to the other end. When the cable is too long, the sender could declare a time out on the acknowledge and resend before the destination gets the packet. Collisions or other problems could then ensue. So, theoretically, it does not matter much how "good" the cable is because the limit is based propagation of the signals. Alan On Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 11:02 AM, Bob Elzer wrote: > But you have to run a cable either way ? > > So if you run the 400 ft, and then test it, if it works with no > problems, you don't need a switch and you save money. > > If it's not up to par, you cut the cable in half, and insert the > switch, you had to run two anyway. > > Remember also the quality of the cable matters, poor cable means poor > signal. > > BTW, who wrote that, switch makers or cable makers LOL. --------------------------------------------------- PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss --------------------------------------------------- PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss