Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!rogue.llnl.gov!oberman
From: oberman@rogue.llnl.gov
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: How long can you run ethernet?
Message-ID: <1990Jun14.083953.1@rogue.llnl.gov>
Date: 14 Jun 90 15:39:53 GMT
References: <90164.140927KDM101@psuvm.psu.edu>
Sender: usenet@lll-winken.LLNL.GOV
Lines: 29

In article <90164.140927KDM101@psuvm.psu.edu>, KDM101@psuvm.psu.edu (Kevin Maher) writes:
> We have several labs here on campus that we would like to interconnect.
> One problem is that the combined length of cable for the 3 labs exceeds
> 600 feet (which I have heard to be the limit of ethernet when using coax).
> We estimate the length to be just over 700 feet.  What I would like to know
> is if this would cause any problems, or if the 600 foot limit is just a
> recommended suggestion.  If it would be a problem, what can we do to get
> the 3 networks connected without having to purchase expensive repeater
> boxes? (we're working on a very limited budget here)   Thanks in advance


Please read a pamphlet on Ethernet configuration before you put this together!
The limit on "standard" Ethernet cable is 500 Meters or something about 1600
feet. If you are using RG-58 or an equivalant "thin" cable, the length is 600
feet. While the thick cable is quite a bit more expensive as are taps and other
related hardware, it may prove cheaper in the long run to use thick cable.

Cheating on the length works as long as the cable is not too busy, but cheating
is still a very bad idea because networks tend to grow and get busy. A couple
of new NFS servers, just a little more cable for the new workstation across the
room... All of a sudden users are mad about poor performance.

					R. Kevin Oberman
					Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
					Internet: oberman@icdc.llnl.gov
   					(415) 422-6955

Disclaimer: Don't take this too seriously. I just like to improve my typing
and probably don't really know anything useful about anything.