In comparison to Wi-Fi, Ethernet cable provides a more rapid internet connection. But, if you have an Ethernet cable that is too short and not long enough, it will not be able to connect to the devices. To overcome this, it’s crucial to increase its length—Ethernet cable.
There are plenty of Ethernet cables of various lengths on the market. One of the most significant benefits of Ethernet cables is you can utilize them for many different purposes like computer range extenders, access points, and gaming consoles.
Another issue is when the device you wish to connect to an Ethernet connection is located far distant from your network. There may need to be an Ethernet cable that is long enough to connect to the device.
To make things more complicated, There’s a limit to the length of time an Ethernet cable can last before it ceases to function correctly.
An Ethernet cable can be extended with an ethernet coupler or Ethernet switch. These devices allow you to join ethernet cables without losing the network’s performance.
In this article, I’ll explain how you can utilize the abovementioned devices to expand your network cables. I’ll also discuss the best scenarios for each device.
The reason you should extend the ethernet cables?
Before we go into the steps to extend your Ethernet cables, let’s look at why you should develop lines first.
In the above example In the above example, suppose your router is located far from the device you wish to link it with.
The answer is straightforward. Why not purchase a long ethernet cable that connects this device and router?
This could be a problem due to two reasons:
Most Ethernet cables do not function properly if they’re more than the length of 328 feet (100 meters) in length
It is possible that you don’t want an extremely long Ethernet cable running through your home
Maximum Distance Expired by Ethernet Cable
It is best to opt for a longer length to allow you to fold the extra piece. The longer length will remove the requirement for additional connections. However, most cables are available in sizes of 100 meters. If you extend the distance beyond the 100-meter mark, you may be issued with the signal. Even if there is a network configuration problem, there are issues such as disconnections or loss of packets.
You must confirm the transmission distance between the Ethernet cable and the Ethernet cabling. Among the more commonly used cabling types within LAN networks, the Ethernet connection can be classified into various categories, such as Cat5e or Cat6, or Cat7, and the list goes on. The speed of transmission can vary between 10 and 1000 MBPS. There is even a 10g Ethernet which is ideal for commercial applications. This article will inform you about the maximum distance for the various types of Ethernet cables.
- Cat5e: This class can be used for a transmission distance of 100m. It can provide transmission speeds of up to Gbps.
- Cat6 is the name of Cat6. Cat6 can give a speed of transmission of 1000 Mbps in a single hundred. If you are using it in the range of 37 – 55 meters. The rates are 10 Gbps.
- Cat6a: With a maximum transmission speed of 10000 Mbps up to 10 Gbps, It can provide transmitting distances of 100 meters.
- Cat7: Cat7 even provides a speed of 10000 Mbps or 10 Gbps with a length of up to 100 meters.
- Cat8 Cat8 is a suitable choice for transmission distances that is up to 30 meters. Cat8 can provide an incredible transfer speed of 25 Gbps or 40 Gbps.
Performance While Extending Your Cable
The question now will be the possibility that your cable is degraded through the use of an ethernet coupler. The majority of the time, the answer is none. There should be no signal loss when using an Rj45 couple or inline. The issue is that it opens up more chances for errors. The coupler may be defective, your termination may be faulty, or your cable may need to be plugged in. All of these are factors to consider; however, it should be fine if everything is done right. The main thing you need to concentrate on is the length of the cable. Keep your runs under 328 feet.
We tested cables without and with the coupler on the test network. The testing was conducted by using a well-known speed test tool available online. The first test was performed using the standard connection directly to the computer’s desktop.
The second test was conducted using the same cable, with an RJ45 coupler, then connecting another patch cable and connecting it to the desktop.
The results were the first results for both of the test instances. We repeated the tests in each case, and the numbers remained the same. It is possible to find more exact methods to determine the speed of your network; however, using a tool such as speedtest.net can provide you with an idea of where you stand.
Connecting an rj45 connector to the cable line did not result in a significant reduction in performance. As we mentioned, the problem that could arise when connecting the cable is when connections are made correctly.
The second aspect is shielded usage. If you’re using a shielded Ethernet cable in areas prone to EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), you should use a shielded inline coupler. Using a coupler without shielding could result in a breach in the shielding that opens your network to the possibility of EMI. Protecting your entire channel is the recommended method to design your network to avoid areas of EMI. This will ensure your system is shielded from unwanted signal noise.
Ethernet Couplers: Great for small Projects
Although network switches and media converters are fantastic for getting around the 100-meter limitation, using an Ethernet coupler is all you require to extend a shorter cable. It’s the most straightforward method to connect two Ethernet cables and create a longer overall line. As the name implies, an Ethernet coupler is a specific device with two female RJ45 connectors to join the other end of each cable.
A couple can only be valid when the total duration of two Ethernet cables is at most 100 meters. There is a risk of performance degradation or loss of connection ultimately when you exceed 100 meters.
Although you may utilize multiple Ethernet couplers to connect several shorter Ethernet cables, there are better ideas. If you increase the number of couplers connected to the Ethernet connection, there’s more likelihood of failure or speed loss.
Another essential thing to remember before acquiring one of these Ethernet couples is what kind of cables you’re joining. It is recommended to join Ethernet cables of the same type. In addition, if your lines have shielding, you need a coupler that is shielded. If not, you could encounter performance issues due to the loss of shielding.
The benefits of using Ethernet couplers to extend the ethernet cables
Despite their appearance, They are instrumental. Let’s look at the advantages of using a coupler to connect Ethernet cables.
They are compact and cheap.
One of the great things about ethernet couplers is how inexpensive they cost. You ought to be able to buy them on the internet for under $10.
The low price makes it much easier to incorporate them into your network toolkit at home without much anxiety.
Indeed, I’d suggest purchasing a few to ensure you’ll always have them in your arsenal. The opportunity will likely present itself shortly when you need these.
Even if you don’t agree with these devices, it’s not because they would take up a significant amount of space. For example, most Ethernet couplers will be 2 inches long at maximum.
Ethernet coupler length
Their compact size makes them useful when you are using these cables. They allow you to connect ethernet cables without worrying about how they will look to guests at home.
Another advantage of using ethernet couplers is the fact that they are a guarantee of safety. Anyone can utilize an ethernet coupler for connecting two cables. All you need to do is connect an Ethernet cable through each of them.
It shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds to have an Ethernet coupler installed and your Ethernet cables transmitting information to one another.
They don’t need a power source.
Ethernet couplers can also be helpful since they can be used wherever. In contrast to Ethernet switches (which we’ll come to), couplers do not require an electrical source to function.
You don’t need to worry about finding an outlet or juggling any wires that are not included.
You need to connect 2 Ethernet cables to your coupler, and you’re all set to go.
Final Thoughts
An ethernet cable that is too small is an easily fixable problem. With this tutorial on extending Ethernet cables, we hope to simplify the process. Make sure to get an rj45 inline line if you wish to extend your cable even more. They come in a variety of kinds and styles for different locations. Another thing you can do is to utilize an internet switch. It can also be used to add connections to your network cable and also extend the length. Both will get your internet connection running in a flash.