Cat5e to the barn...

[KyleQ]

I wouldn't go that distance with cable - I would look at directional wireless N. You are nearing tripling the maximum run length...

 

[ishiboo]

If you are going to exceed the 328 ft ( which is optimal) You can certainly run into data issues as you reach that point-then you may want to look at running Ethernet over coax and use some adapters. It is not cheap but you can get like 1000 ft+

Look at some of the products here:

http://www.veracityglobal.com/

He is at 250', plus ends. That should be fine.

Ethernet does not just stop working at that magical number, it's just the standard. He would probably still be fine at 500' for example if it's a single cable without splices/lots of noise/etc., if he's running gigabit he may only get 90-100MB/sec instead of the 128MB gigabit provides... big deal!

Those will limit him to 100bT and probably be expensive, and there's no reason for it.

I wouldn't go that distance with cable - I would look at directional wireless N. You are nearing tripling the maximum run length...

Maximum length for full specs is 100M, he's at 250ft... not even close. Gigabit ethernet will do that NO PROBLEM and be far more reliable, simple and faster than N or B/G.

I dont know what i did....i priced it out at around $300.

Yup... should be just over $4 a 10' stick.

 

[gabedad]

I have to disagree. I have seen data issues when going above the 100m standard where there have been communication issues. That's why there is the standard. To Say that he "should be ok" could only lead to trouble why trying to trouble shoot packet loss and poor connectivity

 

[ishiboo]

I have to disagree. I have seen data issues when going above the 100m standard where there have been communication issues. That's why there is the standard. To Say that he "should be ok" could only lead to trouble why trying to trouble shoot packet loss and poor connectivity

Not really.

The standard insures trouble-free operation at full speed at the rated distance, with minimal interference/etc. Many factors will reduce throughput.

This is pretty simple - he has a 250' run underground. He could easily come in under 328' anyway. Or, perhaps on each end due to the run to the device(s) he ends up at 370'. Not a big deal. If he experiences packet loss/throughput issues, he can just add a hub/switch close to an endpoint and get both sides under the rated spec.

The 328' is related to Ethernet's design itself, not necessarily just electrical issues (the higher capacitance will come into play at some point though.) There are additional rules to horizontal runs/patch cord lengths/etc. that most consumers will never think about, yet their installations perform wonderfully.

 

[Charlie9000]

I second the keystone jacks with patch cords idea.
Also if you can do conduit, you all but guarantee your set up is future compatible.

Check out www.monoprice.com for cheap networking parts and tools. They are great to deal with, and I have never had a quality problem.

 

[JakeKohl]

I actually bought this kit just to have one to keep in my truck and I was shocked at how well it worked. The tester does a good job as well for what it is. I normally just use keystone jacks and knock down punches along with patch cables but for the times I have needed to put a RJ-45 end on this little tool has worked great.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150755297762

I actually used that same kit myself with good result (I ran about 800 feet of Cat5 in my garage). The crimper, however, tends to put pressure on the retaining clip of the end fitting and takes some of the spring out of it. I discovered that wedging a small flat blade screwdriver under the spring clip while crimping keeps it in better shape...besides, my crimps were mainly temporary so I could check all the wiring before finishing the walls. All the cable terminations will be keystone jacks or terminal patch bays (both punch-down).

 

[UncleJoe]

Conduit and leave a pull string inside then down the road if you decide to go with fiber it is easy and down the road fiber prices may drop like most things in the IT field.