No More Guesswork: The Truth About Extended Reach Network Cabling Solutions

The digitalization of modern commercial buildings and campuses is delivering safer, more efficient, and engaging environments that maximize value. At the core of this transformation is an ever-growing number of connected devices, systems, and sensors that unlock new levels of visibility and control across more spaces. Increasingly, these devices must be deployed in more remote and expansive locations that often exceed the 100-meter limits of traditional copper-based network cabling, from wireless access points in a warehouse to surveillance cameras in a parking garage.

Extended-reach cabling is a cost-effective solution for powering and connecting devices located beyond 100 meters. However, navigating the market is challenging. Unverified and unsupported vendor claims that don’t consider the critical factors that determine distance for a given speed and Power over Ethernet (PoE) level can compromise your network’s performance and long-term resilience. Ensuring support for your extended-reach connectivity requires verified capabilities backed by robust application support, not assumptions and unproven technologies.

When 100 Meters Falls Short

ANSI/TIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801 cabling standards are the bedrock of reliable connectivity, defining the minimum performance requirements for balanced twisted-pair copper cabling. These industry standards provide an essential, measurable foundation for interoperability by basing requirements on the worst-case minimum performance of connectivity components, links, and channels.

For decades, industry cabling standards have enforced a strict 100-meter channel distance limit for horizontal connections, 90 meters for the permanent link and 10 meters for patch cords, from the network switch in the telecommunications room (TR) to the device. Maintaining this fixed channel length simplified extrapolating performance parameters to support ever-increasing transmission speeds and enabled predictable network design and management. As a result, the 100-meter distance limitation has remained a mainstay through every generation of twisted-pair copper connectivity, from Category 3/Class C, characterized up to 16 MHz to support 10 Mb/s, to Category 6A/Class E_A, characterized up to 500 MHz to support 10 Gb/s.

While innovation has enabled faster speeds over the age-old 100-meter distance, PoE levels have simultaneously increased, from Type 1 (IEEE 802.3af-2003) delivering up to 15.4 W and Type 2 (IEEE 802.3at-2009) delivering up to 30 W over two pairs to Type 3 and Type 4 (IEEE 802.3bt-2018) delivering up to 60 W and 90 W over four pairs. With these advancements, the majority of connected devices receive efficient, low-voltage PoE power over the same copper cabling used to transmit data.

As buildings and campuses become more digital and connected, they need cameras, access control, Wi‑Fi, lighting, sensors and other devices installed in spaces that extend beyond the standard 100‑meter limit from the nearest TR. To connect and power these devices while adhering to the 100-meter rule, facility managers have had two costly, labor-intensive options:

• Adding infrastructure: Deploying a new TR or mini-TR within the 100-meter zone takes up valuable real estate and requires additional active equipment, power, cooling, and maintenance.
• Connecting devices via fiber:Connecting devices with fiber optic cable uses more expensive transmission equipment and typically requires PoE media converters. These converters are an additional point of failure and require power (locally or via a Class 2 power source).

The simplest, most cost-effective option for supporting devices beyond 100 meters is to extend the distance of the copper cabling infrastructure. This approach requires less space, eliminates additional equipment and points of failure, and leverages familiar connectivity components and installation practices.

However, this option moves away from long-held standards to an engineered solution, and its success depends on several factors.

Critical Performance Parameters Matter

While extending twisted-pair copper cabling is the most cost-effective option for connecting and powering devices beyond 100 meters, performance parameters must be rigorously maintained to ensure reliable data transmission and PoE. Critical parameters specified by industry cabling standards that are directly affected by channel length impact the maximum reliable transmission distance.

• Insertion loss: This is the amount of signal energy lost as it travels down the cable. Measured in decibels (dB), insertion loss naturally increases with channel length, frequency, and temperature. Connections within the channel also add to the overall insertion loss though to a lesser degree. If the insertion loss is too high, the signal arriving at the receiver will be too weak to be correctly interpreted.
• Propagation delay: This is the amount of time for a signal to be received at the far end of a channel. Measured in nanoseconds (ns), propagation delay increases with length and can vary from one pair to another.
• DC loop resistance: DC resistance measured in ohms (Ω) is the ability of a conductor to resist the flow of electrical current. DC loop resistance is the total resistance of two conductors in a pair looped at one end of the link. High DC resistance negatively impacts PoE delivery and generates heat, thereby increasing insertion loss. IEEE PoE standards specify that DC loop resistance must be 25 Ω or less.

Key Factors Limiting Cabling Distance

Quality, reputable manufacturers routinely engineer their connectivity solutions to exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in industry cabling standards, providing greater headroom and reliability. As an industry leader, Siemon has consistently engineered our copper solutions to deliver superior performance margins. While this exceptional performance guarantees reliable support for applications up to the standard 100-meter channel length, extending reach beyond 100 meters requires careful consideration of several key factors that can affect critical length-dependent parameters.

• Transmission speed:Faster transmission speeds operate at higher frequencies, which increases insertion loss. Consequently, the maximum supportable distance decreases as speed increases, a cable transmitting at 10 Mb/s (10BASE-T) can support greater reach than one transmitting at 10 Gb/s (10GBASE-T). Fortunately, many of the network devices that are located beyond 100 meters operate at 1000 Mb/s or lower – primarily surveillance cameras but in some instances, access control panels, PoE lighting fixtures, time clock systems, and environmental sensors and controls. In contrast, devices that operate at higher speeds, such as wireless access points which typically operate at speeds greater than 1000 Mb/s, are also often desired to be located beyond 100 meters but cannot support the same reach as lower speed applications.
• PoE level:The amount of low-voltage DC power available to a device decreases with length due to voltage drop. That is why the wattage available at the device is always lower than the wattage delivered. For example, Type 3 PoE delivers 60 W but allows only 51 W at the device. Type 4 PoE delivers 90 W but allows only 71.3 W at the device.  The power loss along the length of cable creates heat build up within the cabling which increases insertion loss.
• Temperature: Temperature significantly impacts channel distance. Insertion loss and other length-dependent performance parameters worsen as temperature rises. In fact, industry standards specify an operating temperature of 20° (68°F) and recommend de-rating channel length for temperatures above that. Most standard cables are rated for 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F). Cables rated at 75°C (167°F) can operate at higher operating temperatures without physical degradation thereby capable of supporting more challenging environments.
• Cable bundle size and shape: Heat rise occurs in cable bundles carrying PoE, which increases temperature and insertion loss. Tighter, round bundles with more cables carrying PoE make it harder for heat to dissipate than loosely laid bundles with fewer cables carrying PoE. That is why industry cabling standards and the National Electrical Code (NEC®) limit the size of PoE bundles.
• Pathway type and conduit size and shape: Well-ventilated pathways (e.g., cable tray) allow heat to dissipate more easily than conduit. When using conduit, the overall size, number of bends, and fill ratio also affect heat rise. Smaller-diameter conduit with bends and a higher fill ratio impedes heat dissipation, reducing the maximum reliable distance.
• Cable construction:Parameters like insertion loss and DC resistance are heavily influenced by cable construction. Larger-gauge cables exhibit lower insertion loss and resistance, enabling longer channel lengths. Stranded conductors, like those used in some patch cords, have higher insertion loss and resistance than solid conductors, which can limit channel distance. Shielded cables dissipate heat more effectively than unshielded cables. Cables with individually shielded pairs also provide better propagation and lower delay skew, enabling longer channel distances.

It’s important to note that poor installation practices can adversely impact the maximum reliable transmission distance. Cables that exceed the maximum bend radius or were kinked or compressed during installation can alter the cable’s geometry, leading to higher insertion loss, DC resistance unbalance, and delay skew. It is therefore vital that cabling installations be handled by the highest-quality contractors, such as Siemon Certified Installers, who are thoroughly trained in industry standards and best practices via our ISO 9001-certified training program.

The overall quality and consistency of field terminations are also critical. For example, failing to properly maintain pair twist up to the termination point, or not seating conductors with equal force, can result in a higher DC resistance imbalance. Using Siemon UltraMAX™ and Z-MAX® copper connectivity systems with outlets designed to help maintain pair twist and innovative termination tools like the Z-TOOL and the UltraMAX TurboTool and 4-pair Impact Tool, which consistently seat all eight conductors of a cable at once with equal force, help ensure quality terminations.

Maximize Reach, Verify Reliability with Siemon

Determining the maximum reliable channel distance depends on a complex interplay of the performance parameters and influencing factors. Unfortunately, there is significant confusion in the industry about the reliability of distance capabilities across various transmission speeds and PoE levels. Much of this confusion stems from claims that fail to account for all the critical factors.

At Siemon, we understand that performance is the backbone of every digitalized building and campus. That’s why we embed our third-party-tested, compliance-verified copper connectivity solutions with our innovative PowerGUARD+ technology, engineered to support high-performance data and PoE delivery for reliable operation. We design our cables and connectivity to mitigate harmful heat rise and maintain performance at operating temperatures of 75°C and beyond. Our connectors feature an innovative, patented contact design that delivers long-term, seamless power and data to connected devices while ensuring consistent, high-quality terminations. These key innovations exceed industry standards and provide significant headroom, enabling our copper systems to support longer distances and allowing our customers to eliminate the complexity and cost of alternatives such as adding a TR or using fiber.

When supporting distances beyond 100 meters, Siemon is committed to bringing clarity to planning and confidence to determining reliable, supported channel distances. This “engineered channel approach” aligns with industry cabling standards and considers key factors to ensure the design and deployment of extended-reach channels that maximize performance and optimize futureproofing. This allows our customers to move away from a risky, “equipment-reliant” approach that relies only on bit-error rate (BER) testing after installation to determine if the channel distance can adequately support a specific device. In fact, TIA is currently developing TSB-5073, Guidelines for Supporting Extended Distance over 4-pair Balanced Twisted-Pair Cabling, which is based on this robust engineered channel approach.

In alignment with industry standards and best practices, validating all installed cabling, regardless of channel distance, via comprehensive certification testing of key performance parameters remains vital. Certification testing verifies that applications designed to run on the network are supported and is required for Siemon’s comprehensive 25-year warranty, ensuring our customers get the most out of their investment.

Introducing the Siemon Cabling Reach Calculator: Your Confidence Tool

To champion this approach and empower our customers, Siemon has introduced the innovative Siemon Cabling Reach Calculator. This powerful tool considers all key factors to verify channel distances, ensuring robust application support.

With a simple, intuitive interface, the Siemon Cabling Reach Calculator allows our customers to input detailed information for each cable segment in a channel, including application and PoE type, cable construction, ambient temperature, and bundle, pathway, and conduit specifics.

The result? The Siemon Cabling Reach Calculator determines the maximum channel length, pathway fill recommendations, and available wattage at the end device.

Armed with this information, customers can design extended-reach channels with greater confidence and peace of mind, avoiding assumptions based on industry claims and unproven technologies that can compromise network performance and long-term resilience. Need help with your low voltage infrastructure design in your next smart building project? Our professional services can provide expert guidance and deliver designs that are specified correctly and optimized to meet the current and future demands of your digitalized environments.

Our Industry-Leading Guarantee

Amidst confusing and often over-optimistic industry claims, Siemon once again sets the standard with verified extended-reach connectivity.

Our Siemon Cabling Reach Calculator takes you from uncertainty to complete peace of mind, so you can be confident that your network supports the digital demands of today and tomorrow.

By choosing Siemon, you benefit from a unique combination of innovation and proven reliability. When you bring together Siemon’s advanced connectivity with embedded PowerGUARD+ technology, verified channel distances using the Siemon Cabling Reach Calculator, and installation by a Siemon Certified Installer, your entire project, including extended-reach channels, qualifies for our comprehensive 25-year warranty. This is the foundation of who we are, trust built on quality, expertise proven in the field, and precision in every connection.

Ready to deploy your extended‑reach connections with absolute confidence? Connect with a Siemon expert to leverage our Cabling Reach Calculator and build a future‑ready, reliably connected environment powered by Siemon’s Smart Building COMPLETE framework.

Explore the full story at www.siemon.com/smartbuildings