I know that a network cable run should not be more then 100 meters. I also understand that solid core cable has better transmission characteristics then stranded cable.
Looking online however, I was surprised that I could not find any statements about the maximum (or even a rule-of-thumb maximum) for stranded cables. The longest stranded cable length I found for sale was about 66 meters (200 feet), and the longest stranded ethernet my [reputable and knowledgeable] wholesaler seems to sell is 50 meters. This sort of implies that the maximum length for stranded cable is shorter 100 meters?
Can anyone provide insights/advise the practical limit(s) on stranded copper cable / patch lead length?
21 Answer
Per IEEE 802.3, the maximum length of a twisted-pair link is 100 m. 90 m of which are required to use solid-core cable, up to 10 m of stranded cable are allowed.
802.3 refers to ISO/IEC 11801 where the cable layout is defined in section 6.2 Layout (emphasis mine):
The performance limits for balanced cabling channels are given in 6.4. These limits are derived from the component performance limits of Clause 9 and 10 assuming the channel is composed of 90 m of solid conductor cable, 10 m of cord(s) and four connections (see Figure 10).
Using longer stranded patch cables is certainly possible (I've used up to 30 m) but nowhere guaranteed to work.
Using solid-core cable is highly recommended for static deployment, the most common use case for greater lengths. Solid-core is terminated in patch panels or wall jacks. Do not use modular plugs, the cable breaks rather quickly when moved frequently.
Stranded cable generally has a smaller overall cross section which directly correlates to the cable's attenuation and therefore its reach. Solid core is usually AWG 22 or 23, stranded cable AWG 26 down to 32.
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