What is the maximum cable length for a typical LAN setup?

In a typical Local Area Network (LAN) setup, the maximum cable length is determined by the type of cabling used, which largely affects the overall performance and signal integrity of the network. For Ethernet cables, particularly those conforming to the Cat 5e and Cat 6 standards, the maximum effective length for runs of solid cabling is generally recognized as 100 meters, which is approximately 328 feet.

When interpreting the choices provided, stating “less than ½ mile” is a valid choice since it encompasses the widely accepted maximum length of 328 feet without exceeding it, fitting well within that measurement. This is important because exceeding this maximum length can lead to signal degradation and network reliability issues.

In practical LAN designs, maintaining shorter cable lengths has been shown to enhance speed and reduce interference, so while the maximum can technically allow longer distances, best practices recommend keeping within designated limits to ensure efficient data transmission.