User guide

2-8 Cisco 2500 Series Access Server User Guide
Cabling Considerations
Distance Limitations
Following are the distance limitation specifications for Ethernet, Token Ring, and serial
interfaces.
Ethernet Connections
The distance limitations for the IEEE 802.3 (10Base5 coaxial cable) specification indicate
a maximum segment distance of 1,640 feet (500 m) at a transmission rate of 10 megabits
per second (Mbps).
The distance limitations for Ethernet 10BaseT indicate a maximum segment distance of
328 feet (100 m); Ethernet 10Base2 has a maximum segment distance of 656 feet (200 m).
Token Ring Connections
The distance limitations for the IEEE 802.5 specification indicate a maximum segment
distance of 328 feet (100 m) at a transmission rate of 4 or 16 Mbps for unshielded
twisted-pair (UTP) cable. The distance limitation when using shielded twisted-pair (STP)
cabling is 1,640 feet (500 m).
Serial Connections
As with all signaling systems, EIA/TIA-232 signals can travel a limited distance at any
given bit rate; generally, the slower the data rate, the greater the distance. Table 2-1 shows
the standard relationship between baud rate and maximum distance.
Table 2-1 EIA/TIA-232 Speed and Distance Limitations
Data Rate
(Baud)
Distance
(Feet)
Distance
(Meters)
2400 200 60
4800 100 30
9600 50 15
19,200 50 15