Ethernet Distance - Maximum? Repeater?

[Uncle_Frank]

Hey y'all -

I've got two offices connected by a run of about 250ft of CAT5 cable. We recently moved a server (Dell Poweredge 2900) into another office (Office 2) away from most users.

This unfortunately has caused a huge lag for the workers in the other office, (Office 1) who access the server for CRM and Accounting software.

Any idea how to solve this lag issue? Repeater?

Network:

Modem -> Router -> Switch(Serves Office 1) - Long Run - Hub(Serves Office 2)

Thanks

[Snurfen]

Hello uncle frank, the theoretical distance is usually given as 320ft.
What are the actual bits of kit you are using for router switch and hub?

There's several things that could be causing this lag, most probably a combo of several.

The hub isn't generally a good idea, a managed switch is far superior, an unmanaged switch is not quite so good, but still far better than a hub.

Also, how good and how many connections are in the switch to hub link? For something like this, you need to use top notch cable (ideally sheilded - it helps maintain signal strength on long runs) and you also need to make really excellent connections at the patch panels at each end of the run. If you aren't using patch panels and just have an rj45 at the switch and the hub, then make sure they are absolutely the best connection you can possibly achieve with the tools available to you.

Finally, you really need to think hard about how the cable is actually run - is it co-located with power lines? not a good idea, does it run out in fresh air, through the carpark etc etc. All background info could really help us resolve your data loss.

[Uncle_Frank]

I have determined that it was a hardware issue. With the long stretch of cord plugged in directly to the server, the lag all but disappeared.

I am now picking up a new 24 port Linksys switch to replace the hub that was in office two.

I will report on any speed loss after that. I will also answer all questions posted so this forum can be useful to those in my same situation.

[Snurfen]

Good move Uncle Frank. Cheers.

[Uncle_Frank]

Good news!

I have purchased a 10/100/1000 8 Port Switch (unmanaged) from Linksys.

It has solved the entire lag issue.

Answers:

The switch to hub link had just the one connection. It was a solid line of 250ft of CAT5.

The hub in office 2 had four computers plugged into it.

The cable was bulk Belkin wire bought from Office Max.

The wire was run through a drop ceiling away from any kind of interference.

[Snurfen]

Cool - we should have a hub amnesty were they all get anonymously dropped off at the nearest police station! Good in their day, but no use for them in the faster networks.

Rest of the setup is elegantly simple and just the job.

[Uncle_Frank]

Ha - Thats for sure.

Snurfen, thanks for all of your help.