Extended reach:

the Fact File

 Contents

Time to push network cabling beyond the limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Understanding the 100 m limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Options for extending your network cabling reach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Add telecom rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Install PoE extenders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Use powered fiber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Extend the twisted-pair copper link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Extending the traditional structured cabling network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

The 100 m gorilla in the room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
How far can the cabling be extended? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Utility grade infrastructure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

What is UTG?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
UTG applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
UL verified, SYSTIMAX supported. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Extended-reach testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Test setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Test results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Cabling parameters that can affect reach and performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Cable insertion loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Cable gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Direct current resistance and resistance unbalance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Conductor cordage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Propagation delay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Cabling mismatches in the channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Cable category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Useful resources for Extended Reach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Links to productsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Extended reach: the Fact File 2

Time to push network cabling beyond the limits
Like the roots of a growing tree, the enterprise network is branching out from the core and making its way into the farthest
reaches of buildings and campuses as network managers try to stay one step ahead of the hyperconnected enterprise.

The internet of things (IoT) market is expected to have grown 18 percent in 2022, to 14.4 billion connected devices—and will
include an estimated 27 billion devices by 2025.[i] The surge in connectivity is being fed by emerging and expanding edge-based
technologies: advanced building automation and control, ubiquitous in-building wireless, campus-wide CCTV security and digital
signage, smart manufacturing/distribution and more.

Figure 1: Number of global active IoT Connections (installed base) in BN

The growth in edge-based connectivity presents a number of key challenges for enterprise network managers. Among them: how
to extend the reach of their networks to deliver the required power and bandwidth beyond the traditional 100-meter distance
limitation. Existing structured cabling architectures and standards can only go so far, and new extended-reach applications are
continually emerging.

In this Enterprise Source fact file, we’ll dive deeper into the challenge of extended-reach power and data delivery. We’ll explore the
various options and best practices for supporting connected devices at any distance from the telecom room (TR). Toward the end,
we’ll show you how far a bit of out-of-the-box thinking can take you.

[i] State of IoT 2022; IOT Analytics, research report; May 18, 2022

Extended reach: the Fact File 3

 Understanding the 100 m limit

Before discussing how to solve the problem, let’s understand it a little better. Why exactly is there a 100 m limit?

The 100 m distance limitation as codified in the industry standards (namely, ANSI/TIA-568, ISO 11801 and other cabling standards
for commercial buildings) is based on the electrical limitations of twisted-pair copper cabling. As the signal travels from one end of
the cable to the other, its strength is affected by certain parameters, primarily insertion loss. The longer the cable, the greater the
insertion loss. Based on these performance parameters, the industry standardized on the 100 m distance.

The distance limitation represents a worst case scenario for

a given application and length when conducting a signal at Figure 2:
the cable’s maximum frequency. It assumes a four-connector
channel using a 90 m trunk and a 5 m patch cable at either
end.

The limit was standardized in the 1990s and has stood the test
of time, even as higher-frequency applications and new cable
constructions have entered the market. In that time, network
equipment vendors cost-optimized their transceivers based on
the 100 m limit—further solidifying it as the accepted distance
boundary.

On one hand, the 100 m channel limit has simplified the job
Source: CommScope
of developing reliable performance specifications for new
technologies extrapolating supportable distances for each new
generation of cabling.

On the other hand, the distance barrier has created a new

challenge for network designers. Enterprise networks are
expanding faster than the budgets that are needed to
implement and manage them. This is happening as available
space for additional network components shrinks. As
major trends such as Industry 4.0 and the onslaught of IoT/
IIoT advance, network managers must be able to support
more network-connected devices and systems—throughout
buildings, across campuses and, especially, at the edge.

Extended reach: the Fact File 4

Options for extending your network cabling reach
There are several ways to extend the reach of a structured cabling network beyond the 100 m channel barrier. Each option offers
strengths and weaknesses.

Add telecom rooms

To reach connected devices located more than 100 m from the

existing telecom room (TR), one solution is to simply add one or
more TRs closer to the devices. But it’s not so simple.

From a space, cost and maintenance perspective, this approach

is easily the most expensive—and almost impossible to justify
for only one or two devices. An alternative is to deploy a wall-
mounted cabinet with a switch and panel. While a “mini-TR”
is less costly, space can be scarce, and there’s still the issue of
running power to the cabinet.
Source: CommScope

Pros Cons
• Consistent architecture/media across the site • Not always possible
• Supports power over Ethernet (PoE) • Requires more space (and costs)
• Supports up to 10G • Intermediate TR requires power

Extended reach: the Fact File 5

 Install PoE extenders

Another approach is to install a PoE extender in-line between the power source equipment and device. A PoE extender offers two
major advantages. Each side of the link—from the power source equipment (PSE) to the extender and the extender to the device—
can span 100 m, meaning network designers can essentially double the length of the channel. Some PoE extenders support daisy-
chaining multiple units for spans of 500+ meters. It also provides a relatively inexpensive standards-based solution.

However, a PoE extender (aka “repeater”) is subject to the power and bandwidth limitations of the PoE technology and cable
medium used. This means it can only serve a few devices. It also requires dedicated space and, without careful tracking and
documentation of where extenders have been installed, management and troubleshooting can be difficult. While an extender
allows networks to leverage the existing copper cabling, it requires local power, which can be difficult to access in some areas.

Pros Cons
• Good solution for a few devices • Finding space can be difficult
• Inexpensive and standards based • Hard to manage if all extenders aren’t carefully
• Uses existing copper plant documented
• Power may be hard to access in some areas
• Difficult to troubleshoot

Extended reach: the Fact File 6

 Use powered fiber

Yet another option is to deploy a system of hybrid cables containing copper conductors and fiber-optic cores that feed power and
data to PoE extender devices. “Powered fiber,” as it is known, has the ability to extend the network coverage up to 3 kilometers,
making it a good alternative for both in-building and campus-wide applications.

Powered fiber cabling solutions combine high-performance, low-latency fiber-optic data connectivity with a copper low-voltage
direct current (dc) power connection. This enables the connection of any number of powered remote devices without the need for
new conduit. With the powered fiber cable solution, the network gains access to a vast and growing ecosystem of applications,
including:

• Emergency phones

• HD security cameras

• Digital signage

• Wi-Fi access points (APs)

• Small cells

• Optical LAN

• An array of low-voltage dc-powered devices

Powered fiber is widely used in situations where large areas need to be cost-effectively served by a single power and data network.
These solutions, however, require more expensive fiber transmission equipment, as well as a Class 2 limited power source (LPS).

Pros Cons
• Same architecture on a different media • Requires a power supply in the telecom room and a PoE
• Future-proof solution for remote devices extender at the device end
• Requires no electrical skilled labor, since it is low voltage • Maybe less cost-effective than other options
• Does not support 10G

Learn more: Powered fiber fact file

Source: CommScope

Extended reach: the Fact File 7

 Extend the twisted-pair copper link

A fourth option for delivering power and data to devices located over 100 m from the TR is to simply use a longer twisted-
pair cabling link. While this method is not supported by the cabling standards, it is possible to use the application standards in
conjunction with application testing to create a reliable link. Application standards help network designers gauge whether a
specific application can run on a link segment, regardless of the cabling components used and the distance traversed.

For a more detailed analysis of this approach and the use of application standards and application testing, check out this article
from Cabling Installation & Management.

Thoroughly vetted and correctly installed, the extended twisted-pair solution supports centralized management and efficient PoE
delivery while reducing the number of link components and providing familiar RJ45 connectivity and installation.

Pros Cons
• Easiest, least complex design • Not supported by cabling standards
• Direct PoE from a PoE-enabled switch • Extra testing—in-lab and/or on-site
• Familiar RJ45 connectivity and installation • Each new application must be re-vetted
• Familiar architecture • Not all high-bandwidth applications supported over
• Excellent data/power support for edge devices extended distance
• Easy to troubleshoot • Makes the design application-specific
• No additional points of failure
• Inexpensive

Extended reach: the Fact File 8

 Figure 3: As a graphical summary

Source: CommScope

Extended reach: the Fact File 9

Extending the traditional structured cabling network
The four approaches described above will allow you to extend the 100 m
reach of Ethernet. But, as you can see, each one has as many (if not more)
arguments against it as for it. Of course, the balance of pro vs con for any
approach may vary based on the specifics of the project.

Before we dismiss all four approaches as unfeasible, it may be useful to

consider whether any of them could be “refined” to the point where the pros
significantly outweigh the cons. (Spoiler alert: one of them can). As you read
through the following arguments, keep in mind that, despite the challenges
each one presents, there are specific use cases where they can and should be
used. Our objective here is to see if there is one approach that can be used
effectively in a majority of scenarios without significant drawbacks.

In the case of option 1, adding additional TRs, the cost, space and intermediate power requirements are something of a deal
breaker. In many environments, there simply is not enough available room to locate the added equipment. Beyond the lack of
space, the disruption of the normal workflow must also be considered.

Using POE extenders (option 2) gets us a bit closer. But here, the issue isn’t the time and cost of the installation, but the effective
management of the network. Difficulty in troubleshooting issues is especially problematic. As service-level agreements for network
uptime become more demanding, option 2 becomes less appealing. Let’s keep looking.

Option 3, powered fiber, addresses many of the installation and management issues created by the first two options. The major
drawback here is one of capacity, as powered fiber currently maxes out at 10G. Just as we’d never have imagined needing gigabit
service to endpoint devices 10 years ago, a few years from now, a 10G ceiling may seem low. Still, powered fiber could take us a
few years down the road. Good but not great.

Extending the copper infrastructure (option 4) is interesting. On the plus side, it is certainly the easiest and most cost-efficient
solution to implement, provides a familiar platform and RJ45 connectivity, and offers good management. The drawback here is
performance verification and lack of a standards-support roadmap. If we could mitigate these last two issues, we may just have a
winner—without having to reinvent the wheel. Hmmm, interesting. But before leaping ahead to a potential solution, let’s take a
step back and dive a bit deeper into the 100 m limitation from a slightly different perspective.

The 100 m gorilla in the room

There are several considerations to consider before making a decision to design

structured cabling with extended reach for some edge devices. No more
daunting or important than solving the issue of the 100 m distance limitation.

We’ve already touched on this issue above, but the context there was primarily
performance-related (frequency, insertion loss, resistance, temperature,
propagation, etc.). What about the effects of the 100 m barrier on cable and
connectivity providers?

We know the velocity at which a signal travels down individual pairs in a

four-pair cable impacts the cable’s ability to support extended distances. We’ve
also mentioned that cabling standards are designed for a worst-case scenario
and/or minimally compliant components. In response, reputable cabling and
connectivity vendors build in “additional headroom” by ensuring their products
exceed the standards. For lower-bandwidth devices—such as access control
devices like parking lot entrance gates, emergency call boxes and security
cameras—the extra headroom isn’t necessary.

Extended reach: the Fact File 10

Other applications do require the channel’s maximum available
bandwidth. Therein lies the challenge: today’s convergent Figure 4:
enterprise networks must support a mix of low-, medium- and
high-bandwidth applications as well as those needing low,
medium, and high power.

But remember, our primary goal here is extending the distance,

which is affected by bandwidth and power requirements
but not defined by them. In fact, in a converged network,
there are many low- or medium-rate applications that benefit
substantially from extended-reach cabling:

• Building environmental control automation

• Security monitoring and surveillance

Source: CommScope
• Digital signage systems

• Enhanced PoE applications

• IoT devices and sensors

How far can the cabling be extended?

The maximum distance will depend on:

• Category of cabling used

• Application speeds to be supported

• Environmental conditions such as operating

temperatures

For example, a PoE+ (PoE type 2) application can support

up to 30 watts of power over 150 m or more. The
maximum distance depends on the speed required and
type of device supported:

• Maximum horizontal distance at 10 Mbps: 185 m

• Maximum horizontal distance at 100 Mbps: 150 m

• Video surveillance (1080p HD or 4K UHD): 150 m

All numbers above from Application Guide: Utility Grade

Infrastructure (UTG)

Source: CommScope

Extended reach: the Fact File 11

Utility grade infrastructure
To this point, we’ve discussed the challenges of extending the
network’s reach to support powered and connected devices
beyond the 100 m limit defined in the cabling standards. Yes,
there are “workarounds” like PoE extenders and powered
fiber, which can support extended distances, but at a cost that
makes them less than optimal. Now, we’d like to propose a
better solution—one that enables building owners and their
network managers to more efficiently address the issue of
extended reach and more

First, a bit of context.

Led by the surging demand for seamlessly connected building automation and controls, and convergence of IT and OT applications,
data communication is now viewed as the fourth utility, as critical to an organization’s operational future as electricity, water and
gas.

The challenge lies in creating an integrated suite of connectivity solutions without adding layers of complexity and cost. Success
starts with a superior infrastructure that’s flexible enough to scale and integrate tomorrow’s technologies while managing multiple
systems that require advanced power distribution, more bandwidth, and seamless connectivity.

What is UTG?

UTG is a complete technology platform/assurance program/

design approach. It unlocks a smart building’s full potential
by redefining the infrastructure layer to support building
subsystems, technologies and applications.
The UTG infrastructure platform features:
• Utility-ready structured cabling and connectivity from
CommScope
• Advanced, tested power delivery
• UL verification of all performance and application claims
As a single converged infrastructure platform, UTG solutions
bridge the gap between information technology (IT) and
operational technology (OT). Now, building owners, operators
and managers can navigate seamlessly between a broad range
of technologies while cost-effectively improving network
reliability and performance.
Benefits of a UTG infrastructure solution
• Supports IT/OT network convergence
• Advanced power distribution
• UL certified for many extended-reach applications*
• Provides optimal bandwidth for applications, systems
and devices
• Improves scalability and design flexibility
• Reduces strain on infrastructure
• Extended cabling lifespan is more sustainable
• Meets productivity and efficiency demands
• Improves network reliability, reduces costs
• Enhances user experience
• Infrastructure management and security
*Based on application speed

Extended reach: the Fact File 12

 UTG applications

UTG infrastructure enables a range of existing

and next-generation network capabilities, from
standardized applications such as connecting Wi-Fi
access points (APs) or IP phones, to those whose
needs go beyond the standards, like extended
distance, power, and cybersecurity.

Examples of UTG applications include:

• Building environmental control automation

• Security monitoring and surveillance

• Digital signage systems

• Enhanced PoE applications

• IoT devices and sensors

• Wi-Fi APs

• VoIP devices

Managing multiple systems on one robust

platform accelerates efficiencies, increases business
intelligence, strengthens cybersecurity, enhances
productivity, optimizes performance and reduces
operational costs.

Extended reach: the Fact File 13

 UL verified, SYSTIMAX supported

It will take time for the standards bodies to catch up to the extended-
reach performance of the UTG infrastructure platform. Therefore,
CommScope has worked alongside Anixter, UL and other third-party
technology experts to validate all performance claims. These efforts
have resulted in UTG-specific performance standards and UTG-
rated infrastructure cabling solutions. Together, they support diverse
applications, systems and devices on a common network.

All performance claims and UTG ratings are independently tested and verified by UL laboratories for optimal application assurance
and design on a single building platform. The results are based on real-world, definitive application testing and UTG-exclusive
testing protocols. Based on UL’s testing, CommScope’s UTG solutions outperform non-UTG cabling.

Customers deploying UTG infrastructure solutions enjoy a similar level of application support available through CommScope’s SYSTIMAX
Application Assurance program. This support provides the design capabilities and performance helps building owners and enterprises
need to migrate with confidence. In fact, the UTG program is highly complementary with the SYSTIMAX Application Assurance program,
and we believe we can build on it to extend beyond what we currently support.

CommScope continues to focus on innovation and continual improvement, investing almost $200 million in R&D, including investments
in our SYSTIMAX solutions. These investments, combined with a UL verification program to validate emerging and enhanced
technologies, give our customers the satisfaction of knowing their CommScope products and solutions are indeed best-in-class. .

For more information on CommScope’s UTG infrastructure portfolio:

Application guide: Utility grade infrastructure (UTG)

Brochure: Utility grade infrastructure solutions

Brochure: Utility grade infrastructure solutions

Extended reach: the Fact File 14

Extended-reach testing
To enable extended coverage and enhanced flexible network design, CommScope has conducted extensive testing to ensure
reliable coverage beyond the traditional 100 m requirements. Combining carefully selected products from our leading SYSTIMAX®
and RUCKUS® portfolios, the testing demonstrates flawless network functionality—offering customers the ability to leverage a
closed PoE-based ecosystem that extends the length over which traditional switch/AP combinations will support Wi-Fi networks up
to 180 m or 600 feet.

Test setup

Figure 5: Test setup

Source: CommScope

Equipment used
RUCKUS ICX7650-48ZP multi-gigabit PoE switch (ports 25 through 48):
100 MbE/1 GbE/ 2.5 GbE/5 GbE/10 GbE POH capable

GigaSPEED® Category 6A cable channel:

configured with up to four connections using GigaSPEED X10D® 2091B cable
and 360GS10E cords

RUCKUS R850 AP:

Wi-Fi 6 PoE enabled, supports 5GBASE-T and 2.5GBASE-T applications

Source: CommScope

Extended reach: the Fact File 15

 Test results

• 5GBASE-T applications are supported when the R750 AP is connected to ports 25 to 48 of the ICX7650-48ZP using up to 180 m
of GigaSPEED X10D cabling

• 5GBASE-T applications are supported when the R850 access point is connected to ports 25 to 48 of the ICX7650-48ZP using up
to 180 m of GigaSPEED X10D cabling

• 5GBASE-T applications are supported when the R850 access point is connected to ports 25 to 48 of the ICX7650-48ZP using up
to 125 m of GigaSPEED X10D cabling

It is important to emphasize that these results were achieved using a “closed-loop” channel in which all equipment, cabling and
connectors were engineered and manufactured by CommScope. While similar results using other manufacturers’ components may
be possible, channel performance over extended distances cannot be guaranteed using non-CommScope components.

For a detailed analysis of the extended reach testing, results and limiting parameters, download the Extended reach installation
guidelines.

Cabling parameters that can affect reach and performance

Having outlined the issues of extended-reach performance, and proposing several existing solutions (and one new and innovative
solution), we now turn our attention to understanding how to get the most out of your chosen strategy.

There are a number of characteristics, both electrical and physical, that impact a cable’s ability to adequately sustain signal
performance over the length of the channel.

Electrical parameters include insertion loss, resistance unbalance, propagation delay and mismatched impedance. On the physical
side, variables such as including the conductor’s diameter and cordage design also affect reach and performance, as does the
category of cable used.

Cable insertion loss

Insertion loss (aka “attenuation”) is the reduction in signal strength suffered by an electrical signal as it propagates along a
transmission medium, and it is present in all media types. It determines the maximum distance over which a transmitted signal can
be resolved and, therefore, the maximum distance two devices can be separated while maintaining communication.

Figure 6:

Source: CommScope

Extended reach: the Fact File 16

Insertion loss is usually expressed in decibels per unit length (e.g., dB/1,000 feet) and is a measure of how much a signal is weakened
or reduced in amplitude as it travels down a cable. It also increases as the cable’s operating temperature increases. In a copper wire,
insertion loss is caused by two main factors:

Copper loss is related to the thickness of copper used in the construction of the cable. Increasing the copper would inflate the cost of
the cable and be unnecessary for the vast majority of installations that are less than 100 m in length. Increasing the conductor size also
impacts the ability of the conductor to mate properly with connectivity in the form of jacks and/or plugs. Hence, dramatic increases in
attenuation would be achievable only with the adoption of a new connector—something most users do not want.

Dielectric loss (aka “dissipation”) is related to the electrically lossy properties of the insulation and jacketing materials used to
construct the cable. The choice of insulating and jacketing material impacts the insertion loss of the cable but also determines how the
cable performs during important safety tests such as those intended to characterize flammability and smoke release. Often, tradeoffs
between the electrical and safety performance of a cable dictate the types of materials employed. This is further complicated by the
existence of regional safety standards such as those for plenum rated and low-smoke-zero-halogen rated environments.

It’s important to note that there are other factors that can influence insertion loss, such as resistance and heat. For example, the
maximum allowed insertion loss for Category 6A (at 500 MHz) is 42.8 dB, compared to Category 6 (at 250 MHz), which is 31.1 dB.
This is also why links involving smaller-gauge wires with more resistance, and where the ambient temperature is above 20°C (68°F),
can require length de-rating. The higher the insertion loss, the shorter the reach must be for a signal at the far end of the link to be
understandable. This is a key reason why insertion loss has such an important impact on the supported distance.

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)

SNR is directly related to insertion loss. Measured in dB, it expresses the ratio
of a link’s signal power compared to the noise power for a given frequency
range. The higher the ratio, the better the signal quality. SNR and insertion
loss are inversely related—the lower the insertion loss, the higher the SNR.
Just as insertion loss increases with distance, so too SNR is affected by cabling
length. Should the SNR drop to unacceptable levels, either the transmission
or cable length must be reduced to support the application.

Cable gauge

Conductor size will also affect maximum cable length. The amount of
resistance is inversely proportional to the thickness of the gauge (due to the
skin effect). Therefore, larger gauge wires will exhibit better insertion loss. In
some cases, using a cable with 22 or 23 AWG conductors instead of smaller
24 AWG conductors makes more sense for extended-reach applications.
While this makes sense for some isolated applications, it would be impractical
to equip an entire building with 22 AWG cable just in case some of the runs
are longer than the standard 100 m. 24 AWG and it’s cost effective.

Extended reach: the Fact File 17

 Direct current resistance and resistance unbalance

Electrical resistance is the conductor’s ability to resist the flow of electrons.

Direct current (dc) loop resistance, measuring the resistance of two connected
dc conductors, indicates how efficiently the loop delivers power in a PoE
application. ANSI/TIA-568.2-D and TIA TSB-184A D3.0 specify that dc loop
resistance (resistance unbalance) for Category 3/5e/6/6A shall not exceed 25
ohms; exceeding the dc loop resistance limit creates heat within the cables,
which increases insertion loss and reduces the acceptable link span. To ensure
safe operation over extended distances, many extended-reach cables include
additional resistance headroom to account for the unbalance.

Conductor cordage

The first Cat 6A cables and patch cords were bulky and rigid. Newer patch
cords employing smaller conductors (usually stranded and thinner than 24
AWG) are appreciated by customers given their flexibility and less volume
they fill in cord organizers. However, smaller conductor cords, no matter how
short they are, have an impact on the total insertion loss and may also imply
some length de-rating. There is a balance to be found between comfort and
performance!

Propagation delay

Propagation delay is the time needed for a signal initiated at one end of the channel to be received at the opposite end. In twisted-pair
cabling, this time interval is impacted by the cable’s length and operating frequency, previously discussed, as well as a third factor: nominal
velocity of propagation (NVP). NVP is a relative measure of the signal’s speed compared to the speed of light in a vacuum (c). Typical
structured wiring cables exhibit an NVP of 0.6 c to 0.9 c, meaning the signal travels at 60 to 90 percent the speed of light in a vacuum.

A cable’s maximum NVP is dictated, in part, by physical

Figure 7:
characteristics such as the number and tightness of twists in
a pair of strands. As the number of twisted pairs in a cable
bundle increases, the chances of disparities in the twists
among pairs also increase. The difference in propagation
speeds between the fastest and slowest pairs is known as the
“propagation delay skew.” As propagation delay skew grows,
the network equipment has more difficulty reading the signal.
Extended cable lengths can exacerbate this issue.

Source: CommScope

Extended reach: the Fact File 18

 Cabling mismatches in the channel

Conductor size will also affect maximum cable length. The

Figure 8:
amount of resistance is inversely proportional to the thickness
of the gauge (due to the skin effect). Therefore, larger gauge
wires will exhibit better insertion loss. In some cases, using
a cable with 22 or 23 AWG conductors instead of smaller
24 AWG conductors makes more sense for extended-reach
applications. While this makes sense for some isolated
applications, it would be impractical to equip an entire building
with 22 AWG cable just in case some of the runs are longer
than the standard 100 m. 24 AWG and it’s cost effective.
Source: CommScope

Cable category

Conclusion
The changes in how organizations deploy, use and manage
data are, in a word, transformative. Increasing use of
augmented reality, IoT, and building automation/control are
leading to increased workforce productivity, collaborations and
safety, and buildings that are more efficient and sustainable.
For network managers, however, designing networks that
can support and sustain these new capabilities is a significant
challenge.

While networks—including IT, OT, power and data—are

converging to become more efficient, the number of
connected devices and systems is exploding and moving
to the network edge, closer to where data is being created
and consumed. Supporting these changes means rethinking
the role, design and capabilities of the structured cabling
infrastructure, something CommScope anticipated years ago.

As an industry leader and innovator, we began working long ago with UL, Anixter and other network engineering specialists to
develop an evolutionary unified infrastructure platform: UTG infrastructure. Now, customers can confidently extend the reach of
their structured cabling networks to support tomorrow’s next-generation connected devices and systems.

Extended reach: the Fact File 19

 Useful resources for Extended Reach

Extended reach resources

Utility grade infrastructure Utility grade infrastructure by Utility grade infrastructure

solutions (UTG) by CommScope Anixter solutions
Ready for today, ready for Always-on connectivity starts Pushing what’s possible by
tomorrow with a future-ready infrastructure converging information technology
solution and operational technology

Utility Grade (UTG) Solutions Utility Grade (UTG) Breaking the 100-Meter Barrier
Brief infrastructure Extended distance blog by Fluke
Product overview and UTG Technical application guide Networks
performance

Extending and Testing Cable

Runs Beyond 100 meters
Blog by Fluke Networks

Extended reach: the Fact File 20

Links to products

Structured cabling Universal connectivity grid Powered fiber cable systems

Power over Ethernet (POE) Automated infrastructure

extenders | CommScope management

Extended reach: the Fact File 21

CommScope pushes the boundaries of communications
technology with game-changing ideas and ground-breaking
discoveries that spark profound human achievement.
We collaborate with our customers and partners to design,
create and build the world’s most advanced networks. It is our
passion and commitment to identify the next opportunity and
realize a better tomorrow. Discover more at commscope.com

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Visit our website or contact your local CommScope representative for more information.

© 2023 CommScope, Inc. All rights reserved.

All trademarks identified by ™ or ® are trademarks or registered trademarks in the US and may be registered in other countries. All product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are
property of their respective owners. This document is for planning purposes only and is not intended to modify or supplement any specifications or warranties relating to CommScope products
or services. CommScope is committed to the highest standards of business integrity and environmental sustainability with a number of CommScope’s facilities across the globe certified in
accordance with international standards, including ISO 9001, TL 9000, and ISO 14001.
Further information regarding CommScope’s commitment can be found at www.commscope.com/About-Us/Corporate-Responsibility-and-Sustainability

CO-118017-EN (07/23)