What is the maximum length for a horizontal cable run per TIA/EIA standards?

The maximum length for a horizontal cable run as per TIA/EIA standards is 100 meters (328 feet). This length encompasses the total cable run from the telecommunications room to the work area, including any horizontal cabling, patch cords, and equipment cords.

Horizontal cabling is defined as the cabling that connects the telecommunications closet to the work area, and it should ideally not exceed this specified length to ensure optimal performance and adherence to network performance criteria. Exceeding this length can lead to signal degradation, increased latency, and potential data loss due to attenuation.

The other lengths provided in the options do not conform to the established standards for horizontal cabling. For instance, 90 meters is sometimes referenced for the maximum distance from the telecommunications room to the work area outlet, but this number must still include the length of jumper cables and equipment cords to maintain a total of 100 meters for effective network performance. Thus, while 90 meters is a common figure in some discussions, it’s critical to recognize that the industry standard sets the maximum limit at 100 meters for the entire horizontal run.