CAT5/CAT5E Distance - Does the signal or application make a difference?

[Maximus18]

I know and understand the distance limitations of CAT5 & CAT5e in a data network...a maximum segment length of 100 meters (328 feet) between two devices including patch panels and cables. Any distance above this would require a switch, repeater, or other form of media to carry the signal (ex. fiber). With that said, if the cable is being utilized in a telephony application are the limitations the same? For example, if I was to utilize a CAT5e cable to carry a signal from an onsite PBX to a digital phone across a campus...is the distance limitation the same? I have tried to research this, but have found mixed answers, one such answer stated that a 24 AWG rated CAT5 cable could carry a signal up to 1000ft? Finally, while I know I could purchase a SAPS device (Station Auxiliary Power Supply) to increase the signal distance between the digital set and the PBX, I would like to know the limitations up front. No need to spend money if I don’t have to! I am specifically asking about CAT5 & CAT5e because the area I am looking at already has these wires in place, so I would like to utilize them if at all possible. Any thoughts?

Thank you,
~J

 

[bill001g]

In most case you can easily go 1000ft for pbx. This would likely run as a E1 or T1 but I suppose you could run DSL over it if you needed data, dsl will likely go farther than e1\t1 but if the clocking is important which many times it is for pbx you will have issues running it over .

 

[Bc070200129]

Either you use digital or analog telephony there are dependent on the particular application/pbx in terms of functionality they supports.
If you talk about length then usually telephone length is about 1 to 2 Kilometer from the pabx to end user, it may vary depend upon the particular system. Technically speaking as we have 100 meter for data it depends on the type of signals. Also i saw that some times if you have don't good quality cable for it than signal may degraded.
I am working on Avaya systems so i have connectivity length of about 1 km for analog and digital phones which is recommended by avaya. Signals are also not degraded if i use good cable and take it to over 1200 meter.
Thanks

 

[da4leo]

Thanks for this as it is really going to be helpfull to me. I just went round a school that need s an intercom system. the main building is 3 floor and some other appartments about 150m away from the place i intend to place the pbx. I will need a system that can carry about 60 analog phones. Can you please propose a solution i can implement.