How far can an Ethernet cable go?
For standard copper Ethernet over twisted-pair cable such as Cat5e or Cat6, the commonly cited limit is 100 meters (about 328 feet) for a single run from device to device, including the short patch cables at each end. Most homes are well inside that distance, so a cable usually can reach even if the router is on the other side of the house.
If you have a longer distance, or the route is awkward, there are alternatives below.
Do you lose internet speed with a longer cable?
Within the 100 meter limit, cable length does not usually reduce speed in any way you would notice. Ethernet either works at its negotiated speed or it does not, rather than getting gradually slower the way Wi-Fi does with distance. Problems tend to appear when:
- The run is beyond the limit
- The cable is poor quality, damaged, kinked or badly terminated
- The cable runs right alongside power cabling or other sources of interference
- Cheap copper-clad cable is used instead of proper copper (be wary of unusually cheap very long cables)
If a long cable connects at a lower speed than expected, try another cable before assuming a length problem.
Option 1: run a longer Ethernet cable
This is the most reliable choice. Tips:
- Measure the actual route along walls, not the straight-line distance.
- Flat cables can slip under doors, carpets or along skirting boards.
- Use Cat5e or Cat6 for typical home speeds.
- Avoid sharp bends and do not staple through the cable.
- For routes through walls or ceilings, an installer or a careful DIY job with in-wall cable and wall plates gives a tidier result.
Option 2: powerline adapters
These come as a pair. One plugs into an outlet near the router and connects to it by a short Ethernet cable. The other plugs in near your device and gives an Ethernet port. The signal travels over the home’s electrical wiring.
- Performance varies with the age and condition of the wiring, and the real speed is often well below the number on the box.
- Both adapters typically need to be on the same electrical circuit or at least the same electrical system.
- Plug them directly into wall outlets rather than power strips, which can interfere.
Option 3: MoCA adapters
If your home has coaxial cable outlets in the right rooms, MoCA adapters send Ethernet over that coax wiring. They can be a good choice in houses already wired for cable TV, but they need coax outlets at both locations and can interact with ISP equipment, so check your setup first.
Option 4: Wi-Fi extender, mesh or access point
If you do not need a wired connection at the device, you can improve the wireless signal instead. Mesh systems and access points that use a wired backhaul (Ethernet between the units) usually perform better than wireless-only extenders. If you are weighing extender types, read Wi-Fi repeater vs bridge. See how to connect two Ethernet cables to one router for details on adding a second router or access point.
Option 5: Wi-Fi adapter for the device
A desktop PC without Wi-Fi can use a USB or PCIe Wi-Fi adapter. It will not match a good wired connection but can be enough for everyday use.
Where not to place your router
If you are moving the router rather than running a longer cable, avoid:
- Closets, cabinets and behind a TV
- The floor, if a shelf is possible
- Next to large metal objects, mirrors, aquariums or microwave ovens
- Corners and outer walls when most devices are elsewhere
A central, raised, open location generally gives better coverage. Moving the router nearer the middle of the house can sometimes solve the problem outright. See where to put your Wi-Fi router and whether you can move your modem and router to another room.
Can neighbors interfere with my Wi-Fi?
Yes, nearby networks on the same or overlapping channels can slow or disrupt Wi-Fi. This is one reason a wired connection is attractive: Ethernet is not affected by neighbors’ wireless signals.
What is an Ethernet cable used for?
It carries a wired network connection between devices such as your router, computers, consoles and switches. See LAN ports on a router for where to plug it in.
If the cable is connected but nothing works
If a long run is connected but the device shows no link, test with a short cable first to rule out the port, then try the long one. Our guide to a router not recognizing an Ethernet cable has more troubleshooting steps.