How Long Can I Run an Ethernet Cable? A Coach’s Guide for Cameras and Apple TV Connections

If you’re installing a video replay system with IP cameras, encoders, or Apple TV units, you may find yourself wondering: How far can I run an Ethernet cable without losing performance? Whether you’re powering a PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera or simply providing a stable network connection to an Apple TV, understanding cable types and distance limitations is crucial.

⸻

1. The 100-Meter Rule: The Standard Ethernet Limit

For most standard Ethernet connections (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a), the maximum recommended cable length is 100 meters (328 feet). This distance applies whether you’re connecting to a PoE device or not. Beyond this, signal degradation and speed loss become significant.

⸻

2. PoE vs Non-PoE: What’s the Difference?
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) allows both data and power to be delivered through a single Ethernet cable. This is commonly used for IP cameras and network devices like wireless access points.
• Non-PoE devices (like Apple TVs) require separate power sources and use Ethernet strictly for data.

Both are subject to the same 100m limit, but PoE runs can be more sensitive to cable quality and voltage drop over long distances.

⸻

3. Cable Types and Performance

Here’s a breakdown of common RJ45-compatible Ethernet cables:

Cable Type    Max Speed    Max Distance    PoE Support    Notes
Cat5e 1 Gbps 100m Yes Cost-effective and widely used
Cat6 1–10 Gbps 100m (10 Gbps up to 55m) Yes Better shielding and speed than Cat5e
Cat6a 10 Gbps 100m Yes Heavier cable, good for long, high-speed runs
Cat7/Cat8 10–40 Gbps 100m or less Yes Overkill for most sports video applications

Coach’s Tip: Stick with Cat6 or Cat6a for most new installations — they offer excellent future-proofing for both power and speed.

⸻

4. What to Do If You Need to Go Farther Than 100m

If you need to cover longer distances (e.g., from a field to a press box), consider these options:
• Add a PoE extender or switch halfway through the run
• Use fiber optic cable with media converters for very long distances
• Install a local PoE switch near the camera, with fiber or long-range Ethernet uplink back to the core network

⸻

5. Apple TV Ethernet Runs

While Apple TV is not a PoE device, you can run Ethernet up to 100m to it — just remember it needs a separate power source. Hardwiring your Apple TV is especially helpful for stable video streaming and syncing with replay systems like SideLine Live.

⸻

Final Thoughts

In sports environments where reliability and quality matter, understanding your Ethernet limits ensures smooth performance and prevents frustrating downtime. For most coaches and tech setups, Cat6 up to 100 meters will cover nearly every use case — just plan ahead and use the right tools if you need to stretch farther.