The most common and effective solutions include installing a network switch, using a dedicated Ethernet extender (or repeater), or converting the signal to run over fiber optic cable with media converters. To extend an Ethernet cable beyond its standard 100-meter (328-foot) limit, you must use an active powered device to regenerate the data signal. And all of them follow a thumb of rule: a maximum cable run of 100 meters. Within that distance you normally keep full speed for 1 Gbps links and even multi-gigabit standards on quality cable. The method you choose depends on your distance, budget, and whether you also need to deliver power. But the further an electrical signal travels, the more it degrades.