The maximum certifiable distance for running category 5 or CAT5 cables is 328 feet or 100 meters. Beyond this length, signal loss may occur.
The CAT5 cable is used to carry signals in computer networks. Around 2000, it replaced the CAT3 cable and became the preferred Ethernet cable for local area networks, or LANs. Most CAT5 cables are unshielded twisted pairs with differential signaling to block out noise. They are attached using punch-down blocks and modular connectors. The cable standard has a maximum performance level of up to 100 MHz.
CAT5 cables are also used in telephony and in the transmission of video signals.