Extending the Ethernet distance limitations beyond 328-feet or 100 meters gives users the ability to expand their connection long-range and high-speed data communications links between geographically separated LANs or LAN devices. The range of effective bridge-Ethernet can extend up to five miles apart between Ethernet LANs across different setups. The right extenders can be set up without any difficulty for configuring connecting to LANs at different distances and multiple data rates.

It is possible to extend the range of TCP/IP networks beyond the 100-meter range with conversion and extension, with networks covering distances more than 1900 meters and beyond several kilometers.

The first solution is an Ethernet extender, which uses DSL technology to increase the range almost two kilometers. The process of installing the cable and network installation can be very costly, but if existing legacy systems, such as Cat5 cable and telephone lines, are already in place, they can be used. Extenders can provide throughput of up to 50 Mbps with some extenders capable of providing Power over Ethernet (PoE).

The second option is used when the distance is longer than 1900 meters. Single-mode and multimode fiber optics can be used when organizations need large bandwidth. Single-mode is used for long ranges across nations using laser. It is more expensive, but the technology is seen as lasting for the foreseeable future. The multimode fiber optic cable uses LED and only carries data for several kilometers.

Radio is the third option when copper or fiber infrastructure is not feasible because of rural locations. Radio technology such as Wi-Fi is make it possible to implement longer distances using 802.11n standard with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. This standard can add 40 MHZ channels to the physical layer, which is twice the bandwidth of the previous standard. It is possible to create 150 Mbps speeds over line of straight distances of up to 15 km.

It is possible to extend the range of Ethernet, but it is important to not the risk of electrical events. If cables are installed with longer distances between connected devices, industrial environments and passing machinery more electromagnetic interference (EMI) can take place. On the other hand, fiber optic can overcome spikes, surges and ground loops because the data uses light to travel.