According to 10BaseT wiring rules, what is the maximum segment length without a repeater?

The maximum segment length for 10Base-T wiring without a repeater is 100 meters. This standard, established in the IEEE 802.3 specifications for Ethernet networking, is tailored for twisted pair cabling, specifically Category 3, which is commonly used for 10 Mbps networks. The 100-meter limit ensures that the signal quality remains intact and that attenuation (loss of signal strength) does not adversely affect performance. In practice, this means that any segment of cabling can be up to 100 meters long while still providing adequate signal strength for reliable communication between devices. This maximum distance does not include other devices or connections, such as wall jacks or patch panels; rather, it's strictly the distance between the networking devices connected directly by the cabling.