Answer
Every time you convert a signal or pass through a connector, there will be some signal loss. A point-to-point connection with great quality UTP cable is the best installation. Certain environments and applications will degrade twisted pair transmission performance. For example:
- balun performance may be compromised in facilities with excessive RF interference, such as factories with large AC motors.
- twisted pair cabling carrying an audio-visual signal should not be run within one foot (30cms) of fluorescent lights.
- cable carrying an audio-visual signal should not be run for more than three feet (92 cms) parallel to high voltage lines. Ideally, twisted pair cables which must cross high voltage lines should do so at a 90 degree angle.
- twisted pair cabling carrying an audio-visual signal should not be passively split or routed through an ethernet hub or switcher. Cat 5 carrying an audio-visual signal may be run through a passive patch bay as long as point-to-point connectivity is maintained.
- data, such as computer ethernet traffic, should not run on the same twisted pair cable as your audio-visual signal.
- balun performance may be compromised with excessive jumping and signal conversions.
Try to maintain a point-to-point connection, or if impossible, use an active product (PN: 121TR1)