U.S. electrical equipment manufacturer Leviton unveiled a copper networking solution it claims can push Ethernet connectivity beyond the traditional 100-meter limit.

Dubbed Paradigm, the offering is designed to extend networks across enterprise campuses and outdoor spaces through longer copper links that remain compatible with structured cabling architectures, offering greater flexibility through extended range.

While the vendor didn’t provide a limit for the offering, it did detail a test that saw Paradigm support 1 Gb/s Ethernet connectivity for a high-definition security camera across 200 meters. Central to that showcase was Leviton’s Stadion gel–filled outdoor cable, which is capable of providing connections at distances up to 225 meters, even in conditions up to 140° F.

Leviton said its Paradigm system can provide extended connectivity in areas of environmental stress, such as moisture or sunlight, ensuring predictable performance.

“While we continue to recommend that networks be designed to the 100-meter standard, we acknowledge that there is a real need in the industry for reliable products that address today's expanding network footprints,” Mike Good, copper cable product manager at Leviton, explained. “The Paradigm system with Stadion cable leverage[s] our extensive research and knowledge on Ethernet system performance to achieve the best performance for extended distance links.”

Reach has long been an issue when it comes to copper, and with densities soaring on the data center side, heads have begun turning for potential alternatives, like photonics.

But copper retains its supporters, chiefly, Nvidia’s networking chief, Gilad Shainer, who backed the material in a recent conversation with SDxCentral.

“There is nothing better than copper," Shainer said during GTC. "Copper is zero power. Copper is passive. There's no active component. … If you can use copper, use copper. And if we can use copper, we want to use copper.”

Nvidia is looking at keeping copper interconnects, while also offering co-packed optics (CPO) in its switch lines later this year.

“If I’m doing NVLink72 or NVLink 144, for example, and that fits copper dimensions, I’m going to take copper," Shainer explained. "But when I want to do 1152, it’s beyond cooperage. It’s multiple racks [so] copper cannot be used, and that's why I'd going co-packaged optics. So that's why we're having both options. It all depends on dimensions and what the NVLink domain is.”

Leviton backed the material to help boost Ethernet connectivity beyond traditional limits, arguing their Paradigm system ensures simplified network designs while supporting the growing number of enterprise edge devices.