What would be the result of using a cable longer than the recommended maximum length?

Using a cable longer than the recommended maximum length leads to signal degradation. This is because longer cables can introduce increased resistance and attenuation, which result in a weaker signal as it travels down the cable. The signal loses strength over distance due to factors such as resistance in the wire, interference from external sources, and other physical properties of the cable.

When a signal degrades, the quality of data transmission can suffer, potentially leading to issues like slower internet speeds, more frequent disconnects, and overall unreliable service. This is particularly important in broadband applications, where maintaining signal integrity is crucial for performance. Therefore, adhering to the specified maximum cable lengths is essential to ensure optimal performance and reliability of the network.