Large Span LAN

I am attempting to expand a network through 400 feet of factory building. Running the wire isn't in itself a problem, but I am concerned with signal degradation. I know that I can use a repeater, but how frequently do I need to space them? Also, every repeater I have found is $400+, and since I need at least three (one every hundred feet I assume is a minimum), I would really like to find a method that is significantly cheaper. Any suggestions?

Actually, you "start" degrading immediately at the RJ45 connector!

Your best option may be to do one long fiber run. A Cat5 to fiber media converter at each end will do it. Otherwise with Cat5e you are limited to 330 ft or 100 Meters. Something like this: Link ...I'm not making a hardware suggestion, just what I was able to find quick, shop around

Otherwise you could try moving the two endpoints ~70' closer. You can then run up to an additional 330' from those new centers.

Or just add a switch in the middle as suggested above

Haha, I don't know much about networking, but the only reason repeaters are so expensive it seems is cause there aren't many companies producing them in bulk. it's legacy hardware unless you want a wireless repeater, then their only like 50-90 dollars. thats just from a quick search of pricing though. if you have the cash, everyone else is right, you only need one repeater if any since it's 100 metres not feet if you only need to boost the signal for cheap theres also the hub option, which may be cheaper. seems like a waste of ports, but doesn't matter if its cheaper.