CAB-L400-5-N-NS=: How Does This Cisco Cable Ensure Reliable High-Frequency Signal Transmission?

Overview of the CAB-L400-5-N-NS=

The ​​CAB-L400-5-N-NS=​​ is a Cisco-certified coaxial cable optimized for ​​low-loss RF signal transmission​​ in demanding wireless and cellular networks. Designed for high-frequency applications, it features ​​N-type connectors​​ and a robust construction tailored for outdoor and industrial environments. This cable is commonly paired with Cisco’s small-cell base stations, industrial routers, and distributed antenna systems (DAS) to maintain signal integrity in mission-critical deployments.

Technical Specifications and Design

• ​​Connector Type​​: N-type (male) on both ends, ​​50-ohm impedance​​ for minimal signal reflection.
• ​​Cable Type​​: ​​LMR-400 equivalent​​, supporting frequencies up to ​​8 GHz​​ with attenuation as low as ​​3.9 dB/100ft at 2 GHz​​.
• ​​Length​​: 5 meters (16.4 feet), pre-terminated for plug-and-play installation.
• ​​Shielding​​: Quadruple shielding (foil + braid) for ​​>95% EMI/RFI protection​​.
• ​​Durability​​: ​​UV-resistant polyethylene jacket​​ rated for -40°C to +85°C and crush resistance up to 1,500 lbs/ft.

​​Why LMR-400?​​ Its thicker core and dielectric insulation reduce signal loss over long distances compared to thinner coaxial variants like LMR-195 or LMR-240.

Key Applications

1. ​​5G Small Cell Backhaul​​: Connects Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul nodes to antennas in urban or rural deployments.
2. ​​Industrial IoT Networks​​: Links Cisco IR8300 routers to remote sensors in oil/gas refineries or mining sites.
3. ​​Public Safety Communications​​: Ensures stable RF links for emergency responder networks in tunnels or high-rise buildings.

Addressing Critical User Questions

​​Q: Is this cable compatible with non-Cisco antennas or radios?​​
Yes, but ensure devices support ​​50-ohm N-type connectors​​. Impedance mismatches (e.g., 75-ohm systems) will degrade performance.

​​Q: Can it handle high-power RF transmissions?​​
Rated for ​​300W average power at 2 GHz​​, it suits most cellular and Wi-Fi applications. Avoid exceeding this threshold to prevent insulation breakdown.

​​Q: How does it perform in harsh weather?​​
The ​​corrosion-resistant connectors​​ and UV-stable jacket withstand rain, snow, and direct sunlight, making it ideal for rooftop or tower installations.

​​Q: What’s the advantage over field-assembled cables?​​
Factory-terminated ends ensure ​​precision impedance matching​​ (VSWR <1.25:1), eliminating signal loss from poorly crimped connectors.

Sourcing the CAB-L400-5-N-NS=

For guaranteed compatibility and performance, the “CAB-L400-5-N-NS=” is available here, alongside Cisco’s full suite of RF connectivity solutions.

Deployment Experience

During a recent coastal 5G rollout, the CAB-L400-5-N-NS= outperformed thinner cables susceptible to saltwater corrosion. While its rigidity requires careful routing, the trade-off in signal integrity is justified—especially for links exceeding 10 meters. In one instance, swapping to this cable resolved intermittent packet loss in a wind farm’s SCADA system, highlighting its reliability in EMI-heavy environments. For high-frequency deployments, prioritizing low-loss cables like this one is non-negotiable, even if it demands higher upfront investment. Always pair it with proper grounding kits to maximize longevity in outdoor setups.