CAB-CAT5E-4M=: What Is It? Ethernet Performance and Deployment Best Practices

Overview of CAB-CAT5E-4M=

The ​​CAB-CAT5E-4M=​​ is a Cisco-certified ​​Category 5e Ethernet cable​​ designed for high-speed data transmission in enterprise and small office networks. With a ​​4-meter length​​, this cable supports Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) and Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications, making it ideal for connecting Cisco switches, routers, IP phones, and wireless access points.

Key Technical Specifications

• ​​Cable Type​​: Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) with RJ45 connectors.
• ​​Bandwidth​​: ​​100 MHz​​, supporting speeds up to ​​1 Gbps​​.
• ​​PoE Support​​: Compatible with ​​IEEE 802.3af/at​​ (PoE/PoE+), delivering up to 30W per port.
• ​​Cable Length​​: ​​4 meters​​, balancing flexibility and signal integrity.
• ​​Standards Compliance​​: Meets ​​TIA/EIA-568-B.2​​ and ​​ISO/IEC 11801​​ specifications.

Primary Use Cases

• ​​Switch-to-Device Connections​​: Linking Cisco Catalyst 2960-X or 9200 series switches to endpoints.
• ​​IP Phone Deployments​​: Powering Cisco 7800/8800 series IP phones with PoE.
• ​​Wireless Access Points​​: Connecting Cisco Aironet or Meraki MR access points for PoE-driven setups.

Signal Integrity and Deployment Tips

• ​​Distance Limitations​​: For Gigabit Ethernet, avoid exceeding ​​100 meters​​ (this 4-meter cable is ideal for short runs).
• ​​Interference Mitigation​​: Use STP shielding in environments with electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• ​​Cable Management​​: Coil excess length loosely to maintain signal quality and airflow in racks.

Compatibility Considerations

• ​​Device Ports​​: Ensure RJ45 ports on Cisco devices support 10/100/1000BASE-T.
• ​​PoE Requirements​​: Verify switch PoE budgets (e.g., Cisco Catalyst 9200L supports up to 370W total).

For reliable performance, source authentic cables from trusted suppliers like [“CAB-CAT5E-4M=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

Final Insight

While Cat6 and Cat6a cables dominate modern deployments, the ​​CAB-CAT5E-4M=​​ remains a cost-effective solution for short-range Gigabit and PoE applications. However, its value hinges on strict adherence to length and shielding guidelines—overlooking these can degrade performance in high-interference environments. For small-scale Cisco networks, this cable strikes a pragmatic balance between cost and capability, provided it’s deployed within its technical limits.