CAB-L195-3-RSM-NF=: Which Cisco Devices Require It?, Technical Specifications, and Compliance Best Practices

Core Functionality and Design

The ​​CAB-L195-3-RSM-NF=​​ is a ​​3-meter shielded management cable​​ designed for Cisco’s modular switching systems, specifically targeting secure communication between ​​Remote Switch Modules (RSM)​​ and chassis controllers. Engineered for high EMI environments, it features:

• ​​Connectors​​: RJ45 (male) to DB9 (female), enabling serial console access.
• ​​Shielding​​: Double-layer foil and braid for noise reduction in industrial settings.
• ​​Compliance​​: UL 94V-0 flammability rating (“NF” = non-flammable).
• ​​Voltage isolation​​: 1500V AC withstand rating to prevent ground loop interference.

This cable is critical for maintaining out-of-band management of systems like the ​​Cisco Catalyst 6500-E Series​​ with Supervisor Engine 720 or 6T.

Key Applications and Device Compatibility

​​Why is CAB-L195-3-RSM-NF= indispensable for legacy Cisco systems?​​

• ​​Secure console access​​: Directly connects to RSMs in chassis without relying on network-based protocols.
• ​​EMI resilience​​: Essential for factories, power plants, or data centers near heavy machinery.
• ​​Backward compatibility​​: Supports end-of-life (EoL) hardware still operational in critical infrastructure.

Common use cases include troubleshooting ​​Cisco 7600 Series routers​​ or ​​MDS 9500 multilayer switches​​ where in-band management is unavailable.

Addressing Critical User Concerns

​​1. Can this cable replace generic RJ45-DB9 console cables?​​
No. Generic cables lack shielding and voltage isolation, risking data corruption or hardware damage in high-noise environments.

​​2. Is CAB-L195-3-RSM-NF= compatible with newer Catalyst 9000 series?​​
While newer switches use USB-C or mini-USB consoles, this cable remains relevant for legacy environments or third-party retrofits.

​​3. How to verify authenticity?​​
Genuine cables include a ​​Cisco holographic label​​ and embossed part number. Trusted suppliers like itmall.sale provide compliance certificates for audit trails.

Sourcing and Avoiding Downtime Risks

Counterfeit cables often use inferior shielding, leading to intermittent connectivity during critical updates. For mission-critical systems, prioritize CAB-L195-3-RSM-NF= from authorized partners to ensure signal integrity and compliance.

Practical Insight: Legacy Systems Aren’t Going Away

Despite the shift toward modernized networks, many industrial facilities still rely on EoL Cisco hardware for cost or compatibility reasons. In these environments, a $50 cable isn’t just a accessory—it’s the lifeline for emergency configuration changes. After witnessing a refinery’s SCADA network fail due to a faulty third-party console cable, I’ve learned that “non-flammable” isn’t just a spec; it’s insurance against catastrophic downtime.