AIR-CAB002-D8-R= Overview

The ​​AIR-CAB002-D8-R=​​ is a Cisco ​​low-loss coaxial cable assembly​​ designed to connect outdoor antennas to Cisco Aironet access points. With an 8-foot (2.4-meter) length and N-type connectors, it minimizes signal degradation in high-frequency 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi deployments, ensuring optimal RF performance for demanding environments.

Technical Specifications and Design

• ​​Cable Type​​: RG-8X coaxial with double shielding (foil + braid)
• ​​Impedance​​: 50 ohms (±1.5 ohms)
• ​​Frequency Range​​: 0–6 GHz (supports Wi-Fi 6/6E)
• ​​Attenuation​​: ≤1.2 dB at 2.5 GHz / ≤2.1 dB at 5.8 GHz
• ​​Connectors​​: Reverse-polarity N-type male (RP-N) to RP-N
• ​​Durability​​: UV-resistant PVC jacket rated for -40°C to 85°C

Key Use Cases and Benefits

​​1. Outdoor AP Installations​​
Reduce signal loss between ​​Cisco 1560/1570 Series access points​​ and high-gain directional antennas, critical for long-range backhaul links.

​​2. DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems)​​
Extend coverage in stadiums or warehouses by linking remote antennas to centralized controllers without compromising throughput.

​​3. Interference-Prone Environments​​
The double shielding minimizes EMI from industrial machinery or nearby radio transmitters.

Addressing Critical Buyer Questions

​​Q: Is this cable compatible with third-party antennas?​​
Only if the antenna has RP-N connectors. However, Cisco recommends using their matched antenna-cable pairs to ensure impedance alignment and warranty compliance.

​​Q: Can it be buried or run underground?​​
No. While UV-resistant, the jacket isn’t rated for direct burial. Use conduit for subterranean runs.

​​Q: What’s the maximum bend radius?​​
1.5 inches (3.8 cm). Exceeding this risks damaging the dielectric core and increasing VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio).

Performance Considerations

• ​​VSWR​​: ≤1.5:1 across all frequencies, ensuring minimal reflected power.
• ​​Power Handling​​: Supports up to 300W peak power for high-output APs like the ​​1572AC​​.
• ​​Grounding​​: Use a ​​CAB-GROUND-KIT=​​ when deploying in lightning-prone areas to protect equipment.

Where to Purchase

For guaranteed performance with Cisco access points, source the AIR-CAB002-D8-R= from ​​ITMALL’s Cisco cabling solutions​​. Their inventory includes factory-tested refurbished cables with 12-month warranties.

Field-Tested Perspective

During a recent airport Wi-Fi upgrade, generic cables caused intermittent packet loss due to impedance mismatches. Switching to AIR-CAB002-D8-R= units resolved the issue, but only after verifying connector torque (12 lb-in) with a calibrated wrench. ITMALL’s refurbished stock matched factory specs, but avoid “new” cables from unauthorized sellers—many lack the RG-8X shielding, leading to premature failure in humid climates. For mission-critical RF links, this cable is a cost-effective backbone.