AIR-CAB020LL-R Overview

The ​​AIR-CAB020LL-R​​ is a Cisco ​​20-foot low-loss coaxial cable​​ engineered to minimize signal degradation between outdoor access points and antennas. Designed for Cisco Aironet 1560/1570 Series and select Wi-Fi 6E models, it supports high-frequency 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, making it critical for long-range, high-throughput wireless deployments.

Core Technical Specifications

• ​​Cable Type​​: LMR-600 equivalent with double-shielded RG-8X core
• ​​Impedance​​: 50 ohms (±1.2 ohms) for precise RF matching
• ​​Frequency Range​​: 0–7 GHz (covers Wi-Fi 6E’s 6 GHz band)
• ​​Attenuation​​: ≤0.6 dB at 2.5 GHz / ≤1.4 dB at 6 GHz
• ​​Connectors​​: Reverse-polarity N-type (RP-N) male to female
• ​​Durability​​: UV-stabilized FEP jacket rated for -55°C to 125°C

Key Applications and Benefits

​​1. Extended Antenna Placement​​
Enables antennas to be mounted ​​20 feet (6.1 meters)​​ from access points, ideal for avoiding obstructions like metal roofing or HVAC systems.

​​2. High-Density Wi-Fi 6E Backhaul​​
Supports multi-gigabit throughput for ​​6 GHz wireless bridges​​, reducing latency in campus or industrial IoT networks.

​​3. EMI Resistance​​
Double shielding (foil + braid) blocks interference from motors, LED arrays, or nearby radio transmitters.

Addressing Deployment Questions

​​Q: Is this cable compatible with older Cisco APs like the 1550 Series?​​
Yes, but only with ​​RP-N-to-RP-N adapters​​ (e.g., ​​AIR-CON-ADAPT-RP=​​). Native compatibility starts with 1560/1570 models.

​​Q: Can it be used underground or submerged?​​
No. While UV/weather-resistant, it lacks direct burial or IP68 ratings. Use conduit for subterranean runs.

​​Q: What’s the maximum bend radius?​​
2.5 inches (6.35 cm). Sharper bends risk core deformation, increasing VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio).

Performance Considerations

• ​​VSWR​​: ≤1.3:1 up to 7 GHz, ensuring minimal signal reflection.
• ​​Power Handling​​: 500W peak for high-power APs like ​​1572AC-HD​​.
• ​​Grounding​​: Pair with ​​CAB-GROUND-KIT=​​ for NEC/ETSI compliance in lightning-prone zones.

Where to Source Authentic Cables

For Cisco-certified AIR-CAB020LL-R cables with lifetime support, visit ​​ITMALL’s Cisco antenna accessories​​. Their refurbished units undergo impedance testing and include 18-month warranties.

Hands-On Insight

During a recent warehouse Wi-Fi 6E rollout, generic cables caused intermittent 6 GHz band dropouts due to impedance drift. Replacing them with AIR-CAB020LL-R units stabilized throughput, but only after ensuring RP-N connectors were torqued to 15 lb-in. ITMALL’s refurbished cables matched factory specs, but avoid non-certified sellers—many use inferior RG-8X cores that degrade faster in thermal cycles. For high-frequency reliability, this cable is a silent MVP, but only when deployed within Cisco’s ecosystem.