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4.3-10 vs N-Type Connector: Size, Torque & PIM Compared

Aug 29,2025

Introduction

4.3-10 and N-Type connectors compared in LTE/5G vs legacy networks

This image sets the stage for comparing 4.3-10, designed for dense 5G radios, with the rugged N-Type, long trusted in telecom since the 1940s.

4.3-10 vs N-Type Connector Overview

Ask any RF engineer and they’ll tell you: connectors aren’t just small pieces of hardware, they’re decision points that ripple through your entire project. They affect signal quality, PIM risk, port density, and how quickly a crew can finish an install. Two names in particular come up often—the 4.3-10 connector and the N-Type connector.

If you’re weighing 4.3-10 vs N connector, chances are you’re either upgrading a legacy site or building out LTE/5G gear. The choice isn’t trivial. The 4.3-10 is today’s compact, low PIM connector for high-density radios, while the N-Type is a rugged veteran, trusted since the 1940s for medium-power links and test setups.

Here’s the bottom line up front:

  • Pick 4.3-10 for modern LTE/5G deployments where space and port count matter.
  • Stick with N-Type when you need a proven threaded connector for medium-power outdoor or lab applications.

The rest of this article digs deeper—size, torque, power handling, PIM, weatherproofing, adapters, and lifecycle costs—and closes with a decision matrix and FAQs to help you choose the right fit.

What Is a 4.3-10 Connector?

4.3-10 connector with screw, hand-screw, and push-pull coupling types

The image highlights how 4.3-10 supports multiple coupling types and delivers low PIM, making it a standard for LTE/5G, DAS, and small cells.

What Is a 4.3-10 Connector?

The 4.3-10 connector is relatively new compared to classics like the N-Type. It was designed with one thing in mind: make LTE and 5G radios easier to deploy and maintain without sacrificing RF performance.

Instead of sticking to a single coupling method, the 4.3-10 offers three:

  • Screw type tightened with about 5–8 N·m of torque,
  • Hand-screw that you can finger-tighten,
  • Push-pull for quick connect/disconnect without tools.

This flexibility has been a game-changer on dense tower panels. You can fit more ports in less space, cut down installation time, and reduce the chance of torque errors that cause passive intermodulation (PIM).

In terms of performance, the 4.3-10 is built as a low PIM connector, with specs often listed at ≤ -155 to -160 dBc. That’s why you’ll find it standard on 5G gNodeBs, LTE base stations, DAS systems, and even small cells.

4.3-10 connector with O-rings and boots for IP67 sealing

This image demonstrates the built-in sealing features of 4.3-10, ensuring IP67 outdoor performance for rooftop and tower deployments.

Weatherproofing of 4.3-10 Connectors
Weather sealing was also baked into the design. With proper O-rings, shrink, and boots, it can achieve IP67 outdoor protection—essential when these connectors live on rooftops or towers.

What Is an N-Type Connector?

The N-Type connector has been around since the 1940s. It was one of the first DIN coaxial connectors that could reliably handle microwave frequencies, and it quickly became a standard across telecom and defense.
N-Type connector, threaded design with 50Ω and 75Ω versions

The image highlights the versatility of N-Type, balancing medium power, threaded durability, and dual 50/75Ω versions used across telecom and broadcast.

What Is an N-Type Connector?

What makes it stand out is its versatility. N-Type connectors are available in both 50 Ω and 75 Ω versions. The 50-ohm type is what you’ll see in telecom and wireless equipment, while 75 ohms shows up in broadcast and cable TV networks. Mixing them is a common rookie mistake—it leads to mismatched impedance and reflections.

From a power standpoint, N-Type sits in the middle ground. It’s not a monster like the 7/16 DIN, but it comfortably supports medium-power applications such as rooftop repeaters, outdoor antennas, or test gear in an RF lab. One thing installers appreciate is the light torque requirement—only about 1.3–1.5 N·m. That makes it quick to work with, though you do have to be careful: under-tightened threads can raise PIM levels. Many field crews hand-snug them and move on, which usually works but isn’t best practice for critical low-PIM sites.

Durability is another reason the N connector is still here after 80 years. The threaded design holds up in wind, rain, and daily handling. You’ll see N connectors everywhere: GPS antennas, WiFi gear, DAS hubs, military radios, and outdoor telecom links.

So while newer designs like the 4.3-10 are taking over dense 5G deployments, the N-Type remains a versatile workhorse, still one of the most widely used threaded RF connectors today.

Size, Density & Torque Compared

The most obvious difference in N connector vs 4.3-10 comparisons comes down to size and torque.

  • 4.3-10: A smaller body (roughly 20 mm) makes it easier to fit dozens of ports on compact radio heads. The screw version needs 5–8 N·m of torque, while the push-pull version skips torque wrenches entirely. For rooftop crews, this means faster installs and fewer errors.
  • N-Type: Slightly larger at about 22 mm, and threaded only. Torque is minimal—around 1.3–1.5 N·m—so tightening is easy. But the lighter clamping force means you’ve got to double-check connections if you’re targeting low PIM performance.

Quick Mechanical Snapshot

Feature 4.3-10 Connector N-Type Connector
Body size Small, ~20 mm Medium, ~22 mm
Coupling types Screw / Hand-screw / Push-pull Threaded only
Typical torque 5–8 N·m (screw type) 1.3–1.5 N·m
Port density High (compact radios) Medium (fewer ports)
Mating cycles High, vendor dependent Medium-high, vendor dependent
In practice, 4.3-10 suits high-density LTE/5G panels, while N-Type fits well in medium-density, medium-power setups where durability and broad compatibility are more important than cramming as many ports as possible.

Power Handling & PIM Performance

When comparing 4.3-10 vs N connector, power and PIM are two factors engineers always check first. These numbers decide whether a site stays stable when carriers start stacking signals.

4.3-10 Connector

The 4.3-10 was specifically designed as a low PIM connector. With well-prepped cables and proper torque, it often hits ≤ -155 to -160 dBc, which is excellent for LTE and 5G sites where multiple carriers run on the same hardware. It can handle medium to high power—not at the kilowatt levels of a 7/16 DIN, but plenty for modern radios that typically output 40–100 W per port.

N-Type Connector

N connectors are medium-power performers. They can manage outdoor feeders, repeaters, and lab setups without breaking a sweat. Typical PIM levels are good, but they depend heavily on the build quality and installation practices. Many N connectors were never designed with today’s dense LTE/5G loads in mind, so unless you’re buying a certified low PIM N-Type, you may see higher intermodulation.

Quick Comparison

Metric 4.3-10 Connector N-Type Connector Field Note
Power Handling Medium-High (40–200 W) Medium (common RF loads) 7/16 DIN still wins for >1 kW
PIM (typical) ≤ –155 to –160 dBc Vendor-dependent, often higher Installation makes the difference
VSWR / Return Loss Excellent Excellent Both stable if cables are good
Field tip: PIM issues often come not from the connector itself but from under-tightening, dirty threads, or reused jumpers. I’ve seen sites where simply re-torquing the N connectors dropped the noise floor dramatically.

Outdoor Use & Weatherproofing

Both connectors can survive outdoors, but sealing practices differ.

4.3-10 Connector

Because the 4.3-10 is smaller, sealing must be meticulous. A thin layer of self-amalgamating tape, overlapped at least 50%, followed by heat-shrink tubing and a boot, ensures IP67 protection. Many vendors now ship pre-sealed jumpers where the boot is already molded to the cable—saves time and reduces the risk of sloppy fieldwork.

N-Type Connector

N connectors are rugged, and their larger size gives a bit more tolerance when wrapping and shrinking. They also achieve IP67 when sealed correctly, but don’t skip the basics—clean, tape, shrink, boot, and recheck after storms or seasonal shifts.

Weatherproofing Checklist

  1. Clean connector surfaces and threads.
  2. Verify O-rings are intact and lightly lubricated.
  3. Wrap self-amalgamating tape, overlapping by half width.
  4. Add heat-shrink tubing for UV protection.
  5. Use a boot or cap to block water entry.
  6. Recheck torque after first major weather cycle.

Cable Pairing & Attenuation Planning

Coax attenuation per 100 ft vs frequency for LMR400, LMR600 and RG393 at 900/1800/2400/3500 MHz (line chart)

Minimal line chart showing typical attenuation (dB/100 ft) versus frequency for three telecom coaxial cables—LMR400, LMR600, and RG393—at 900, 1800, 2400, and 3500 MHz. Helps plan feeder length and cable selection.

Coax Attenuation vs Frequency — LMR400 / LMR600 / RG393
A connector is only as good as the cable behind it. Choosing the right coax makes or breaks a link.

4.3-10 Connector Pairing

Most LTE/5G deployments pair 4.3-10 with LMR400 or LMR600. These cables balance loss and flexibility for rooftop runs. For short, in-cabinet jumpers, RG393 or equivalent low-loss flexible coax is common. The key is respecting bend radius: sharp bends near the 4.3-10 can spike VSWR even if the connector is flawless.

N-Type Connector Pairing

N connectors are seen everywhere from LMR400 feeders to RG-type jumpers. Because they’ve been around for decades, you’ll even find them on legacy cables in broadcast and microwave systems. They work well in medium-power runs, but remember: if you’re mixing old cable stock with new radios, double-check impedance (50 Ω vs 75 Ω) before you deploy.

Attenuation Snapshot

Frequency (MHz) Cable Type Loss / 100 ft Typical Use
900 LMR-400 ~3.9 dB Mid-length rooftop feeders
1800 LMR-600 ~4.4 dB Long feeder runs in macro sites
2400 RG-393 ~6.7 dB Cabinet jumpers
3500 LMR-600 ~6.8 dB 5G mid-band rooftop links
Field note: I’ve seen crews pull LMR400 through a tight ladder tray only to kink it at the bottom bend. On the analyzer, the connector looked guilty, but the real issue was the bend radius violation. Always secure cables with clamps to keep that smooth curve.

Adapters & Migration Paths

4.3-10 to N-Type adapter used for migration from legacy systems

The image highlights common 4.3-10 to N adapters, widely used in LTE-to-5G upgrades, enabling reuse of existing feeders while maintaining low PIM.

4.3-10 to N-Type Adapter
In real deployments, you rarely get a clean slate. New gear often has 4.3-10 ports, but the site may already be wired with N-Type jumpers. This is where adapters come in.

Common Adapter Types

  • 4.3-10 ↔ N-Type: By far the most common during LTE-to-5G upgrades.
  • Gender changers (M-M, F-F): Handy in labs but risky outdoors.
  • 50 Ω ↔ 75 Ω N-Type: Sometimes needed for video/telecom crossover, but impedance mismatch can cause serious reflections.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Save cost by reusing existing feeders; no need to rip out everything during migration.
  • Cons: Each adapter adds another junction, which means slight insertion loss and higher PIM risk.

Best Practices

  • Choose certified low PIM adapters.
  • Keep the adapter count to an absolute minimum—prefer direct runs.
  • Always torque to spec (5–8 N·m for 4.3-10 screw; ~1.5 N·m for N-Type).
  • Apply the same sealing steps as you would for a normal connector.

Adapter Map

Adapter Type Scenario Watch Out For
4.3-10 → N-Type Migration from old feeders to new radios Extra junction = PIM risk
4.3-10 M-M / F-F Lab testing or temporary patching Not for long-term installs
N-Type 50 Ω ↔ 75 Ω Broadcast vs telecom crossovers Impedance mismatch = reflection
Pro insight: I’ve walked onto rooftops where three adapters were daisy-chained just to “make it fit.” That’s a recipe for PIM. If you absolutely must adapt, use one certified adapter and document it for future maintenance.

Cost & Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

When choosing between 4.3-10 vs N connector, the sticker price is only half the story. What really matters is the total cost of ownership (TCO)—how much time you spend installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting over the lifespan of the site.

4.3-10 Connector

  • Unit price: Usually similar to or slightly higher than N connectors, depending on coupling type (screw, hand-screw, push-pull).
  • Install time: Faster. Push-pull and hand-screw versions cut down wrench work, which saves minutes per port. On a radio with 16 ports, that time adds up.
  • Maintenance: Easier in high-density racks. Less torque also means fewer stripped threads.
  • Lifecycle: Favored in LTE/5G rollouts where downtime penalties are high and speed is everything.

N-Type Connector

  • Unit price: Often lower, and widely available.
  • Install time: Simple, but each connector still requires threading and rechecking torque.
  • Maintenance: Durable, but bulkier in dense panels. Under-tightening is common if crews rush.
  • Lifecycle: Still strong in medium-power, cost-sensitive builds. Spare parts are everywhere, which lowers replacement cost.

TCO Snapshot

Factor 4.3-10 Connector N-Type Connector Field Note
Unit Price Medium-High Low-Medium Vendor & style dependent
Install Speed Fast (push-pull / hand-screw) Slower (threaded only) Adds up on multi-port radios
Maintenance Easy, fewer errors Robust but easy to under-torque Torque discipline matters
Spare Parts Readily available, newer Abundant worldwide, legacy N-Type spares are everywhere
Lifecycle Value Strong for LTE/5G Strong for legacy/medium-power Depends on site type
Anecdote: I’ve seen operators who chose N-Type purely on unit cost, only to lose far more in crew hours during retrofits. TCO always beats purchase price in the long run.

Buyer’s Decision Matrix

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a simplified way to make the call.
Decision matrix comparing 4.3-10 vs N-Type connectors for LTE/5G vs legacy systems

This decision matrix visually summarizes when to pick 4.3-10 for LTE/5G or N-Type for legacy, helping buyers and engineers plan upgrades.

4.3-10 vs N-Type Decision Matrix

Choose 4.3-10 if:

  • You’re building or upgrading LTE/5G networks.
  • Port density and rack/tower space are limiting factors.
  • You want low PIM connectors that can handle dense multi-carrier traffic.
  • Fast install/maintenance time is worth more than a few dollars saved per connector.

Choose N-Type if:

  • You’re maintaining or expanding legacy systems.
  • Power needs are moderate, not kilowatt-level.
  • Budget is tight and spare parts availability matters.
  • The environment is rugged but not ultra-high density.

Migration?

If your feeders are all N-Type but your new radios use 4.3-10, budget for a few 4.3-10 to N adapters—but limit them to transitional phases.

Buyer’s Checklist

  1. Define power level (medium vs high).
  2. Check frequency band and PIM targets.
  3. Evaluate site density—high-density radios = 4.3-10.
  4. Confirm torque/installation practices available to your crews.
  5. Plan for weather sealing regardless of connector type.
  6. Factor in lifecycle cost, not just upfront spend.

(Insert Image 10: Decision flow diagram—Power → Density → PIM Target → Torque/Tools → Final Choice: 4.3-10 or N-Type)

FAQs

Q1. What’s the main difference between 4.3-10 and N connector?

The 4.3-10 is compact, supports high port density, and was designed as a low PIM connector for LTE/5G. The N-Type is older, medium-power, threaded, and widely used in legacy and lab systems.

Q2. Is 4.3-10 better for 5G?

Yes. Its size, low PIM performance, and push-pull option make it the preferred choice for 5G radios and antennas.

Q3. Can I still use N-Type in modern networks?

Absolutely. For medium-power, cost-sensitive links, N-Type remains reliable. But if you’re deploying dense multi-carrier 5G radios, 4.3-10 is the smarter pick.

Q4. Do adapters increase PIM?

They can. Every adapter adds another junction. Always use certified low PIM adapters, torque correctly, and keep the adapter count as low as possible.

Q5. What torque values should I follow?

  • 4.3-10 Screw: ~5–8 N·m
  • N-Type: ~1.3–1.5 N·m
  • For hand-screw or push-pull 4.3-10, follow vendor guidelines.

Q6. Are both waterproof?

Yes, both can reach IP67 rating with proper sealing (tape, shrink, boots). The connector itself doesn’t guarantee waterproofing—the field sealing process does.

Q7. Is the N-Type part of the DIN coaxial connector family?

Yes, historically it’s considered one of the threaded DIN coaxial connectors, though in practice most people just call it “N connector.”

Conclusion

So, 4.3-10 vs N-Type—who wins?

  • For LTE and 5G networks, 4.3-10 is the clear choice. It saves space, reduces PIM, and speeds up installs.
  • For legacy and medium-power builds, N-Type still earns its keep. It’s cost-effective, durable, and easy to source worldwide.
  • During migration, you’ll likely need 4.3-10 to N adapters—but remember, fewer junctions mean fewer PIM headaches.

Both connectors have carved their niches. Knowing when to use each ensures your site runs cleaner, lasts longer, and costs less to maintain.

Explore Further

Your Project Toolbox

At TEJTE, we deliver certified low PIM 4.3-10 and N-Type connectors, plus weather-sealed jumpers for LTE/5G upgrades. If you’re migrating from N-Type to 4.3-10, ask us about one-box kits with adapters and cables tailored to your site.

Contact Us

+44 7480 917828

cc7480917828@gmail.com

Bonfon Office Building, Longgang District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China

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A China-based OEM/ODM RF communications supplier

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