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Belden vs Times Microwave vs CommScope: Coaxial Cable Brand Comparison
Belden vs Times Microwave vs CommScope: Which Coaxial Cable Brand for VSAT?
Published by Bravosatcom · VSAT Engineering Series
When specifying IFL (Inter-Facility Link) coaxial cable for a VSAT installation, you will encounter three major brands in the GCC and MENA market: Times Microwave, Belden, and CommScope. Each has a different heritage, product range, and target application. This guide compares them directly so you can make the right choice for your site.
Times Microwave Systems — The VSAT Standard
Times Microwave Systems (USA) invented the LMR cable series in the 1990s and remains the name most associated with professional IFL cable. LMR-400 is specified by name in satellite operator installation guides, VSAT integrator standards, and military procurement documents worldwide.
The LMR designation (Low-Loss, Maximum RF performance) describes a product line that runs from LMR-100 (thin, flexible) to LMR-900 (large diameter, very low loss). For VSAT IFL, LMR-400 and LMR-600 are the primary choices. Times Microwave cables are manufactured in Connecticut, USA, and are accompanied by full test documentation including attenuation and velocity factor reports by reel.
Key advantages of Times Microwave: the broadest product range; the best available technical documentation; global distribution network; approved by most satellite operators and equipment manufacturers by name; 25-year track record in VSAT installations.
Belden — Broadest Distribution Network
Belden (USA/Germany) is a large industrial cable manufacturer with a range that covers virtually every cable type. Their VSAT-relevant products include the 9913F7, 9913 series, and various RG-style cables. Belden cables are widely available through distributor networks in MENA and are often easier to source locally than Times Microwave.
The Belden 9913F7 is the closest equivalent to LMR-400: it has a foam PE dielectric, bonded foil plus braid shield, and black UV-resistant PE jacket. Attenuation is slightly higher than LMR-400 by approximately 5–7% at L-band frequencies, which is within acceptable range for most VSAT installations. Belden provides cable test data by reel on request, though access is less standardized than Times Microwave.
Key advantages of Belden: wider local availability; competitive pricing; good documentation; familiar brand to general electrical contractors. The main caveat is that Belden’s direct-burial options are limited, and some regional distributors carry Belden-branded cables that are actually manufactured by OEMs to varying quality standards.
CommScope — Engineered for Harsh Environments
CommScope (USA) is primarily known for structured cabling and cellular infrastructure. Their VSAT-relevant product is the FSJ series (FlexWave Super Jumper), specifically FSJ4-50B and FSJ2-50B. These cables use a corrugated copper outer conductor rather than a braid shield, which provides superior shielding effectiveness and better power handling, at the cost of significantly higher price and the requirement for specialized installation tooling.
CommScope FSJ cable is typically specified for hub-site installations, teleports, and harsh-environment applications (offshore platforms, military installations) where the rigid construction and superior shielding are worth the cost premium. For standard remote terminal VSAT sites, CommScope FSJ is over-specified and the connector tooling cost alone (proprietary EIA flange connectors) makes it impractical.
Attenuation Comparison
Feature and Specification Comparison
Which Brand to Choose?
Practical Recommendations
For most VSAT installations in the GCC and MENA region:
- Use Times Microwave LMR-400 as your default IFL cable. It is the industry standard, widely approved by satellite operators, and supported by full documentation.
- If Times Microwave is unavailable or lead times are unacceptable, Belden 9913F7 is a viable substitute. Request a cable test report for the specific production reel you are receiving.
- Use CommScope FSJ4-50B only for hub sites, teleports, or installations where the shielding performance or physical robustness of the corrugated outer conductor is specifically required.
- Never accept a generic "LMR-400 equivalent" without verifying the actual manufacturer and reviewing a datasheet with actual measured specifications — not just "meets LMR-400 specs" marketing language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix Times Microwave and Belden cable in the same IFL run?
Technically yes — both are 50-ohm and the same connector types are used. However, you will have two different attenuation figures to calculate (one for each cable section), and any warranty or operator approval that covers the IFL cable by brand (e.g., "Times Microwave LMR-400 only") may be voided. Keep IFL runs to a single cable type where possible.
Is the Belden 9913 the same as Belden 9913F7?
No. The 9913 uses a different construction (solid dielectric) and has higher attenuation. The 9913F7 uses a foamed PE dielectric and is the LMR-400-class product. Always verify the specific Belden part number. The "F7" suffix is critical — many distributors incorrectly substitute 9913 for 9913F7.
Does CommScope FSJ cable use standard N-type connectors?
No. CommScope FSJ cables use proprietary connector interfaces (typically 4.1/9.5 or EIA flanges), not field-crimpable N-type connectors. Installation requires CommScope-specific tooling and factory-terminated assemblies. This is a significant practical barrier for field installations where cable lengths need to be custom-cut on-site.
How do I verify whether cable I received meets specification?
The quickest field check is to measure the cable’s DC resistance (should be approximately 4.3 ohm/100m for LMR-400 center conductor) and compare it to the published value. For RF performance, connect a vector network analyzer or cable analyzer and measure insertion loss at 1.5 GHz and 2.1 GHz; compare to the published attenuation per metre. If you lack test equipment, request the factory test report for the specific cable reel serial number from the distributor.
Sourcing VSAT IFL Cable in the GCC?
Bravosatcom stocks Times Microwave LMR-400 and LMR-600, cut to length with N-type connectors, for immediate delivery across the UAE and MENA region.