Neutrik NE8FDP-B etherCON CAT5e RJ45 Feedthrough – Black D-Shape
Build professional network connections into racks, stage boxes, patch panels and production infrastructure with the Neutrik NE8FDP-B etherCON CAT5e RJ45 Feedthrough Receptacle.
The NE8FDP-B combines a rugged black KTL-coated zinc die-cast D-shape housing with a female RJ45 feedthrough connection, providing a durable professional interface for Ethernet, digital audio, lighting-control, video and other compatible data-network applications.
Part of Neutrik’s professional etherCON D-Series, the NE8FDP-B is designed specifically for panel-mounted entertainment and installation environments where ordinary exposed RJ45 sockets may not provide the mechanical protection expected from touring and production systems.
Key features include:
- CAT5e transmission performance
- Female RJ45 feedthrough
- Compatible with Neutrik NE8MC* etherCON cable carriers
- Accepts standard RJ45 plugs
- PoE Type 4 Class 8 up to 100 W
- Standard Neutrik D-shape housing
- Front or rear panel mounting
- Latch-lock connection
- Black metal flange
- Gold-plated bronze contacts
- More than 1,000 mating cycles
- Mounting screws included
The NE8FDP-B is particularly suitable for:
- Digital audio networks
- Lighting networks
- Professional Ethernet
- AV-over-network systems
- Theatre infrastructure
- Touring racks
- Stage boxes
- Broadcast systems
- Film and television production
- Equipment-hire inventory
- Corporate AV
- Permanent installations
Professional etherCON D-Series Network Connector
The NE8FDP-B belongs to Neutrik’s etherCON Series, a ruggedised RJ45 connector system developed for professional audio, video, lighting and data-network applications.
Standard RJ45 connectors are widely used for Ethernet but were originally designed primarily around office, computer and fixed-network environments.
Professional entertainment applications can expose network connections to:
- Repeated plugging and unplugging
- Touring
- Road cases
- Stage handling
- Equipment movement
- Temporary installations
- Tight rack environments
Neutrik’s etherCON system places the familiar RJ45 interface inside a more rugged professional connector format.
CAT5e Network Performance
Neutrik specifies the NE8FDP-B for:
CAT5e transmission performance
according to:
TIA/EIA 568A/B
and:
ISO/IEC 11801
component specifications.
The connector also has a specified frequency range from:
1 MHz to 100 MHz
This makes it suitable for professional CAT5e network infrastructure when combined with compatible CAT5e cabling and equipment.
The performance of the complete network still depends on:
- Cable category
- Cable length
- Cable termination
- Patch cables
- Other connectors
- Network switches
- Connected equipment
The system should always be considered as a complete channel rather than judging network performance from one connector alone.
Suitable for Gigabit Ethernet Applications
CAT5e infrastructure is commonly used for 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet when the complete installed link meets the relevant network requirements.
This makes the NE8FDP-B relevant to professional entertainment networks used for:
- Digital audio
- Lighting control
- Show control
- AV systems
- Equipment management
- Control networks
- Production data
Actual network speed depends on the complete system.
Installing a CAT5e feedthrough does not automatically guarantee Gigabit operation if another cable, connector or device in the path does not meet the required specification.
PoE Type 4 Class 8 – Up to 100 W
One of the strongest current specifications for the NE8FDP-B is its support for:
Power over Ethernet Type 4 Class 8 – up to 100 W
according to:
IEEE 802.3bt
This makes the connector suitable for compatible high-power PoE network applications where both data and electrical power are carried through the Ethernet connection.
Potential professional PoE applications may include compatible:
- Network switches
- Access points
- Control devices
- Network endpoints
- AV-over-IP equipment
- Lighting-network hardware
- Intercom systems
- Cameras
- Production-network equipment
PoE capability depends on the complete network path.
All cables, patching components and connected devices must support the required PoE class and electrical load.
Digital Audio Networks
Ethernet has become fundamental across modern professional audio systems.
Potential applications include networks carrying protocols and systems such as:
- Dante
- AES67
- AVB-compatible infrastructure
- Digital-console networking
- Stage-box networks
- Amplifier control
- DSP control
- System management
The NE8FDP-B provides a rugged professional panel interface for compatible Ethernet-based audio networks.
Always confirm the requirements of the specific protocol and equipment.
Dante Network Infrastructure
Dante systems commonly use standard Ethernet infrastructure.
The NE8FDP-B can provide a professional CAT5e panel feedthrough within Dante-capable systems where the complete network design meets Dante and Ethernet requirements.
Potential applications include:
- Digital consoles
- Stage boxes
- DSP systems
- Amplifiers
- Wireless systems
- Recording interfaces
- Network switches
For touring systems, presenting network connections through a rugged panel can also help protect expensive switch or console ports from repeated direct handling.
Lighting Networks
Modern entertainment lighting increasingly uses Ethernet for:
- Art-Net
- sACN
- Console networking
- Node connections
- Fixture management
- System control
- Network configuration
The NE8FDP-B can therefore be integrated into lighting:
- Racks
- Nodes
- Stage boxes
- Control panels
- Touring systems
- Permanent installations
It provides a familiar professional D-shape interface alongside XLR, DMX and other stage connectors.
Art-Net and sACN Systems
Protocols such as Art-Net and sACN operate over Ethernet networks.
A CAT5e-rated feedthrough such as the NE8FDP-B can form part of these systems where:
- Cabling is appropriate
- Network switches are suitable
- Overall network topology is correctly designed
The feedthrough itself does not interpret or convert lighting protocols.
It simply provides the physical Ethernet connection through the panel.
Professional Video and AV Networks
Ethernet networking is increasingly important across professional video and AV systems.
Potential applications include:
- AV-over-IP
- Control networks
- Video processors
- Display systems
- LED processors
- Streaming hardware
- Presentation systems
- Production-management networks
The rugged panel-mounted design makes the NE8FDP-B particularly useful in touring and temporary AV systems.
Female RJ45 Feedthrough
The NE8FDP-B is a feedthrough connection, meaning network cabling can plug into both sides of the panel connector.
This avoids the need for:
- IDC termination
- Soldering
- Punch-down wiring
- Permanent cable termination at the panel
A typical system might be:
Network Equipment → RJ45 Cable → NE8FDP-B → RJ45 / etherCON Cable → Production Equipment
This makes installation, replacement and troubleshooting straightforward.
Accepts Standard RJ45 Plugs
One of the practical advantages of the NE8FDP-B is that it accommodates:
- Compatible Neutrik NE8MC* etherCON cable connectors
- Standard RJ45 plugs
This gives technicians flexibility when integrating professional etherCON cabling with conventional Ethernet patch cables.
For example, the front of a rack can use a rugged etherCON cable connection while a standard RJ45 patch cable connects the rear of the feedthrough to a network switch inside the rack.
Rugged etherCON Front Interface
When used with a compatible Neutrik etherCON cable connector, the front panel connection gains the mechanical advantages of the etherCON format.
The outer shell helps protect the RJ45 interface against the handling encountered in professional environments.
This is particularly useful for:
- Touring
- Theatre
- Equipment hire
- Festivals
- Broadcast
- Production companies
- Temporary AV
The internal RJ45 remains responsible for the actual data connection, while the etherCON outer shell provides the ruggedised professional interface.
Latch-Lock System
Neutrik specifies an approved latch-lock system for the NE8FDP-B.
This provides positive mechanical engagement with compatible etherCON cable hardware.
A professional locking connection can help reduce unintended disconnection where cables may experience movement around:
- Stages
- Racks
- Production areas
- Touring equipment
Standard RJ45 plugs can also be used where the full etherCON locking interface is not required.
Standard D-Shape Chassis
The NE8FDP-B uses Neutrik’s standard D-shape chassis format.
This is particularly useful in the entertainment industry because many professional Neutrik connector families use the same general mounting footprint.
A custom panel may therefore contain:
- etherCON
- XLR
- HDMI
- USB
- speakON
- Audio connectors
- Other D-shape interfaces
within one visually consistent professional panel.
Front or Rear Panel Mounting
Neutrik specifies the NE8FDP-B as:
Mountable from the front or rear of the panel
with a maximum panel thickness of:
4mm
This provides flexibility when designing:
- Rack panels
- Stage boxes
- Wall plates
- Custom road cases
- AV panels
- Broadcast infrastructure
Always refer to the current Neutrik dimensional drawing when manufacturing precision panels.
Mounting Screws Included
The NE8FDP-B is supplied with the appropriate mounting screws included.
This is a useful distinction within the broader etherCON family because not every chassis variant necessarily includes mounting hardware.
Black KTL-Coated Metal Housing
Neutrik specifies:
Shell Material: Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1
with:
Shell Plating: Black KTL
The metal housing provides a rugged mounting interface for professional panels.
The black finish is particularly suited to:
- Black rack panels
- Road cases
- Touring systems
- Stage boxes
- AV racks
- Broadcast infrastructure
where dark connector hardware is preferred.
Gold-Plated Bronze Contacts
Neutrik specifies:
Contact Material: Bronze CuSn8
with:
Contact Plating: 0.2 µm gold over nickel**
The plated contact system forms the RJ45 data interface.
Professional network connectors should remain clean and protected from:
- Contamination
- Mechanical damage
- Moisture
- Bent contacts
A damaged RJ45 contact system can result in:
- Intermittent networking
- Reduced link speed
- Packet loss
- PoE problems
- Complete connection failure
Contact Resistance
Neutrik specifies:
Contact Resistance: <50 mΩ
for the NE8FDP-B.
The connector is also specified with:
Insulation Resistance: >0.5 GΩ
and:
Dielectric Strength: 1 kV DC
These form part of the connector’s published electrical specification.
1.5 A per Contact
Neutrik specifies:
Rated Current per Contact: 1.5 A
with:
Rated Voltage: ≤57 V
These ratings support the connector’s current PoE Type 4 Class 8 capability when used within a compliant IEEE 802.3bt system.
They should not be interpreted as approval for unrelated electrical power applications.
The NE8FDP-B is a network-data connector, not a general-purpose power connector.
More Than 1,000 Mating Cycles
Neutrik specifies a mechanical lifetime of:
More than 1,000 mating cycles
for the NE8FDP-B.
This makes it well suited to production systems where network connections may be repeatedly patched during:
- Touring
- Theatre
- Equipment hire
- Festivals
- Broadcast
- AV
- Production
Actual service life will also depend on cable connectors, cleanliness, handling and mechanical loading.
Theatre Network Infrastructure
Modern theatres increasingly rely on Ethernet across:
- Audio
- Lighting
- Video
- Show control
- Equipment management
The NE8FDP-B allows those connections to be incorporated into familiar professional stage and rack panels.
Potential uses include:
- Control rooms
- Stage connection boxes
- Audio racks
- Lighting racks
- Technical patch panels
- Touring interfaces
Concert Touring
Touring systems may contain extensive Ethernet infrastructure for:
- Audio networking
- Lighting control
- Playback
- System control
- RF coordination
- Equipment management
- Video
Bringing network connections onto rugged rack panels can simplify bump-in and reduce repeated direct handling of expensive network equipment.
The NE8FDP-B is particularly well suited to these professional rack systems.
Protect Network Switch Ports
One practical use of a panel feedthrough is protecting ports on expensive network switches and production equipment.
Instead of plugging a touring network cable directly into a switch inside the rack every day, the switch can remain connected to the rear of the NE8FDP-B.
The touring connection then occurs at the replaceable front-panel connector.
This can reduce wear on equipment including:
- Network switches
- Consoles
- DSP systems
- Computers
- Media servers
- Lighting nodes
If the panel connector is eventually damaged, replacement may be far easier than repairing the Ethernet port on expensive equipment.
Stage Boxes
The D-shape format makes the NE8FDP-B a natural component for custom stage boxes.
A professional production stage box may combine:
- XLR audio
- DMX
- etherCON
- HDMI
- USB
- Other data connections
within one rugged enclosure.
This can simplify stage cabling and provide a consistent connection interface for touring technicians.
Broadcast
Broadcast infrastructure relies heavily on Ethernet.
The NE8FDP-B can be used within:
- Studio panels
- Production racks
- Outside broadcast
- Equipment interfaces
- Control systems
- Audio networks
- Video-support networks
The rugged metal D-shape format is particularly suited to professionally engineered panels.
Film and Television
Film and television production increasingly relies on Ethernet for:
- Audio networking
- Lighting control
- Production data
- Monitoring
- Equipment control
- AV systems
The NE8FDP-B can provide a rugged interface within:
- Production racks
- Location cases
- Lighting systems
- Broadcast equipment
- Studio infrastructure
Corporate AV
Professional AV systems commonly rely on Ethernet across:
- Audio
- Video
- Control
- Presentation
- Equipment management
Potential NE8FDP-B applications include:
- AV racks
- Lecterns
- Conference systems
- Breakout boxes
- Presentation racks
- Control-room panels
Exhibitions
Exhibition and installation systems may use Ethernet for:
- Displays
- Lighting
- Control
- Interactive systems
- Audio
- Digital signage
A D-shape network feedthrough provides a clean serviceable interface while keeping network hardware protected inside the installation.
Schools and Performing Arts Centres
Schools and performing arts facilities increasingly use networked technology including:
- Digital audio
- Lighting networks
- AV systems
- Recording
- Streaming
- Control systems
The NE8FDP-B can form part of professionally built:
- Theatre panels
- Auditorium systems
- Recording facilities
- Technical training environments
- AV racks
Equipment-Hire Companies
The NE8FDP-B is particularly relevant to hire companies building:
- Touring network racks
- Audio racks
- Lighting systems
- AV interfaces
- Stage boxes
- Breakout panels
Standardising D-shape infrastructure can make panels easier to build, service and replace across an equipment fleet.
PoE Applications
PoE allows compatible network equipment to receive both:
- Data
- Electrical power
through the Ethernet cable.
Because the NE8FDP-B supports IEEE 802.3bt PoE Type 4 Class 8 up to 100 W, it can form part of compatible professional PoE systems.
However, every component in the path needs to support the required load.
Using one PoE-rated connector cannot compensate for:
- Underspecified cable
- Poor terminations
- Unsupported patch panels
- Incompatible network equipment
CAT5e – Not Neutrik CAT6 etherCON
This is an important distinction.
The NE8FDP-B is a:
CAT5e etherCON D-Series feedthrough.
Neutrik specifically warns:
It does not intermate with the CAT6 cable connector NE8MC6-MO or NKE6S cables.*
Neutrik’s CAT6 etherCON system uses different connector hardware.
Customers requiring Neutrik CAT6 infrastructure should select the corresponding CAT6 connector family rather than assuming every etherCON component is mechanically interchangeable.
Do Not Advertise as CAT6
Although standard networking practice sometimes uses CAT6 patch leads with CAT5e-rated interfaces, the NE8FDP-B itself is officially specified by Neutrik as CAT5e.
It should therefore not be listed as:
- CAT6
- CAT6A
- CAT7
- CAT8
Its product specification should remain:
CAT5e
The network channel will ultimately perform according to the lowest-rated component.
Standard RJ45 vs etherCON
It is useful to understand that etherCON does not replace the RJ45 electrical interface with a different data protocol.
The internal networking connection remains RJ45.
etherCON adds a rugged outer professional housing and locking arrangement around that RJ45 interface.
This provides the familiarity of Ethernet with mechanical protection better suited to entertainment-industry use.
Environmental Protection
The standard NE8FDP-B should not be confused with the NE8FDP-B-TOP version.
The standard NE8FDP-B does not carry the same published IP65 environmental rating.
For applications requiring sealed weather-resistant network connections, Neutrik offers dedicated etherCON TOP products and sealing accessories.
The standard NE8FDP-B should therefore not be advertised simply as:
- IP65
- Waterproof
- Weatherproof
unless it has been converted or configured with the appropriate Neutrik environmental protection components according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
etherCON TOP Upgrade Option
Neutrik lists the SE8FD-TOP assembly kit as an accessory for converting compatible D-Series etherCON connectors into TOP versions.
Neutrik also offers the factory-configured:
NE8FDP-B-TOP
for installations specifically requiring IP65 performance and UV-resistant materials.
For outdoor entertainment applications, these dedicated environmental-protection options may be more appropriate than an unprotected standard NE8FDP-B.
Operating Temperature
Neutrik specifies:
Temperature Range: -30°C to +80°C
for the NE8FDP-B.
The complete network may have narrower temperature requirements depending on:
- Cable
- Network equipment
- Switches
- Connected devices
- Installation conditions
Always consider the complete system.
UL94 V-0 Flammability
Neutrik specifies:
Flammability: UL94 V-0
for the NE8FDP-B materials.
This forms part of its professional component specification.
Installation Considerations
When installing the NE8FDP-B:
- Use the standard Neutrik D-shape panel cut-out.
- Choose front or rear mounting according to the panel design.
- Keep panel thickness within the maximum 4mm specification.
- Secure the receptacle using the supplied mounting screws.
- Use appropriate CAT5e or better network cable according to the complete system design.
- Connect a compatible NE8MC* etherCON cable connector or standard RJ45 plug.
- Support rear network cabling so excessive cable weight is not carried by the feedthrough.
- Do not force incompatible CAT6 etherCON hardware into the connector.
- Confirm PoE requirements where powered devices are used.
- Test the complete network link before production.
Product Specifications
Brand: Neutrik
Model: NE8FDP-B
Product Family: etherCON D-Series
Product Type: RJ45 feedthrough receptacle
Gender: Female
Wiring: Feedthrough
Network Category: CAT5e
Frequency Range: 1–100 MHz
PoE: IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 Class 8 – up to 100 W
Rated Current: 1.5 A per contact
Rated Voltage: ≤57 V
Contact Resistance: <50 mΩ
Insulation Resistance: >0.5 GΩ
Dielectric Strength: 1 kV DC
Locking System: Latch lock
Chassis: Standard D-shape
Mounting: Front or rear
Maximum Panel Thickness: 4mm
Mechanical Life: >1,000 mating cycles
Contact Material: Bronze CuSn8
Contact Plating: 0.2 µm gold over nickel
Insert Material: PBTP 15% glass reinforced
Housing: Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1
Housing Finish: Black KTL
Flammability: UL94 V-0
Temperature Range: -30°C to +80°C
Mounting Screws: Included
Compatibility: NE8MC* etherCON cable connectors and standard RJ45 plugs
Important: Does not intermate with Neutrik NE8MC6-MO CAT6 cable connectors or NKE6S* cables
Why Choose the Neutrik NE8FDP-B?
Choose the NE8FDP-B where professional network infrastructure requires:
- Genuine Neutrik etherCON
- CAT5e network performance
- Rugged RJ45 panel connection
- PoE Type 4 Class 8 up to 100 W
- Standard D-shape mounting
- Front or rear panel installation
- Metal black housing
- Latch-lock system
- Compatibility with standard RJ45 plugs
- Compatibility with NE8MC* etherCON connectors
- More than 1,000 mating cycles
- Professional entertainment-industry construction
It is an excellent choice for audio, lighting, video and AV network panels where standard exposed RJ45 connections would benefit from a more robust professional mounting system.
Why Buy Neutrik NE8FDP-B from GigLife?
GigLife supplies professional connectors, adaptors, cables, tapes, consumables and technical accessories specifically for the entertainment and production industries.
With more than 25 years of hands-on live entertainment industry experience, GigLife understands how network infrastructure has become central to modern audio, lighting, video and show-control systems—and why rugged, serviceable connection panels matter in real production environments.
Products are selected by people who work in production and understand the requirements of:
- Audio professionals
- Lighting technicians
- AV technicians
- Theatre technicians
- Touring crews
- Production companies
- Film and television departments
- Broadcast facilities
- Festivals
- Schools and performing arts centres
- Conference venues
- Exhibition contractors
- Equipment-hire businesses
Whether you are building a Dante rack, lighting network panel, AV stage box, touring system or theatre infrastructure, GigLife supplies genuine professional components selected by people who understand the job.
Orders are dispatched from Brisbane, with Australia-wide shipping available.
GigLife is proudly by the professionals… for the professionals.
