Network Terminating Unit
NTE 5 Master Sockets and VDSL Face Plates
The NTE5 is a network terminating point used in the UK.  It connects to incoming and outgoing copper wiring.

These units also act as a demarcation point and provide a method of isolating the customers wiring.


NTE 5A
This socket allows the customer wiring to be kept separate from the PSTN.  The incoming PSTN wires are terminated on screw contacts with the provision to fit a 3 pole GDT over-voltage protection device.

Customer equipment equipment can be connected either via the Line Jack or by hard wiring onto IDC contacts fitted inside the faceplate.

Removal of the face plate exposes a socket which is used for testing the carriers line.  This provides for a clear demarcation point between network and customer wiring. 

Can be surface mounted (with back box) or flush mounted.

Accommodates a single copper telephone line.

NTE5A

 

NTE 5B
The NTE 5B has the same function as the NTE 5A but does not have the Line Jack outlet in the faceplate.  The face plate is just used as a connection for the customer wiring.
 
This NTE was a "secure" version of the NTE 5A and was typically used for payphones or lines at secure locations.

Replaced by the NTE 5C Secure.
 
 
NTE5B
 
 
NTE 5C Mark 1
The NTE No. 5C replaces the NTE No. 5A.  This socket is shaped differently to the older NTE5 sockets in so much as the front is curved in shape.  The front plate is removable without tools and this is done by pressing the clips on either side of the plate.

Wiring connection is by "Cam Locks" which are colour coded.  The ‘Network’ connectors are RED and the ‘Home’ wiring connectors are BLUE.  No tools are required for the connection.

The Mark 1 can be identified by the blue "Cam Lock" cover.

The home wiring is no longer connected to the faceplate, which again makes it even easier to swap according to the service being installed.


NTE 5C Mark 2
An updated version of the NTE 5C.  It can be identified by the "Cam Lock" covers being clear.  Facilitates easy testing of the BT line by removal of the front lower faceplate to reveal another socket, known as the "test socket".

Uses a 2 wire "Cam Lock" connector on the rear connect to the incoming phone line and three wire "Cam Lock" connector on the front to allow the user to connect internal telephone extension wiring.

It is supplied as two pieces (rear plate with test socket, incoming line & extension connectors and front lower plate equipped with BT socket).   The socket can be flush mounted to a standard single gang back box.

The VDSL face plate Mark 4 and G.fast plate can be fitted in place of the supplied front plate.

Dimensions (L) 85mm x (W) 85mm x (H) 35.5mm.

 

VDSL Face Plate Mark 1
The VDSL unit fits onto a NTE5A socket and uses the original sockets front plate.  Very simple vDSL filtering is available on this NTE. 

VDSL Mark 1

 

VDSL Faceplate Mark 2
This is a VDSL/ADSL Interstitial faceplate (VDSL iPlate) filter for super fast VDSL services. It is designed to plug into a standard NTE5A telephone master socket and no rewiring is required as the faceplate fits between the existing NTE5 front lower faceplate and the rear of the NTE5 socket. Centralised VDSL filtering is then provided negating the need for plug in microfilters with an RJ45/RJ11 socket providing the connection for a modem/router. Alternatively, provision is made for a hard wired connection to the modem via a two way IDC connector on the front (circled below). This faceplate is backwards compatible with all ADSL services. This faceplate features an RF filter for line stability (a filter for small Repetitive Electrical Impulse Noise - REIN) & features differential and common mode filtering performances past 30Mhz. The Mk2 version has a less aggressive REIN filter than the Mk3, ideal for stable lines.


 

VDSL Faceplate Mark 3
This Faceplate has a micro filter inside, essentially the same as the external micro filters normally fitted for phones etc.  The plate contains two separate sockets arranged vertically.

 

 
VDSL Faceplate Mark 4
This design requires no specialist tools to install - the faceplate clips to the master socket & all wiring connections are via cam lock connectors so no IDC tool is required (tool-less IDC connectors). Centralised VDSL & ADSL filtering is then provided negating the need for plug in microfilters with an RJ45/RJ11 socket providing the connection for a modem/router & a filtered telephone socket for telephones etc. Alternatively, provision is made for a hard wired connection to the modem/router via a two way cam lock tool-less IDC connector on the rear (circled below). This faceplate retains an RF filter for line stability (a filter for small Repetitive Electrical Impulse Noise - REIN).  This faceplate contains two separate sockets arranged horizontally.

This faceplate will work with ADSL, ADSL2, VDSL, VDSL2 & G.fast.

Dimensions (L) 85mm x (W) 85mm x (H) 39mm

 

G. Fast Faceplate
NGA FVA Voice Plate supplied with NTE5C backplate (replaces NGA FVA Voice IPlate)


 

 
 
 
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Last revised: June 06, 2026

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