What does coaxial cable look like?

How coaxial cables are constructed

Before we understand how coaxial cables work, you need to know how they are constructed.

As can be seen from the above figure, there are mainly four parts:

1. Core

2. Dielectric insulators

3. Shield

4. Jacket (rubber packing)

At the core, coaxial cables consist of a single copper wire or copper-plated steel wire. It carries high frequency signals. A dielectric insulator, usually made of plastic, surrounds the wire. It maintains a constant distance between the center conductor and the next layer.

A metal shield made of braided copper, aluminum, or other material wraps the insulator. It eliminates external electromagnetic interference. The final layer is a rubber wrap or jacket that insulates the entire configuration.

Outdoor-grade cables require additional insulation and special jackets to protect the wires from sunlight and moisture.