What is Coax Cable Internet?

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Now more than ever, businesses rely on the internet for their external and internal operations, from reaching out to a client to shipping out large orders. The last thing you need is an outage or slow upload times. So, to ensure all operations run smoothly, consider coax cable internet as a business access solution. 

What is Coax?

Coax, short for coaxial, is a type of cable used to transmit data, the internet, video and voice communications. A coax cable is made up of an aluminum and copper shield with an outer plastic jacket (see below) with the dielectric insulator helping to minimize signal loss. 

coax cable diagram

Coax’s shielded design allows the cable’s copper core to transmit information quickly, without interference or damage from external factors.

Coax has three common cable sizes:

RG-6

RG-11

RG-59

Note that RG is short for radio guide — although the cables might be referred to as RF or radio frequency cables. The numbers to the right refer to the different diameters of the cable with RG-6 at 6.1mm, RG-59 at 6.1mm and RG-11 at 7.11mm. 

Throughout the years, coax has been used in a variety of ways, including as telephone trunk lines, computer data busses and even to carry television signals. These days, coax is commonly used for internet connection, and is heavily used in multi-tenant buildings. 

Coax Cable for Internet 

With the same reliability and speed that allows coax to effectively transmit voice and television signals, it’s also been a service many businesses depend on for internet access.  

Coax cable internet is a common cable connection many providers use. The way coax internet works is by sending a data signal through your coax cable to the modem at your location. The modem’s Ethernet connection to your computer is what transmits that data, giving you high-speed internet access. 

Coax vs. Fiber Internet: What’s Better?

Many businesses stand divided when choosing whether fiber and coax internet is best for them. We’ve helped make it easier with this infographic below:

Benefits of Coax Cable Internet

Value

With coax, you can get higher bandwidth speeds at a lower cost when compared to more traditional network solutions like T1s.

Availability

Coax is a heavily saturated network that exists in many multi-tenant buildings. Depending on availability in your specific location, installation can be quick and seamless.   

Speed

One unique feature of coax is its asymmetric speeds, meaning that uploading speeds are much faster than downloading speeds.

Coax For Your Business

When choosing an access solution for your business, be sure to identify your needs and expectations for speed, bandwidth and functionality. 

One of the best businesses uses of the internet is for accessing cloud voice and collaboration services, frequently referred to as VoIP, or voice over internet protocol. This allows organizations to make and receive calls over the internet, rather than over a traditional landline.