What is coaxial cable and how is it used?

Coaxial cable is commonly used by cable operators, telephone companies, and Internet providers around the world to carry data, video, and voice communications to customers. It has also been widely used in homes.

Coaxial cable has been around as a technology for a long time (since the early 20th century) and has many unique advantages for reliable, accurate transmission.

It also has limitations, in some cases being replaced by fiber optic cables, category cables, or sometimes wireless signals.

The key to the success of coaxial cable is its shielding design, which allows the copper core of the cable to transmit data quickly without being disturbed or damaged by environmental factors.

The two most common cable sizes are RG-6 and RG-11:

RG stands for "Radio Rating" and they are also called RF cables, which stands for "Radio Frequency".

RG-6 cable is used for drops shorter than 150 feet.

RG-11 cable is used for longer drops due to improved performance over lengths over 150 feet.

Broadband cables used in homes have an impedance of 75 ohms.

What is coaxial cable?

A coaxial cable is a cable that has an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating layer, surrounded by a conductive shield (outer conductor) and a protective outer jacket. The diagram below illustrates the structure of a typical cable. Electrical signals flow on the center conductor.

Center Conductor Bonding - Clean Release Polymer is used to stop moisture migration.

Dielectric - Polyethylene, closed cell foam with high VP provides mechanical stability.

The first outer conductor - an aluminum polymer aluminum tape firmly bonded to the dielectric.

Second Outer Conductor - 34 or 36 AWG Aluminum Braid

Third Outer Conductor - Additional aluminum polymer aluminum tape is used in triple and quad shield constructions to further enhance high frequency shield isolation before and after bending.

Fourth Outer Conductor (Optional) - Use additional 34 or 36 AWG aluminum braid in quad shield construction to further improve LF shield isolation in extreme RF noise environments.

Indoor and Overhead - A non-drip material designed to prevent corrosion of the metal parts of the cable.

Underground - A mobile compound that prevents moisture migration.

Corrosion protection agent

Jacket - UV stabilized outer jacket of polyethylene (PE) or flame retardant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to protect the cores for the life of the cable.

Integral Messenger - A galvanized carbon steel wire support member that is attached to the cable with a detachable mesh.

Which is better: coaxial cable or fiber optic cable?

Both types of cables can be used to carry video, audio, and other forms of data, and both can give you distinct advantages and disadvantages when setting up your network.

Deciding which is best for your situation depends on the distance of your connection and the amount of data you will be sending. Fiber optic cables can carry signals for miles before repeaters are needed. Signal loss is higher in coaxial cable, so it should be used for shorter distances. Fiber optic cables carry much more information and are more expensive. Fiber optic cables are used less frequently than coaxial cables in residential and consumer environments, but fiber optic networks continue to grow in networks around the world.

Coaxial cables are easy to install and very durable. Because fiber optic cables have higher and faster data transfer speeds than coaxial cables, they are best used in professional networks or multi-dwelling units (MDUs), such as those in business parks, universities, or apartment complexes. If you're working on a home installation or a medium-capacity data transfer network, most people will opt for a coax installation.

Regarding the cost of fiber optic vs. coaxial cable, fiber optic generally has a higher upfront cost and longer service life. Once installed, fiber-optic dedicated internet access will also cost more than a shared wired internet connection. It's important to weigh your options before making this critical decision that will impact your network service for the foreseeable future.