Coaxial Cable Guide: Types, Applications, and Buying Tips
What is Coaxial Cable?
Coaxial cables are a type of electrical transmission line, designed to carry high radio frequency (RF) signals from one device to another with low loss. They are available in different lengths and sizes to suit various applications. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about coaxial cables.
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In this Guide:
- What Does a Coaxial Cable Look Like?
- How Does Coaxial Cable Work?
- What is Coaxial Cable Used For?
- What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Coaxial Cable?
- What Are the Different Types of Coaxial Cables?
- What Things Should I Consider Before Buying Coaxial Cable?
- Best Coaxial Cable
- FAQs
What Does A Coaxial Cable Look Like?
A coaxial cable has a smooth rounded shape with metal connectors at each end. It’s composed of four key elements:
- Center Conductor/Core: Usually a single copper or copper-coated steel wire responsible for carrying RF signals.
- Dielectric Insulator: Surrounds the core and keeps a consistent distance between the center conductor and the next layer. It's often made of plastic.
- Braided Shield: Wraps around the insulator, usually made of woven copper, aluminum, or other metals. It cancels out external electromagnetic interference. Some cables feature multiple layers of shielding for enhanced protection.
- Jacket (Rubber Wrapper): Encapsulates and shields all components. Its rating (more on this later) indicates where the cable can be installed.
How Does Coaxial Cable Work?
Coaxial cables transmit signals through the center conductor. To ensure quality signal travels the length of the cable a metal shield is needed. Both components receive a current simultaneously, generating a magnetic field. This allows the signal to remain intact and not bleed out like it would without the shield.
The metal shield also helps protect the signal from electromagnetic interference. Thus, coax can be placed near other electronic equipment without any issues.
For optimal performance, the distance between the core and shield must remain consistent throughout. The dielectric insulator makes that happen, preventing the two signals from coming in contact and canceling each other.
All components are further insulated and protected from damage by the outer jacket.
As a result, RF signals can be carried over long distances with little interference or loss. Depending on your application, the signal is then converted into images, audio, WiFi, or amplified cell reception.
What is Coaxial Cable Used For?
Coax cable is necessary for any application requiring radio frequency transitions, such as:
If you have cable TV, coax cables carry video and data from the cable company to your TV. They’re also used to connect your television or digital converter box to a personal antenna.
Cellular signal boosters use an outdoor antenna, an amplifier, and an indoor antenna to boost cellular signal and deliver it even stronger inside your home, office, or vehicle. Coaxial cables are used to connect the three components. They help bypass signal-blocking material.
Wilson Amplifiers is the leading provider of these devices. Check out our guide on how a signal booster works for more information.
Cable internet uses coax cable to provide your home with internet. The copper-based cable is piped into your house from the cable service provider. Your router or cable modem connects to a coax or ethernet outlet to receive the signal. You can then wire your devices to the router or connect via WiFi for speedy internet access.
Ham radio is a means for people to communicate over airwaves. Coaxial cable connected to the antenna provides a stronger signal. Ham radios can be set up in the middle of nowhere and do not require internet or cell phone technology.
RF (Radio Frequency) waves are generated when an alternating current goes through a conductive material. Coax cables carry radio frequency signals. They can be used with any RF system.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Coaxial Cable?
Like all electrical equipment, coaxial cable has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Durable
- Good electromagnetic interference resistance
- Affordable
- Easy to customize and expand
- Easy to wire and install
Disadvantages:
- It can be bulky and an eyesore if not hidden
- Expensive to professionally install for long runs
- Cable failure can cause your entire network to go down
- Fragile
What Are the Different Types of Coaxial Cables?
There are many different types of cables to choose from. They fall within two categories, RG and LMR type. Your application will determine which is the best coaxial cable to use. Here are the most common coax cable types:
RG Coax Cables
RG, short for Radio Guide, is the original military specification for coaxial cables. The RG number refers to the cable's diameter. However, measurements do vary. Generally, a higher RG numbers means a thinner central conductor, and vice versa.
RG-6/U is a common type of coaxial cable. It has an impedance of 75 Ohm. It's used in a wide variety of residential and commercial applications, including cable television, home internet, and more.
RG-8 is similar to RG-6, but unable to carry pure video signals. It has an impedance of 50 Ohm. It's used in audio control rooms, radio stations, and external radio antennas.
RG-11 is a higher gauge cable used for CATV, HDTV, TV antennas, and video distribution. It has an impedance of 75 Ohm and covers up to 3 GHz.
RG-59 is a 75 Ohm coax cable best used for CCTV, audio video, and other low-frequency applications. They are flexible and easy to install. Though, they are not meant for long runs.
LMR® Coax Cable
LMR® is the newer generation of RF coaxial cables. They provide greater flexibility, ease of installation, and lower cost. They're used as transmission lines for antennas on missiles, airplanes, satellites, and communications. The LMR ® number is a rough estimate of the cables thickness.
LMR®200 is an outdoor-rated flexible low loss communications coax. It has a 50 Ohm impedance and is great for short antenna feeder runs. This cable also features low-PIM.
LMR®240 is also an outdoor rated flexible low loss communications coax with an impedance of 50 Ohm. It's designed for short feeder runs for applications like GPS, WLAN, and mobile antennas.
LMR®400 is a flexible communications coax with an impedance of 50 Ohm. It's used for jumper assemblies in wireless communications systems and antenna feeder runs. If you need a cable that requires periodic or repeated flexing, choose this one. LMR®400 was designed to replace the RG-8 cables.
LMR®600 or “Half-Inch” is designed for outdoor use as well. It's more flexible than air-dielectric and hardline cables in terms of bending and handling. It also has an impedance of 50 Ohm.
LMR®900/1200/1700 are larger cables. They're designed for medium antenna feeder runs with any application needing an easily routed, flexible low loss cable.
What Things Should I Consider Before Buying Coaxial Cable?
Coaxial Cable Length and Thickness
Coaxial cable comes in varying lengths and thicknesses. These characteristics affect the strength of the signal transmitted.
Signal loses energy the farther it travels through coax cable. It’s inevitable. Thus, longer cables have higher signal loss. Though, thicker cables feature lower loss than thin cables at the cost of flexibility, making them ideal for long cable runs. For optimal transmission, you’ll want the shortest and thickest cable appropriate for your application.
In radio systems, cable length is comparable to the wavelength of the signals transmitted. You can study the math involved in deciding the best cable length to use. Characteristics of the cable, such as outside diameter of the inner conductor, inside diameter of the shield, dielectric contact of the insulator, and magnetic permeability of the insulator, all affect the quality of the wavelength going through your cable.
Coaxial Cable Impedance (Ohms)
Impedance is the amount of resistance waves moving through coaxial cables encounter. The lower the impedance, the easier the waves flow through the cable. Each type of cable has an impedance rating of either 50 or 75 Ohm.
50 Ohm cables tend to be the preferred choice for high-power handling applications, such as commercial boosters, broadcasting TV transmitters, and ham radios. Due to their lower cost and higher flexibility, 75 Ohm cables are commonly used for residential applications. Examples include home cell booster installations, cable TV boxes, internet routers, and the like.
When choosing the right cable for you, avoid mixing and matching 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm cables and systems. You should aim to use the same impedance throughout to prevent additional signal loss.
Coaxial Cable PIM
PIM stands for Passive Intermodulation. When you connect two metals, the result is nonlinear elements, and distortion in the signal may occur.
As signal amplitude goes up, the effects will be more significant. This often happens when connecting antennas, cables, and connectors. PIM problems occur most often in cellular networks. To mitigate PIM issues, consider low-PIM cables, connectors and adapters.
Coaxial Cable Jacket Rating
All coaxial cables are rated for different applications. The jacket's rating tells you everything you need to know about where the cable can be SAFELY installed. The most common are:
- Communications Multipurpose Plenum (CMP) Cable: Plenum coax cable is designed to be used in plenum air spaces. The jacket is fire-retardant and low smoke. In the event of a fire, plenum cables release the lowest level of toxic fumes. They are the safest to use in spaces designed for air circulation.
- Communications Multipurpose Riser (CMR) Cable: Riser cable is mainly used to run cable between floors through risers or vertical shafts. The jacket is also fire retardant to prevent fires from spreading between floors. Though, they are not as heavy-duty as plenum cables.
- Communications Multipurpose (CM) Cable: CM cable, sometimes referred to as PVC cable, is the most commonly used cable rating. It’s rated for general-purpose applications, such as connecting a computer to the wall. It’s not as fire-retardant and will release toxic fumes. They are not to be used in riser or plenum spaces.
Coaxial Cable Connectors
Connectors are found on each end of the cable, and are often plated with high-conductivity, tarnish-resistant metals like gold or silver. They are designed to maintain the integrity of the cable as it transmits signal. The type of connector you need depends on the equipment you’re connecting.
Coaxial Cable Connector Types:
SMA stands for Subminiature Version A. It's a minimal connector interface for coaxial cable with a screw-type coupling mechanism. It has an impedance of 50 Ohm and is designed for use from DC (0 Hz) to 18 GHz. Applications include microwave systems, handheld radios, and mobile telephone antennas.
SMB stands for Subminiature Version B. SMBs are smaller than SMAs and feature a snap-on coupling design. They are available in 50 and 75 Ohms and operate up to 4 GHz. Less robust than SMA, they can’t be used in harsh environments. Common applications include base stations, antennas, GPS, and computer systems.
F-Type connectors are mid-size connectors designed for common use. They are commonly found on RG-6/U cable. F-Types are the most widely used connector for residential wiring. They're used with cable television, satellite television, and cable modems.
N-Type connectors are larger connectors designed to be used with thick, commercial cable.
FME (For Mobile Equipment) is a 50 Ohm miniature coax connector that offers performance from DC to 2000 MHz. It’s mainly used in cellular communication devices and data applications.
Threaded Neill–Concelman (TNC) connectors are commonly used in mobile phones and RF/antenna connections. They are weatherproof and operate up to 11 GHz.
UHF connector, also known as Amphenol coax connector, is a 50 Ohm connector for low-frequency RF applications. It’s widely used in amateur radio, citizens' band radio, and marine VHF radio. It’s suitable for use up to 300 MHz.
Connectors are either standard or reverse polarized male or female. Standard polarized male connectors have threads inside the shell and a pin, while females have threads outside but no pin. In reverse polarized connectors, the roles switch: the female has the pin, and the male has the hole. The pin and hole are switched in reverse polarized connectors.
The only way to connect a male to male or female to female is with a coax cable adapter, which also causes signal loss. Signal attenuation from an adapter will depend on the quality.
Check the connections of your equipment before buying coax cable to avoid unnecessary signal loss. If it’s a standard female, you need a standard male plug and vice versa. Getting a cable with the correct connector from the get-go is recommended.
Best Coaxial Cables
RG-6 Cables with F-Type Connectors
The Wilson RG-6 is a 75 Ohm cable with F-Type connectors, commonly used with cable/satellite TV devices and popular weBoost cell phone boosters for homes. As one of the most flexible cables, it's easy to install. Available in lengths from 2 to 50 feet and in both black and white options, it suits different installation needs.
RG-11 Cable with F-Type Connectors
Ultra-low-loss 75 Ohm RG-11 cable for any RF application.
Starting at $19.95The Wilson RG-11 is another 75 Ohm cable with F-Type connectors. More robust with lower loss than RG-6, it’s a better option for longer cable runs. Available length options include 2 ft, 50 ft, 75 ft, 100 ft, and 500 ft.
LMR®400 Equivalent Cables with N-Type Connectors
Ultra-low-loss 50 Ohm LMR®400 spec cable for any RF applications.
Starting at $17.95
Ultra-low-loss 50 Ohm LMR®400 spec plenum cable. 500 ft spool.
Buy Now at $3,000The 50 Ohm Wilson400 is LMR®400 equivalent fitted with N-Type connectors. It’s perfect for large commercial installations. Cable length ranges from 2 to 1000 feet, spooled. For plenum airspaces, opt for the Wilson400 Plenum cable. It features ultra-low-loss and comes in a non-terminated 500-foot spool, allowing custom termination to fit any application.
LMR®600 Equivalent and LDF4/AI4 RPV-50 “Half-Inch” with N-Type Connector
For cable runs exceeding 150 feet, LMR®600 or a “half-inch” coaxial cable may be just what you need. These are thicker and heavier-duty than other types, making them ideal for industrial use, though they come at a higher cost. They are the best option available for maintaining strong signal quality over long distances.
The difference between an LDF4 and an AI4 RPV-50 is the interior - the LDF4 has a foam covering, and the AI4 RPV-50 has nothing. The difference in function, however, is minimal.
RG-58 and RG-174 Cables with SMA Connectors
Wilson RG-58 and RF-174 cables are best for vehicle setups, such as vehicle cell phone boosters. The RG-58 cable offers lower loss and is available in lengths up to 20 ft, while the RG-174 is much thinner and only available in 6 ft. For larger vehicles like RVs or boats, the RG-174 is often the preferred choice. Both are fitted with SMA connectors.
FAQ
Are All Coax Cables the Same?
While all coaxial cables are used to transmit signals, they are not all the same. Coaxial cables vary in size, material, and shielding. Each type of coax cable works best with specific applications. Reference types of coaxial cables for more information.
How Do I Choose Coaxial Cable?
To choose the best coax cable for your application, there are many things to consider.
What device are you using? A cell booster might require a different cable than a satellite dish. Will the cable be installed inside or outside? Different use cases call for different cable ratings.
Reference different cable types to see which ones will work best with your device. Choose the one that has the impedance, rating, and connectors you need.
Next, calculate the distance between your transmitter and receiver. For example, the distance from an outdoor antenna to a cable box or amplifier. Since shorter cable runs produce crisper signal, your cable should be close to the distance you calculated. Nothing shorter or excessively longer.
Loss of signal is inevitable when traveling across any distance. A shorter cable will have less loss than a longer cable and a thicker cable will have less loss than a thinner cable. Acceptable loss will depend on your devices and your application. To minimize loss, impedances must match across cables and devices.
Remember, if you want to calculate loss, there are various online calculators available.
Does the Length of Coaxial Cable Affect Signal Quality?
Yes. Signal experiences more attenuation over longer cables. Thus, for best performance coaxial cables should be as long as you need them to be. No more, no less.
The Wilson400 cable, for instance, has a signal loss of just 0.45 dB per 10 feet on the 800 MHz band. Signal gain and loss are measured in decibels (dB), which follow an exponential scale. Signal strength reduces by half every -3dB.
You can use an online calculator to estimate signal loss, like the QSL Loss Calculator. We don’t endorse this one specifically. Simply fill in the blanks and loss will be calculated in seconds. There are many online calculators you can use as well as formulas for manual calculation.
What is the Transmission Speed of Coaxial Cable?
The speed at which coaxial cables transmit data depends on the type of cable and the technology that gives it its speed. For example, your internet service provider, cable company, and the like. Coaxial cable transmission speed can range from 10 Mbps to upwards of 100 Mbps.
How Does Coaxial Cable Compare to Ethernet Cable?
Ethernet cables have a twisted-pair wire construction, delivering higher speeds and better performance than coax. They are mostly used to connect devices in a local area network. Coaxial cables, on the other hand, are designed with a single copper core surrounded by insulation and shielding. They are commonly used for transmitting TV signals, internet from cable providers, and other long-distance communication applications.
While Ethernet cables are superior for high-speed networking, coaxial cables remain a reliable option for applications requiring robust signal transmission over longer distances.
What's the Difference Between Coax Cable and Fiber Optic Cable?
Coax cables and fiber optic cables are both used for transmitting data, but they work differently. Coax cables use copper to send electrical signals, making them great for TV, internet, and cell phone boosters. Fiber optic cables, on the other hand, use light to transfer data. This allows significantly faster speeds and longer runs. In short, coax is good for basic needs, while fiber is better for high-speed, long-range connections.
Does Coax Cable Go Bad?
Coaxial cable can last for many years, but it can go bad. The main culprits are:
- Heat damage – When exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged amount of time, the plastic wrap can melt. Unprotected, inner components will get damaged.
- Physical damage – Bending coax cable or stepping on it can damage the inner components, affecting transmission.
- Water damage – Water inside the cable can affect electrical components. Depending on severity, it can degrade performance or render the cable useless.
- Connector damage – If a connector comes loose, rusts, or breaks, the cable can't efficiently transmit information from one source to another or at all.
Increasing the longevity of your coaxial cable starts with choosing a high-quality cable. Proper installation is key—ensure connectors are securely weatherproofed, and avoid bending the cable to prevent damage.
Can I Install Coaxial Cable Outdoors?
Outdoor coax cables require extra insulation to protect the wires from the elements. Cables rated for outdoor use can be installed along the exterior of your home or buried underground. To ensure reliable performance, they must be durable enough to handle sun exposure, moisture, and other environmental factors.
Our coaxial cables are outdoor rated, but not direct burial rated.
Does It Matter What Coaxial Cable I Use?
Yes. A signal booster might need a different cable than a radio system. For best results, it’s important to use a cable that's appropriate for your application.
Contact Us!
Wilson Amplifiers is a leading provider of cellular boosters and accessories, including coaxial cables. If you’re looking for high-quality coax cable to stay connected, we can help you! Give us a call at 1-800-568-2723 and we’ll help you find the right one.
LMR® is registered trademark of Times Microsystems.
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