Coax Cable

Coaxial cable, or coax cable, has been used around the world to transmit data, voice and video communication to customers by cable companies, internet providers and telephone companies. It has been used since the early 20th century because of its reliability in data transmission. 

Coax cable has an inner conductor (solid copper, stranded copper or copper plated steel wire) surrounded by a dielectric insulating layer, which is then surrounded by a metallic conducting shield. The entire cable is protected by an outer insulating jacket. The dielectric insulator helps to minimize signal loss while the outer jacket prevents damage to the cable from external factors.

Coax cable assemblies (cable with connectors) are designed with the cable terminating in a connector. Connectors are either male (metal pin extending from the center) or female (hole in the center to receive the pin). A coax connector’s main purpose is to connect cables to other devices while maintaining the same impedance and shielding.

Coax cable (without ends) can be selected by gauge and impedance. Gauge measures the cable’s thickness and is referred to by the RG (radio guide measurement) number. The larger the RG number, the thinner the central conductor core. Impedance depends on the dimensions of the inner and outer conductors of the cable and is measured in ohms. Most coax cables have an impedance of 50 ohms and 75 ohms.

Coax cable vs Fiber Optic cable both transmit data, voice and video communication, however, each have their advantages and disadvantages. Coax cable is great for consumer and residential settings where the need for data transmission is only over a short distance The cable is durable and easy to install for a reasonable price. Fiber optic cable carries far more data over longer distances and is often found in professional networks. Because fiber optic cable has a faster and higher data transfer capability, it is much more expensive than coax cable.