Surrounded by numerous electronic gadgets, you have certainly come across various cables used for connection. Moreover, if you belong to Gen Z or the older generation, you have likely witnessed the transition from multiple wired cables to a single, more efficient one. Those modern cables that are easy to handle and offer improved performance are the coaxial cables. Do you need one now but are wondering about its types and suitability according to the applications? We cover more than that.
Find out here about the key details to know while also uncovering what is the use of coaxial cable.
What is Coaxial Cable?
Commonly used in transmitting data, video and voice for one-way and two-way communication, coaxial cables are widely used for their easy-to-handle feature. The term ‘coaxial’ is indicative of the geometric axis of the inner and outer parts of the cable. Coaxial cables are capable of excellent transmission and reception of signals, making them better than standard shielded cables, which are limited to low-frequency signals.
There are multiple types of coaxial cables. A few of them are:
- Triaxial cable: This coaxial cable comprises an additional copper braid, offering extra protection from noise and bandwidth.
- Flexible coaxial cable: This one is known for its flexibility, which comes from a flexible polymer.
- Hardline coaxial cable: This cable is known for its central conductive layer, which is made of copper and silver. The stated layer also possesses a large diameter.
- Semi-rigid coaxial cable: It consists of a solid copper outer sheath with a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plastic coating.
- Formable coaxial cable: In this type, the solid copper sheath of a semi-rigid coaxial cable is replaced with a metal sheath.
How Do Coaxial Cables Work?
To understand the workings of coaxial cables, let’s get into their structure first. The cylindrically shaped coaxial cable comprises four parts:
- Central conductor: This inner and main part of the cable is made of copper. It is concerned with data transmission.
- Insulator: It is made of plastic and surrounds the copper conductor.
- Conductive shield: Placed in the form of a braided mesh, it is made of copper. The shield protects the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Outer jacket: Placed on the outer side, it offers insulation and protects the cable from damage and the external environment.
Concerning the working mechanism, the four layers serve distinct purposes to enable signal transmission in coaxial cables. The central conductor is involved in the transmission of electrical or radio frequency signals. The conductive shield prevents electromagnetic interference (EMI) and signal leakage. It also prevents signal loss and attenuation. The insulator offers spacing between the conductor and shield layer to prevent cancelling out of the signals. Lastly, the outer layer imparts protection to the cable.
Uses & Application of Coaxial Cables
Now, let’s understand where are coaxial cables used. The coaxial cable applications range across multiple industries and a variety of tasks related to data transmission. Here is an insight into the same:
Television
The RG-6 coaxial cable, which has a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms, is used for television signal transmission. Cables with other specifications compromise the quality of signal transmission.
Internet
Internet data is carried along the same cable as television, i.e., RG-6 cables. The thick dielectric insulation and large conductor make the cable suitable for use. These cables efficiently transmit signals in the gigahertz (GHz) frequency range.
CCTV
CCTV works best with RG-59 and RG-6 coaxial cables. RG-59 is commonly used for short-distance CCTV, while RG-6 is preferred for longer distances.
Video
Both the mentioned RG-59 and RG-6 are well-suited for video data transmission. The former is commonly used in industries, while the latter is suited for digital signals.
HDTV
Requiring larger space for signal transmission, the optimal coaxial cable for HDTV transmission is RG-11. It fulfils the requirements of a higher gauge and space for transmitting stronger signals.
Coaxial Cables Benefits
Knowing what is coaxial cable used for, let’s move on to the coaxial cable benefits. Have a glance below:
Supports High Bandwidth Levels
The high bandwidth levels in data transmission are concerned with quick and high quantities of data transmission. The common examples of transmitted data here include large files, high-definition videos, and real-time data transfer, such as online gaming, cloud computing, and video conferencing.
Coaxial cables capable of preventing data loss while allowing long-distance transfer serves the required functionality. The capability to overcome electromagnetic interference further marks the importance of coaxial cable in supporting high bandwidth levels.
Easy to Install
Installation of coaxial cables involves minimal tool requirements. Installation can be done with a simple hand tool, regardless of the cable size. Further, the presence of one main conductor enables efficient handling. Repairing the cable is also possible.
Easy to Locate
The coaxial cables also solve the problem of locating the cable at not completely accessible areas. These cables can be attached with a tone generator for ease of finding them behind the walls or under the ground.
Possess Better Strength
These cables exhibit better durability by their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. They are also resistant to cutting, bending and crushing.
Versatility
The mentioned variety of scenarios where coaxial cable is used makes them suitable for multiple purposes. Further, they are also capable of serving the functionality in real-time applications, thus expanding their applications.
Capable of Carrying Power
The metallic nature of the cable provides operative power. This property makes the cable less prone to loss of functionality in case of power outages and fire incidents.
Conclusion
Comprising copper conductivity, the coaxial cables are an important part of modern communication. The simple design and easy-to-handle feature make them durable. Further, the ability to support high bandwidth levels, faster data transmission and the capability to handle voluminous data contributes to wide suitability for a variety of applications.
If you are looking for coaxial cables or other electric wires, you must be aware of the cables that are suitable for different applications. To assist you further, L&T-SuFin offers top-quality and branded coaxial cables. Provided by reliable sellers, find affordable prices and financing options here too.
FAQs
What size is a coaxial cable?
The commonly used RG-6 coaxial cable has an outer diameter of 6.15 mm. However, do note that size may vary.
How to identify coaxial cable?
The distinct outer jacket marks coaxial cable along with the alphanumeric combination stating its type. The two alphabets will be RG, but the number may vary depending on the cable type.
What is the speed of coaxial cable?
The coaxial cables range from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
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