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:
1. Center Conductor/Core: Usually a single copper or copper-coated steel wire responsible for carrying RF signals.
2. Dielectric Insulator: Surrounds the core and keeps a consistent distance between the center conductor and the next layer. It's often made of plastic.
3. 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.
4. 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
