Coaxial Cable vs Cat5: What’s the Difference and Which is Right For Your Project?

Choosing the optimal cables for your project, be it a CCTV system or data communication project, is not something that can be taken lightly. It influences signal quality, cost, and longevity.

But with so many different types of cables at your disposal it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We’re here to simplify things by comparing two of the more prominent styles on the market: coaxial cable vs cat5. What’s the difference, and which is right for you?

Coax cables are the go-to choice for transmitting high-quality video and audio signals over long distances, making them ideal for CCTV systems, cable television, and broadband.

On the other hand, Cat5 cables are widely used in data networking as they deliver higher data transfer speeds for shorter distances, making them ideal for Ethernet and internet connections.

While each has its place, coax cables tend to be more versatile, robust, and reliable in demanding environments where long-lasting performance is the primary concern. 

Learn more about the nuances between coax vs Cat5 cables below, or source yours at AudioVideoElectric.com today! We have the premier selection of bulk coax cable at the lowest prices online.

What is a Coaxial Cable?

Let’s take a closer look at each cable style before we compare and contrast them against one another. So, what is coaxial cable used for? These carry high-frequency electrical signals with minimal interference thanks to their layered construction.

The core conductor is often made from copper or aluminum, and this is what transmits the signal. It’s surrounded by a dielectric insulator, a metal shielding (typically braided or foil), and an outer jacket. This prevents electromagnetic interference (EMI).

As a result, coax cables are the ideal choice in a wide array of settings where maintaining signal integrity across long runs is essential. That includes CCTV, broadband internet, military and aerospace applications, radio transmission, and more. They’re highly versatile.

But, how do they compare to Cat5 cables? Let’s look at the other half of the coaxial cable vs Cat5 comparison below. 

What is a Cat5 Cable?

Cat5 cables, short for Category 5, are primarily used in networking, especially for Ethernet applications. The structure consists of four twisted pairs of copper wires, as this design minimizes the risk of crosstalk and EMI.

These cables are capable of supporting speeds up to 100 Mbps over distances of up to 100 meters, making them suitable for local area networks (LANs), telecommunications, and VoIP systems in commercial environments.

While they do perform quite well in short-distance applications like office networks, they tend to fall short in longer-distance signal transmissions - especially compared to coax cables. That being said, which of these two styles is right for you?

Coaxial Cable vs Cat5: Which is the Ideal Choice for Your Application?

Choosing between a Cat5 or coaxial cable ultimately comes down to the needs of your specific application. Is speed the primary concern, or is it signal integrity? How long is your run? What sort of environment is the cable being installed in?

These are just a few of the questions you’ll need to ask yourself in weighing a coax vs Cat5 cable. We’ll help you pick the perfect wiring setup below, but remember - personalized help is just a click or call away at AudioVideoElectric.com!

Transmission Capabilities

We mentioned already that coaxial cables are far superior at carrying high-frequency signals with minimal interference. This is why they’re recommended for applications like television broadcasting and CCTV systems.

Cat5 cables, on the other hand, are designed for network data transmission (typically Ethernet) and handle lower-frequency signals. These are ideal if you need high-speed data transfer across networks.

But ultimately, coaxial is best for stable, interference-free signal transmission in video and broadband applications.

Distance and Signal Quality

The longer the run, the more important maintaining signal integrity becomes. The design of coax cables inherently protects signal quality over distance, which is why they’re preferred for more expansive commercial installations. 

Cat5 cables, in contrast, are limited to shorter distances (100 meters) before they begin to degrade. They’re generally reserved for more local area networks in office buildings or similar setups.

Cost Comparison

You should never make the decision based on cost alone, however, it’s certainly an important consideration - especially when you’re working with tight budgets for commercial projects.

While coaxial cables tend to be more expensive upfront due to their construction and shielding, they offer a longer lifespan and better long-distance transmission. Simply put, you get what you pay for.

Cat5 cables are generally more affordable, but applications that demand peak signal integrity across distance cannot compromise simply for a lower cost. The higher price of coaxial cables is often justified by their superior performance.

Plus, you can get the best of both worlds when you shop at AudioVideoElectric.com - premium quality cables at an unbeatable price. This is all thanks to our Belden alternative cables, which we’ll discuss more in just a moment. 

Environmental and Installation Considerations

Finally, you need to think about the conditions you intend to install the cable in. Coaxial cables are more rugged and resistant to external interference, making them a better choice for installations in harsh environments or areas with high EMI.

That being said, Cat5 cables are flexible and easier to install in confined spaces, making them ideal for office setups where ease of installation is a priority. They may not be able to withstand the tough conditions in some commercial settings, though. 

So, Do You Need a Cat5 or Coaxial Cable?

The choice between a coax vs Cat5 cable is fairly simple, as they do serve somewhat different purposes. Is your primary goal to minimize signal loss across long-distance transmissions? Is EMI a concern? If you answered yes to either of these, coaxial cables are the clear choice.

But if you aren’t stressed about signal integrity, or are installing a shorter distance cable run in networking and data transmission applications, a Cat5 cable might be just fine. They’re cheaper, so you can save money while still getting the job done.

Still not sure whether you need a coaxial cable vs Cat5? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your team here at AudioVideoElectric.com. We’ll talk about your needs and offer a personalized recommendation.

If you end up choosing to go with coax cables, though, you can also count on us to deliver top-tier wiring solutions at the lowest price possible. This is all thanks to our Belden equals, which are identical in fit and form to the brand name. We have spec sheets to back them up.

Yet, they’re 10-20% less than their branded counterparts. This means you can save big without compromising on performance. Don’t just take our word for it, read through some of our case studies and see what other customers managed to accomplish, including:

• Over $86,000 in annual savings with no production delays for a medical device manufacturer.
• More than $30,000 in cost reductions for an electrical contractor.
• Minimized cable costs by 65% for an HVAC equipment manufacturer.
• 40% savings for a testing device manufacturer.

We don’t just have all the main types of coaxial cable, either. You can trust us for everything from multi-conductor cable styles to low-ohm cables. So, get in touch today and see for yourself why our customers continue to rely on us for quality cables at a fair price!

Bringing Our Coax vs Cat5 Comparison to a Close

We hope this comparison of coaxial cable vs Cat5 has left you with a clear understanding of the role each plays. Ultimately, they serve very different purposes given their unique structures.

Coaxial cables are better suited for long-distance, high-frequency applications, while Cat5 cables are ideal for short-distance, data-heavy networks. Only you can determine which is the optimal choice between a coax vs Cat5 cable - but you can reach out for help if you still aren’t sure.

Find other resources in our blog comparing the single conductor vs multi-conductor cable or the twisted pair vs multi-conductor cable. We also have articles on how to test coaxial cable, what does RG stand for in coax, how to calculate conduit fill for multi-conductor cable, and more.

If you determine that coax cables are the style that aligns most with your specific application, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here at AudioVideoElectric.com, we’re eager to deliver peace of mind for you through a dependable wiring solution at an unbeatable price. 

So, what are you waiting for? Shop now or connect with your experts for one-on-one assistance. It’s time to experience cable sourcing as it was intended!