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do you need coaxial cable for internet

Do You Need Coaxial Cable for Internet?

Whether you manage a call center or a manufacturing facility, internet access is not something businesses can go without in 2025. Staying connected has been of the utmost importance for decades, and it’s more essential than ever before. 

However, there are a number of ways you can provide internet access to your team. So, do you need coaxial cable for internet? If so, why is coaxial cable needed for internet?

Technically, this is just one of the many ways you can connect to the internet. Others include fiber optic cables, twisted pair ethernet cables, or even going wireless and relying on wifi. 

That being said, coax cables are still utilized across industries today. They’re reliable, cost-effective, and offer optimal bandwidth capability with widespread availability for most users. While their speed may fall short compared to newer technologies, these aren’t going anywhere.

So if you’re on the hunt for reliable coaxial cables in bulk that won’t break the bank, look no further than AudioVideoElectric.com. You’ll gain access to the top-tier wiring solutions your business needs at a fraction of the price, with world-class service from A to Z! 

What is a Coaxial Cable?

Known commonly as “coax” for short, these cables are designed to transmit high-frequency signals with minimal loss or interference. The unique construction of these cables features four main layers:

  • A central conductor (usually copper)
  • An insulating dielectric layer
  • A metallic shield
  • An outer plastic jacket

It’s this layered design that allows the cable to efficiently signal transmission while reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and maintaining signal integrity over long distances.

These cables have been a cornerstone of communication infrastructure for decades, initially popularized in television and radio broadcasting. The coaxial cable uses have evolved over the years, though. Today they support everything from security systems to internet services.

We get asked all the time, is coaxial cable obsolete? After all, emerging technologies offer lightning-fast speeds that the coax style simply cannot compete with. However, these are still around today for their balance of durability, flexibility, and signal quality.

All that being said, do you need coaxial cable for internet? 

Do You Need Coaxial Cable for Internet?

So is coaxial cable needed for internet? Technically, it’s not the end-all-be-all of internet wiring. There are many other options at your fingertips, so let’s ask a better question: why do you need coaxial cable for internet, what makes it the right choice?

These are commonplace in broadband internet setups, especially in cable internet services. They are basically the backbone for transferring data from the service provider to your location. They deliver reliable speeds and perform consistently over medium to long distances. 

Some internet service providers (ISPs) still rely on coaxial cables because of their proven ability to handle data transmission with minimal interference. In fact, they’re often bundled with cable television services, essentially serving as a two-birds-one-stone solution for businesses.

But how fast is coaxial cable? This is really the biggest limitation. For situations where speed is of the utmost importance, do you need coaxial cable for internet? On the contrary, you’d likely be better suited with a fiber optic solution.

What Coaxial Cable for Internet Do You Need?

If you do choose to go with coaxial wiring for internet access you’ll need to do your due diligence to source the right type with the optimal specifications for your application. 

There’s a lot to consider here, which is why we encourage you to reach out to our customer service team for one-on-one assistance. We can discuss your operation and help you weigh your options so you can rest assured you’re getting the best solution. 

In the meantime, here are some things to consider.

Different Coaxial Types for Internet

There are so many different coax cable types, but these are the main types of coaxial cable used for connecting businesses to the internet:

  • RG-6: The most common for internet services with high-frequency transmission capabilities and excellent shielding for signal interference reduction. Suitable for broadband connections in commercial setups where consistent performance is crucial.
  • RG-11: Ideal for longer cable runs, offering lower signal loss compared to RG-6. Often used in industrial environments or large-scale facilities with significant distances between modems and distribution points. But, its thicker diameter makes it less flexible and harder to install.
  • RG-59: Not typically recommended for modern internet setups but may be found in short-distance setups or legacy systems. Its higher attenuation rates make it less effective for high-speed connections.
  • Tri-shield and Quad-shield Variants: Data centers or setups near heavy machinery deal with EMI, and tri-shield or quad-shield RG-6 or RG-11 cables provide enhanced protection to maintain signal integrity in these scenarios.

Each has its place, but you’ll likely find yourself opting for the RG-6 style. But, what does RG stand for in coax? Learn all about Radio Grade in our blog. Let’s talk specs for now. 

Matching Cable Specifications to Your Needs

From picking the optimal cable sizes AWG to understanding protections, there are quite a few moving pieces involved in coax cable sourcing even after choosing the right style. Here’s what you need to take into account:

  • Bandwidth Requirements: Determine your internet speed needs first and foremost. Again, businesses requiring high-bandwidth services will likely find that RG-6 with quad shielding or RG-11 is the best choice for stable and fast connections.
  • Cable Length: RG-6 is typically sufficient for shorter runs, but RG-11 minimizes signal degradation over longer distances. This style provides reliable performance without the need for amplifiers.
  • Environment Considerations: Outdoor installations demand cables with weatherproof and UV-resistant jackets. Similarly, high-EMI environments call for additional shielding to prevent signal disruption.
  • Connector Compatibility: The cable you choose must match your hardware. The  F-type typically pairs seamlessly with RG-6 and RG-11 for broadband setups.

No matter your needs, remember that AudioVideoElectric.com can deliver. But do you need coaxial cable for internet or should you stick with a different style? Let’s quickly weigh some other options before wrapping things up.

Weighing Your Options: Other Cables for Internet Access

These days you have more options at your fingertips than ever before - which can be a blessing and a curse. It means you’re able to tailor your wiring confirmation to your exact requirements, but it can also create headaches and uncertainty. 

We’re here to help you cut through the confusion and break down the three alternatives to using coaxial cables for internet connections: fiber optic, twisted pair, or going completely wireless.

Fiber Optic Cables

These are the gold standard for high-speed internet and large-scale data transmission in this day and age, as we discuss in our more thorough comparison of fiber optic vs coaxial cable.

While coaxial cables use electrical signals, fiber optic cables transmit data using light - bypassing the risk of EMI and supporting unparalleled speed and bandwidth. 

Fiber optic is known for extremely low latency, high capacity, and immunity to interference. This makes them a great choice for data centers, ISPs, and industrial facilities.

The downside is that costs are much higher since installation calls for specialized equipment and training. These cables also tend to be more fragile than their coax counterparts.

Twisted Pair Ethernet Cables

Twisted pair ethernet is an umbrella term for a variety of cables - like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7. These are widely used in commercial and industrial networking. As the name suggests, they consist of pairs of insulated wires twisted together to reduce EMI.

Ethernet is a more cost-effective and simple solution that still delivers solid speeds for short- to medium-distance applications. Higher categories (Cat6a or Cat7) support gigabit speeds, ideal for office networking or connecting multiple devices.

However, they fall short of delivering these benefits across longer cable runs. Signal degradation is a concern, as is EMI. Learn more about coax vs cat5 in our blog.

Wireless Internet

Let’s face it, wiring is a headache - this has spawned the wireless movement. The appeal of wireless internet is obvious, you don't need physical wiring whatsoever since it relies on radio waves or microwave transmission to connect devices and networks. 

As a result, it’s the go-to choice for last-mile connectivity in remote areas or temporary installations. It provides exceptional flexibility and convenience. 

This comes at a cost, of course. It’s far more susceptible to interference, latency, and bandwidth limitations compared to wired solutions. Plus, heavy data loads and poor weather conditions can impact reliability.

For commercial applications that depend on internet access, the stakes are too high to take any chances on wireless. Stick with either coaxial, fiber optic, or ethernet cables. Your search for all of these options ends right here at AudioVideoElectric.com.

Your Search for Coax Cables and Other Wiring Solutions Ends at AudioVideoElectric.com!

Do you need coaxial cable for internet? We’ve got you covered. Or, maybe you’re feeling like the blazing speed of fiber optic is more in-line with your applications requirements. Whatever the case, you can rest assured the solution you need is here waiting to be discovered.

Not only do we offer the most comprehensive catalog online, but you’ll enjoy the lowest prices thanks to our Belden alternative cables. These are identical in fit and form to their branded counterparts but can help you save as much as 65% annually! 

We have spec sheets to help you choose the right solution, and you can read all our case studies about customers who made the switch here

Of course, our customer service team is always on standby to guide you toward the perfect wiring solutions if you’re still wondering, is coaxial cable needed for internet?

We don’t just have coax cables, twisted pair ethernets, or fiber optics, either. You can also count on us for multi-conductor cables, including:

Don’t settle for less when you can have the best. Trust AudioVideoElectric.com for quality, affordability, and world-class service. Let’s get your project connected today!

Final Words on Using Coax Cables for Internet

So do you need coaxial cable for internet? In closing, this is just one of the many options you can choose from in connecting your business to the digital world. 

While other options like fiber optic and Ethernet cables have their own advantages, coax continues to hold its ground in environments where cost-effectiveness, durability, and simplicity are the priorities. 

Remember, our customer service team is on standby to help you pick the perfect style if you still have lingering questions, like is coaxial cable needed for internet? Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Explore additional resources in our blog like how to test coax cable, how to splice coax cable, how to extend coaxial cable, conduit fill calculator, mil-spec cables, single conductor vs multi-conductor cable, THHN vs Romex, and coaxial cable routing tips

Or, take the next step towards consistent internet availability in any conditions at AudioVideoElectric.com. We’re your trusted partner for all things wiring - find out why today!

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