Is Coaxial Cable Obsolete?

The first coaxial cable was devised in 1880 by English inventory Oliver Heaviside. Over the next roughly 150 years his unique discovery would go on to play a pivotal role in powering our world as we know it.

You might know coax cables for powering your TV or surfing the web, but they’re actually far more versatile than most realize. They’re relied on for CCTV and surveillance, military, aerospace, and so much more.

However, they’re becoming less and less common as cable innovation continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. But, is coaxial cable obsolete? Not by a long shot.

Sure, the fiber optics and twisted pair ethernet cables are able to transmit data over longer runs with lower signal loss. Coax cables still have their place, though. 

They’re not going anywhere anytime soon, which is why we continue to offer a bulk coax cable selection here at AudioVideoElectric.com. Get in touch to learn more, or read about the current state of coax cables below!

What is a Coax Cable and How Does it Work?

First, what is coaxial cable used for and how does this style work? As we said at the start, these were invented more than 100 years ago as a means of transmitting high-frequency signals with minimal interference. 

Their usage has certainly evolved over the years, but they remain a key component in many different commercial, industrial, and even residential applications. Here are the distinct layers that make these cables so powerful:

• Inner Conductor: At the core is a solid or stranded copper wire that carries electrical signals.
• Dielectric Insulation: A layer of insulating material surrounds the conductor to separate the core from the outer components.
• Shielding: A woven metal braid or foil layer provides electromagnetic shielding for signal protection from external interference.
• Outer Jacket: The final layer is a protective sheath made of plastic or other durable material, shielding the internal components from environmental damage.

This construction is important, as each layer plays an integral role in keeping the signal alive across long distances. The shielding prevents electromagnetic interference, while the insulation between the conductor and the shielding minimizes energy loss. The outer jacket protects the whole system from environmental damage.

Their first legitimate use was in World War II as they helped troops communicate in harsh conditions while maintaining strong signal quality. These cables still have military uses today.

However, the real breakthrough came from their widespread use in television broadcasting, radio transmission, and early telecommunications networks. They gained popularity for surveillance systems and internet connectivity in the 21st century, too.

But, is coaxial cable obsolete today, or will you still find these in certain settings? 

Is Coaxial Cable Obsolete Today?

The short answer is no, coaxial cables aren’t obsolete today - and frankly, they won’t be for a long time. However, it’s true that more advanced cables are replacing coax cables in modern electrical systems.

Make no mistake, though, you’ll still see coax cables relied on for commercial communication systems, cable television (CATV), and internet connectivity in both hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks and other specific configurations.

This all goes back to their ability to transmit high-frequency signals over moderate distances with minimal interference. They’re very reliable and cost-effective. 

That being said, advancements in alternative technologies like fiber optics and wireless communication systems have created the perception that coaxial cables are useless and obsolete today. 

These emerging innovations offer higher speeds, better scalability, and enhanced reliability. Let’s take a closer look at why the future trajectory of coaxial cables is limited.

Why Are Coaxial Cables Not Used Anymore as Much as They Once Were?

Legacy systems still use coaxial cables, but so many advanced configurations have moved onto the latest and greatest, be it fiber optic or even a wireless setup. There are three reasons we’re seeing a downward trend in coaxial cable usage.

Limitations in Bandwidth and Data Transmission

Coax cables are inherently limited in terms of both bandwidth and data transmission capabilities. They perform fairly well in transmitting analog and digital signals, but fall short in handling the growing demands of modern internet speeds and high-definition content.

For instance, they struggle to keep up with the high-speed data rates necessary for enterprise-level networks, multi-gigabit internet, or 4K streaming. 

Similarly, they lose signal quality over longer distances. While repeaters or amplifiers can be utilized to protect signal integrity, this creates complexity and comes with its own set of costs.

Businesses are willing to retrofit their systems to more advanced technology likes fiber optics and Ethernet rather than continuing to settle for slower, less reliable connectivity. 

Shift in Consumer and Commercial Technology

We’re seeing an unprecedented pace of innovation, and there are technologies that outperform coax cables on certain fronts in this day and age. 

Those include fiber optic cables, the gold standard for data transmission with unmatched speed, low latency, and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). 

Many operations are going wireless, too, thanks to Wi-Fi and 5G capabilities lessening the need for physical cables. This is especially common in household applications such as home networks or office spaces. 

There has been a shift in users demanding a higher level of scalability, and coax cables can’t offer this quite as well as the alternatives. We’ll talk more about what is replacing these coax cables in a moment.

Infrastructure Challenges With Coaxial Cables

Even just the physical and logistical challenges of using coax cables has limited their use in recent years in favor of more versatile, easy-to-install solutions. 

The strength and durability of coaxial cables come at the cost of flexibility. These cables are bulkier and installation teams find them to be more of a headache compared to newer cabling systems.

The shielding and connectors of coaxial cables also need regular maintenance to keep them working well for the long haul. The costs of maintenance can add up over the course of time, and at a certain point, they’re no longer the most economical choice.

There are compatibility concerns as well. As modern systems move to fiber and Ethernet-based standards, integrating coaxial cables means using additional equipment like adapters, amplifiers, or splitters. This goes back to the complexity we mention just a few moments ago. 

What Replaced Coaxial Cables?

So what replaced coaxial cables? There are three different types of technology we’ve seen surge in its place: fiber optic cables, wireless solutions, and twisted pair cables.

Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cables are quickly becoming the go-to for high-speed and high-bandwidth data transmission across a multitude of industries. They use light signals to transmit data, offering unparalleled performance. Here are some of their advantages over coax cables:

• Unmatched Speed: Capable of transmitting data at gigabit and even terabit speeds. Ideal for applications transferring massive amounts of data, such as enterprise networks, data centers, and telecommunications.
• Low Latency: Fiber optics maintain minimal signal delays for real-time data transmission in the most critical operations where downtime can’t happen.
• Long Distance Capability: Coaxial cables are prone to signal degradation over distance, but fiber can transmit data over miles without any loss of quality.
• Immunity to Interference: Because fiber optics use light instead of electricity, they’re impervious to EMI, making them reliable in settings with heavy electronic equipment.

We have a more thorough comparison of fiber optic vs coaxial cable if you’d like to learn more about where each has an edge over the other.

Wireless Technology

Our world is placing an increased priority on wire elimination, so it’s no surprise that Wi-Fi, 5G networks, and satellite communication are becoming more commonplace than coaxial cables in both consumer and commercial settings. 

The main benefit of this alternative is flexibility. Wireless eliminates the need for physical installations, enabling easy network expansion and reconfiguration in dynamic environments that are subject to regular changes.

This type of system is also more convenient since users can enjoy seamless connectivity across multiple devices without being tethered to a cable. It’s used in mobile communication, remote monitoring, and IoT (Internet of Things) applications where physical cables are impractical.

However, wireless technologies aren’t a one-to-one replacement for coaxial cables in all cases. While they’re reducing reliance on traditional wired systems, there are always going to be scenarios where a cable outperforms wireless. 

Twisted Pair Ethernet Cables

Twisted pair Ethernet cable is an umbrella term for a few different types of cables - particularly Category 5e, 6, and 6a cables. These have become the standard for local area networks (LANs) and commercial data transmission - here’s why:

• Cost-Effectiveness: They’re a lower-cost solution for many data transmission needs across short to medium distances.
• Data Speed: Modern Ethernet cables can handle speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is why they’re utilized in office networks and commercial applications.
• Ease of Installation: They’re lighter, more flexible, and easier to install than coax cables, especially in dense networking environments.
• Compatibility: Ethernet technology supports seamless integration with existing network infrastructure.

You can learn more about the difference between twisted pair and multi-conductor cables in our blog if you’d like. We also have a comparison guide for cat5 vs coax cable.

Get the Best Bulk Coax Cables and Any Other Style at AudioVideoElectric.com

Let’s summarize, is coaxial cable obsolete? Definitely not. Sure, the tide is turning and fiber optic cables, twisted pair ethernet cables, and wireless technology are becoming more common.

However, the end is still a way out for coax cables - especially in applications where durability is of the utmost importance. These cables are incredibly reliable in harsh environments thanks to their strong, bulky nature.

So, whether you choose to rely on the tried-and-true technology of coaxial cables or you want to step into the future with fiber optics cables, remember that AudioVideoElectric.com is your trusted choice. We’ve even got a great multi-conductor cable selection. 

What sets our brand apart from the rest is our ability to offer the same exact quality of branded cables at a fraction of the price, with world-class coaster service every step of the way. This is all thanks to our Belden alternative cables. 

These are identical in fit and form with spec sheets to back them up. Yet, they’re up to 10-20% less! We’ve helped companies trim as much as $86,000 from their annual expenses just by making the switch to our cables, while other brands have cut cable costs up to 65%.

See more case studies over on our website and discover what’s possible with the right cable partner. Or, get in touch today and let our customer service team help you weigh your options and pick the perfect wiring solution for your application. It all starts with a conversation!

Final Thoughts on Why Coax Cables Are Not Obsolete

So, is coaxial cable obsolete? While the technology may not as prominent as it once was, it’s far from obsolete. Its durability, cost-effectiveness, and established infrastructure mean it’s not going away anytime soon.

Our blog has additional resources on how to test coax cable, how to splice coax cable, how to extend coaxial cable, what does RG stand for in coax, the main types of coaxial cable, multi-conductor cable types, what is a low ohm cable, and many, many more.

Remember, whether you need coax cables or something more sophisticated like fiber optics, multi-conductors, or anything in between, AudioVideoElectric.com is your trusted choice. Reach out today and take the next step towards enhancing your wiring processes!