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Your distribution source for Belden Cable, Alpha Wire, Southwire Cable and equals
What are the Main Types of Coaxial Cable?
September 19, 2024

What are the Main Types of Coaxial Cable?

From TV and radio transmission to internet, surveillance, military, aerospace, and more - the uses for coaxial cables are endless. Also known as coax cables, these are essential in keeping our world running smoothly while powering many of the modern comforts you use daily.

With so many different use cases, you can imagine just how many coaxial cable types there are. This can make it difficult to find the perfect style for your unique requirements. We’re here to help. So, what are the main types of coaxial cable?

  • RF Cable
  • RG-6 Coaxial Cable
  • RG-11 Coaxial Cable
  • RG-59 Coaxial Cable
  • RG-62 Coaxial Cable
  • RG-213 Coaxial Cable
  • Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Cable
  • Hardline Coaxial Cable
  • Triaxial (Triax) Cable
  • Twin-axial (Twinax) Cable

We’ll highlight the role each of these plays below along with all the different coaxial cable connector types. But no matter your needs, you can rest assured AudioVideoElectric.com has the bulk coaxial cable to match. Shop now or get in touch for a personalized recommendation!

Overview of Coaxial Cables

First things first, what is a coaxial cable used for? They carry signals over long distances while minimizing interference, playing a pivotal role in everything from television and internet connections to radio and communication systems. 

They consist of a central conductor that transmits the signal, an insulating layer, and a braided shield that helps block electromagnetic interference (EMI). The outer jacket provides additional protection from physical damage. 

The EMI shielding is especially important, as this is what maintains signal integrity in environments with potential interference. As a result, coax cables are a trusted option for reliable data and signal transmission across industries.

What are the Main Types of Coaxial Cable?

Whether you’re working on a new project or simply trying to find the optimal replacement cable, understanding all the main coaxial cable types is essential. 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different ratings and specs, but that’s where we come in. This guide below on the different types of coaxial cables will leave you with a clear understanding of your options.

Just remember - a personalized recommendation from the experts at AudioVideoElectric.com is just a few clicks or a call away! You don’t have to play the guessing game with our customer service team ready to assist you.

RF Cable

RF cables handle high-frequency signals primarily for radio frequency communication - however, they also work great in other types of wireless systems and TV broadcasting.

These are typically used in the home and are not ideal for long-distance transmissions. Instead, they’re used for short-distance audio/visual components or lower traffic use-cases.

RG-6 Coaxial Cable

RG-6 cables are equipped with upgraded shielding. This makes them a great choice for transmitting audio and video signals in both indoor and outdoor settings, including direct burial. 

Plus, their dielectric insulation and shielding helps reduce signal degradation over longer distances. This, coupled with a 75-ohm impedance, is why they’re commonly used in cable TV and satellite.

RG-11 Coaxial Cable

RG-11 is designed for minimal signal loss over the longest distances, with a larger core and heavier shielding than RG-6. 

This style is useful for outdoor installations like satellite dishes where signal quality over long runs is the top priority. While they’re similar to the RG-6 and RG-59 coaxial cable types, their reliability across distance is what sets them apart.

RG-59 Coaxial Cable

RG-59 has a thinner core and less shielding compared to RG-6, which makes it flexible and easy to install in tight spaces. It’s best suited for shorter distances and applications like CCTV, where signal loss across a long distance is less of a concern. This style is also rated with a 75-ohm impedance.

RG-62 Coaxial Cable

RG-62’s unique 93-ohm impedance makes it specifically useful for low-frequency, legacy systems, such as old IBM network setups. 

While you won’t find these coaxial cable types in modern applications, they still exist in certain automotive and network environmental, such as for car antennas or other satellite use cases.

RG-213 Coaxial Cable

RG-213 offers exceptional power handling capability for high-power radio transmissions. Unlike many of the other types of coaxial cables, these are built with a solid insulation layer rather than foam.

This thick, durable construction helps ensure reliability in even the most demanding applications, such as in ham radios or military settings. 

Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Cable

LMR cables provide incredible flexibility, low loss, and high shielding. This is why these types of coax cables are used for mobile and wireless communications (such as two-way radios). 

They offer strong signal retention even amidst movement or outdoor conditions. You’ll find impedance ratings ranging from 50-ohm to 75-ohm.

Hardline Coaxial Cable

Hardline coaxial cables have a more solid outer conductor and thick core to preserve as much of the signal’s integrity as possible, even across long distances. They’re a common choice in broadcast TV and radio transmitters for this dependability. 

Triaxial (Triax) Cable

As the name suggests, triaxial cables feature an additional layer of shielding for even greater protection against interference than standard coax cables. This is why they’re used for professional broadcasting and camera operations where signal integrity is paramount.

Twin-axial (Twinax) Cable

Finally, we have twin-axial cables which feature two conductors. They’re relied on for high-speed data transfer in data centers or high-speed computing environments. The dual conductor design reduces crosstalk and improves signal integrity in data-heavy systems.

Overview of the Different Coaxial Cable Connector Types

There you have it, all the different types of coaxial cable! We wish it was really as easy as choosing one of these 10 styles, though. There are also quite a few different coaxial cable connector types you should be aware of.

  • F-Type Connectors: Screws onto the cable for a secure and stable connection, commonly used in TV, satellite, and cable modems.
  • BNC Connectors: Features a quick-connect/disconnect design with a bayonet-style locking mechanism. These are relied on in professional video and radio frequency applications, such as CCTV and broadcasting.
  • N-Type Connectors: Large, threaded connectors provide high power handling and low signal loss for outdoor and rugged environments - like cell tower installations. They’re also used in microwaves, though!
  • SMA (SubMiniature Version A) Connectors: Small and compact with threaded connections for precise performance at high frequencies. They’re common in RF and microwave systems along with WiFi and cellular applications.
  • TNC (Threaded Neill–Concelman) Connectors: Similar to BNC connectors but with threaded coupling for a more secure connection. They’re best for applications where a more secure, weatherproof connection is essential in high-frequency systems.
  • QMA Connectors: Provides a snap-on interface for fast and reliable connections without the need for tools, making this one of the most convenient types of coaxial cable connectors. They’re used in telecommunications, specifically where quick disconnects are needed.
  • RCA Connectors: Easy-to-use push-on design but offers lower signal quality compared to newer connectors, which is why you’ll primarily find these on older audio/video systems.

Along with these different coaxial cable connector types, there rea wide variety of specs, safeties, and other considerations to keep in mind when choosing your cables. 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but you don’t need to be an expert to pick the perfect cables. You just need to find someone who IS an expert to help you. Look no further than AudioVideoElectric.com.

Find All the Different Coaxial Cable Types at AudioVideoElectric.com!

We’re your one-stop shop for all your coax cable needs. With the best selection of products at the lowest prices online, backed by world-class customer service every step of the way, what more could you ask for?

Our Belden alternative cables are our most popular offering because they are indistinguishable from their branded counterparts in fit and form, yet, they’re a fraction of the price - 10-20% cheaper, in fact! We have the spec sheets to back them up if you’re not certain, too.

These Belden equals are how we’ve managed to help some customers save up to $86,000 annually without production delays, or reduce cable costs by 65%. You can see all our success stories here to learn why our customers choose us.

We don’t just have all the different coaxial cable types, though. You can also count on us for the various multi-conductor cable types, including:

So, what are you waiting for? Browse our catalog and source your cables smarter, saving money without compromising on quality. Get in touch for one-on-one assistance choosing the optimal types of coax cable for your unique needs today!

Final Thoughts on the Different Types of Coaxial Cable

That does it for our guide on the different coaxial cable types. There are so many different styles, and even more connector types, at your disposal. Hopefully, though, this guide has left you feeling more clear and confident in what you need.

From RF and RG series cables to specialized options like hardline and triaxial, each has its strengths in signal transmission, durability, and interference protection.

Our blog has more resources on how to test a coaxial cable, conduit fill calculator, single conductor vs multi conductor cable, the advantage of stranded conductor over solid conductor, and many more. 

But whether you need a coax cable or multi conductor cable, remember that we’re your trusted supplier for top-tier wiring solutions at an unbeatable price, with exceptional customer support from start to finish.

So, discover affordable, top-performance coaxial cables that meet your exact needs at AudioVideoElectric.com today!

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