What is a Coaxial Cable Used For?

Since the inception of video and audio technology, reliable data transmission has been of the utmost importance. Whether you’re trying to watch TV or surf the web, you’re probably using a coaxial cable. However, these are just a few of the many coaxial cable uses. 

So, what is a coaxial cable used for? And how can you choose the right one for your unique needs? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll unpack all the common uses of coaxial cable below, including:

• Television and radio transmission
• Internet and broadband
• CCTV and surveillance
• Military and aerospace
• And many more!

You’ll also gain tips on picking the perfect cable for your project or product. Here at AudioVideoElectric.com, you'll discover the best bulk coaxial cable selection online. We carry the top brands and even our own lineup of Belden alternative cables that offer exceptional performance at a fraction of the price!

What is a Coaxial Cable?

What is a coaxial cable in the first place? These electrical cables consist of a few key components that facilitate reliable, clear transmissions. 

At its most basic, a coax cable features an inner conductor, a dielectric insulator, a metallic shield, and an outer jacket. This layered construction allows for the effective transmission of high-frequency signals with minimal interference and signal loss. 

But how does it work?

The inner conductor carries the signal, while the surrounding layers protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and physical damage, ensuring reliable signal transmission.

What is a Coaxial Cable Used For?

Now, what is a coaxial cable used for exactly? We’ve covered a few of the most common coaxial cable uses already, but let’s take a closer look at the versatility these electrical components have to offer.

Television and Radio Transmission

Coaxial cables are commonly used to transmit television signals and radio frequencies. Their ability to carry high-frequency signals with minimal loss makes them ideal for delivering clear and consistent broadcast signals to homes and businesses alike.

Internet and Broadband

These cables are also used by cable internet providers to deliver high-speed internet to customers. The cables' capacity to handle large amounts of data over long distances without significant degradation ensures fast and reliable internet connections.

CCTV and Surveillance

In closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, reliability and clear audio/video are non-negotiable. That’s why coaxial cables are trusted for these security systems. 

They transmit video signals from cameras to monitors and recording devices, providing high-quality, uninterrupted surveillance footage crucial for security operations.

Military and Aerospace

Another one of the more unique uses of coaxial cable is in the harsh environments of our military and aerospace segments. They’re employed in communication systems, radar, and other critical systems where performance and reliability cannot be compromised whatsoever.

Additional Uses of Coaxial Cables

We’ve covered the most prominent uses for coaxial cables, but there are a few others we want to point out as well to further illustrate just how versatile these are:

• Home Audio and Video Systems: Coaxial cables are often used in home theater systems to connect components such as TVs, receivers, and speakers, ensuring high-quality audio and video transmission across the entire system.
• Medical Equipment: These cables are even used in imaging devices and other equipment where precise signal transmission is necessary for accurate diagnostics and monitoring.
• Telecommunications: Coaxial cables are utilized in telecommunications infrastructure to connect network devices and facilitate the transmission of data and voice signals.

The key takeaway is this - coaxial cables are used for any situation where it’s important to maintain signal integrity over long distances. That could be for connecting your speakers to your television or for delivering internet access to remote locations.

All that being said, the wide variety of coaxial cable uses is supported by a diverse selection of cables - so, let’s get into some tips on choosing the right one.

Choosing the Right Coaxial Cable For Your Unique Needs

When it comes to the different multi-conductor cable uses, there are various multi-conductor cable types you can choose from to align with your needs. The same is true of the uses for coaxial cables!

We’ll walk you through the most important specifications and environmental considerations below, along with all the different types of cables you have at your disposal. Then we’ll show you where to find reliable cables at affordable prices! 

Understanding Specifications

It’s all too easy to get overwhelmed by the specifications of a cable and match these to your use case. That’s why we encourage you to stop with suppliers that can offer personalized recommendations to take the guesswork and complexity out of the process. Still, you should have a solid grasp on a few key specs, such as:

• Impedance: This is measured in ohms and you must match the cable to your system. Most residential and commercial applications use 75-ohm cables, such as RG-6, which are ideal for TV and internet. In contrast, 50-ohm cables, like RG-58, are common in radio frequency (RF) and data communication systems.
• Signal Loss (Attenuation): This is measured in decibels (dB) per length and indicates how much signal strength is lost as it travels through the cable. Lower attenuation values are preferred for longer runs to maintain signal integrity.
• Bandwidth: The range of frequencies the cable can carry without significant loss. Higher bandwidth cables support faster data rates and are essential for modern digital applications.

Types of Coaxial Cables

There are four unique types of coax cables you’ll encounter, each with its unique characteristics and advantages in specific circumstances: 

• RG-6: Used for cable television, satellite TV, and internet connections. It offers a good balance between performance and cost, with low attenuation and high bandwidth capabilities.
• RG-11: Suitable for long-distance signal transmission due to its thicker conductor and lower attenuation. It’s often used in commercial installations for maintaining signal quality over long runs.
• RG-59: Typically used in low-frequency applications like CCTV systems and older analog video installations. While more flexible than RG-6, it does have higher signal loss, so it’s less suitable for high-frequency applications.
• Triaxial Cable: Provides an additional layer of shielding compared to standard coaxial cables, offering enhanced protection against EMI. It’s ideal for professional video applications needing superior signal quality amidst significant interference.

Environmental Considerations

It’s also important that you consider the specific environment you intend to use the cable in and make sure it’s equipped to withstand those conditions. For example, you’ll need a weather-resistant cable for outdoor installations. Look for features like UV-resistant jackets and waterproofing. 

Meanwhile, environments where the cable will be subject to bending, pulling, or movement, should be equipped with strong jackets and enhanced flexibility to prevent damage. 

Similarly, think about the temperature range of your installation environment. Extreme temperatures can affect the performance and longevity of the cable.

Balancing Budgetary Restraints

While high-quality coaxial cables can be more expensive, they often offer better performance and durability, reducing long-term costs. We say this to caution you against shopping based on price alone - you get what you pay for.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find reliable, high-performance cables that fit your budget. You just need to know where to look! Fortunately, your search ends here at AudioVideoElectric.com

Discover Reliable, Affordable Coaxial Cables for Any Use at AudioVideoElectric.com!

You’ll discover the best of both worlds at AudioVideoElectric.com. Our high-performance cables offer unparalleled reliability at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for brand-name cables.

This is because we offer our own line of “Belden equals”. These provide the same performance and specifications at 10-20% less than their branded counterparts. 

Customers have saved as much as $86,000 annually simply by switching over to our cables. Some brands have cut their cable costs by up to 65%, all while reducing the need to stock their own cables as well.

The cables are still manufactured to strict standards, oftentimes here in the USA. You can even get spec sheets for your approval prior to placing your order so you can shop with confidence. 

Our extensive selection of coaxial cables is designed to meet a variety of needs, from residential internet and TV connections to complex commercial installations. We even have multi conductor cables!

If you aren’t sure which cables are right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our customer service team is knowledgeable and passionate about helping you demystify the cable sourcing process. 

So, shop today or get in touch to put the guesswork and complexity of coax cables in the past!

Final Thoughts on the Coaxial Cable Uses

So, what is a coaxial cable used for? From television and internet to security and military applications, the uses of coaxial cables are vast. It’s just a matter of aligning your specific cable type with the unique coaxial cable uses in question.

Fortunately, this is something you don’t have to worry about on your own. We’re here to help you pick the perfect cables and enjoy reliable, efficient transmission for any application. 

Trust AudioVideoElectric.com for superior coax cables that meet your every need. Unlock premium performance at unbeatable prices today!