What is Coaxial Cable in Networking
Definition: coaxial cable is shortened to “Coax” cable. Coaxial cable is a simply copper cable that helps to transfer the electrical signals in between the multiple electrical devices, systems or other components. Coaxial cable is also capable to pass the RF (Radio Frequency) in the form of transverse electromagnetic wave. Mostly, this cable is used for transmitting lines, as well as it can pass high frequency signals at the low loss.
Coaxial cable was designed by English engineer and mathematician Oliver Heaviside, in 1880.
How Does Work Coaxial Cable with Diagram
Coaxial cable has four layer, and each layer has own different functions; such as –
- Center conductor is constructed by copper, and this conductor helps to pass the video and other data.
- Plastic dielectric insulator helps to prevent the signal loss and gets reduction of EMI, and it also offers the insulation and makes distance in between the core conductor and external layers.
- Copper braided mesh shields the cable from EMI and radio transmissions.
- Plastic external provides the protection for damaging to internal layers.
Structure of Coaxial Cables
Inside of coaxial cable consists of the inner conductor surrounded by lightweight plastic dielectric layer, which is then enclosed in a cylindrical sandwich that contains additional layers of shielding by a lightweight braided mesh that helps to prevent damage to the signal carrying components during installation or from environmental stresses.
Coaxial Cable has different parts; below outlined each one –
Center Conductor: Constructed by copper-clad steel
Center Conductor bond: To get clean stripping polymer prevents moisture migration.
Dielectric: Constructed from polyethylene for high-VP closed-cell foam.
First Outer Conductor: shield with an aluminum-polymer aluminum tape securely bonded to the dielectric core.
Second Outer Conductor: A second aluminum-polymer-aluminum tape is used in the construction of tri-shields and quad-shields. This facilitates the isolation of the HF shield before and after flexure.
Third Outer Conductor: Same application as the
Fourth Outer Conductor: In an environment of high RF noise, another 34/36 AWG aluminum braid is used in the construction of quad-shields to facilitate LF shield isolation.
Protectant: The protectant must be corrosion resistant.
Indoor and Aerial: Prevents moisture migration using a non-drip material.
Underground: A flowing compound that can seal ruptures in the jacket.
Jacket: Constructed from either PE or PVC, a UV stable outer jacket protects the conductor core during and after installation.
Integral Messenger: A support member made from galvanized carbon steel wire connected via a separable web to the cable.
Types of Coaxial Cables with their Uses
Here, we spread light on different types of coaxial cable with their used in networking areas; below explain each one –
- Hard line Coaxial Cable
- RG-6 Coaxial Cable
- RG-11 Coaxial Cable
- RG-59 Coaxial Cable
- Triaxial cable
- Flexible Coaxial Cable
- Semi-Rigid Coaxial Cable
- Formable Coaxial Cable
- Rigid Coaxial Cable
- Twinaxial Cable
Hard line Coaxial Cable
Hard line coaxial cables are mostly used in the highly signal strength applications, and they are measured around 0.5″ to 1.75″ in the thickness with making large diameter compare to other kinds of coaxial cables. They contain the center conductor made of silver, copper, aluminum, or steel.
Hard line coaxial cables are mostly used in the cable TV because these cables have ability to transmit hundreds of cable TV channels, as well as also using in the telephone and internet cabling.
RG-6 Coaxial Cable
RG-6 coaxial cables are mostly used in our surrounding areas like as cable TV and broadband internet lining system. “RG” stands for Radio Guide, and “6″ represents its diameter of 0.06″. RG-6 cable is also known as the RF cables.
RG-6 coaxial cables are getting more popularity because it has large conductors, and provide the improved signal quality as well.
Few RG-6 cables are available in waterproof, and due to its thickness, it can easy to install in ceiling and walls.
These types of cables are best option for using in the entertainment systems both in households and commercial campuses.
RG-11 Coaxial Cable
RG-11 coaxial cables are similar to RG-6 and RG-59 cables, but it has big difference is that RG-11 has better high definition with longer life. They have 75-ohm impedance, and thicker to RG-6. They are capable with delivering higher signal to receiver. They have less flexibility to RG-6, but it also offers the benefits of lower loss.
These types of cables are preferred to long distance applications like as satellite, TV or cable TV, and they are best deal to HDTV connections.
RG-59 Coaxial Cable
RG-59 coaxial cables are also similar to RG-6, but they are characterized by the relatively thinner center conductor that allow to more efficient with low-frequency transmissions and short runs.
These cables are used in the domestic video applications like as Cable TV and satellite box, and they are mostly preferred for connecting the CCTV systems.
It is also called the “Triax Cable”, and it is another types of electrical cable along with additional of extra layer of insulation and second conducting sheath. It provides the better bandwidth and cuts off the interference unlike to Coax, and it also gets reduction in cable losses and cable loading.
These types of cables are used in the common applications such as television production as making the connection with cabling between camera and camera control unit, taking precision low current measurements.
Flexible Coaxial Cable
Flexible coaxial cables have ability to move and flex as per the need of situation. They are available with inner conductor made of metal that is turn surrounded by dielectric of flexible polymer. On the top, they have protective external jacket.
These types of cables must be used in such situations where you may be required to enhance the flexibility. So, there are options for switching the metal core conductor to solid wire stranded design.
They are mostly used in domestic applications such as cable TV or home video equipment.
Semi-Rigid Coaxial Cable
Semi-rigid coaxial cables are constructed with solid copper outer sheath with a dielectric of PTFE. Copper sheath offers the superior effectiveness and the dielectric properties provide the increase high frequency performance.
These kinds of cables are used in such situations where the cable can be laid straight without requiring to be curved or bent, because they have not able to flexed or reformed.
Formable Coaxial Cable
Formable coaxial cables are best alternative to semi rigid coax cables. They contain tough outer sheath made of flexible metal instead of rigid copper. These cables are able to form or reshaped by hand as per the needs of the situation.
Formable coaxial cables are mostly preferred to layout the design for getting to cable placement in prototype applications, and once stabilized.
Rigid Coaxial Cable
Rigid Coaxial Cable is also known as “Rigid Line”, and it is quite flexible because rigid coaxial cable is manufactured and sold in fixed length flanged straight sections. To connect transmission line sections, to be used the 45 or 90 degree elbows as per the situation.
Rigid coaxial cables are commonly used in indoor purposes because they are best option for powerful connections in the FM and TV broadcasting systems.
Twin axial cables are available with 2 inner conductors beyond of single, and they are most suitable for less range high speed differential signaling applications. They are capable to decrease cable loss, higher protection from the ground loops, captive field, and lower low frequency magnetic noise.
Twin axial cables are mostly used for low frequency digital and video applications, data center networks and storage, high performance computing, and server applications.
Other Types of Coaxial Cables with their Uses
Water-Cooled Coaxial Cables: They are commonly used for conductive heaters, hardening equipment, and welding processes.
High-Temperature Coaxial Cables: These types of coaxial cable are mostly used in every harsh environment applications, and the temperature range for majority of coaxial cable is -55/+200 degree.
Micro Coaxial Cables: These cables are used in wide variety of medical products and cabling applications. They are capable to confine spaces, where to use high reliability, capacitance, and outstanding signals.
Coaxial Ribbon Cables: These cables are used for transferring with highly capacity, support for many stations, and low error rates.
Specifications of Coaxial Cables
There are specifications of few coaxial cables; below table lists.
Applications of Coaxial Cables
- Analog telephone networks
- Digital telephone networks
- Cable TV networks
- Ethernet LANs
- MANs Network