How to determine which coaxial cable is for the Internet
Content
After reading this article, you will be able to distinguish a coaxial internet cable from all the coaxial cables in your home.
Coaxial cables are used in many different areas such as voice, video and internet data. Hence, identifying the coaxial cable used for the Internet is a little tricky. So, which coaxial cable should I connect to my router? Here's how to determine which coaxial cable is for the internet.
Generally, you can use the RG rating on the wires to identify the coax internet cable. RG-8, RG-6 and RG-58 cables are commonly used for data transmission over the Internet. You can find these markings on the end of the coaxial cable connector or in the middle.
Read the article below for a detailed breakdown.
The best way to identify coaxial cables for the Internet
Currently, coaxial cables are used for radio, television and internet connections.
At this point, you may be looking for a bunch of coax cables and you don't know which one is which. In an emergency, you won't know which cable to connect to your router. This is why identifying the coaxial internet cable is so important.
With that in mind, here is an easy and quick way to find coaxial cables for internet among the rest.
Identification of a coaxial cable by RG rating
RG ratings are the best way to identify coaxial internet cables. But what are RG ratings?
RG stands for Radio Guide. When classifying coaxial cables, manufacturers use this RG designation with numbers such as RG-6, RG-59, RG-11, etc. This RG designation represents different types of coaxial cables.
The coaxial cables used to connect to the Internet are labeled RG-6, RG-8, and RG-58. These three types are the most common.
So, all you have to do is find that RG mark on the cable, and the mark should be located at the end of the cable's connector, or in the middle.
However, if you are using old cables, you will not be able to see the markings correctly. Sometimes the markings may be covered with dust. If so, clean the wire and look for the RG rating.
Here are some things to know about the above mentioned RG rated coaxial cables.
Check out the image above. This is a comparison between RG-58 and RG-6 cables. The cable on the left is RG-58 and on the right is RG-6. As you can see, the RG-6 cable is thicker than the RG-58 cable. With this comparison, you can easily understand the size of the RG-8 cable.
RG-58
RG-58 cable is mainly used for 50 ohm applications. It measures 20 AWG.
RG-8
RG-8 is a thicker 50 ohm cable. It measures 12 AWG.
RG-6
The RG-6 cable can handle 75 ohm applications. It measures 18 AWG.
What is the best cable for internet?
I think all of the above three cables are good options for internet. But if I had to choose, I would choose the RG-6.
The RG-6 cable has a thicker section and thicker insulation. Likewise, its high bandwidth is great for applications such as the Internet, satellite TV, and cable TV.
Now you know how to choose a coaxial cable for the Internet. But do you know how to determine which coaxial output has the best signal?
To do this, you will need a coaxial cable tester. And here's how you can use it to find the best coax output.
- Turn on the coaxial cable tester.
- Bring the tester to a specific outlet.
- If the LED indicator is red, the signal is weak.
- If the LED indicator is green, the signal is strong.
Quick-Tip: Instead of contacting support every time you lose signal, it's better to have a coax cable tester.
What you need to know about coaxial cables for the Internet
Design
These coaxial internet cables have a round thick design and a copper center conductor. However, the insulation takes up most of the thickness of the cable (rather than the copper conductor). Due to the large insulation, the copper conductor can transmit data without external damage or interference.
A plastic dielectric insulator protects the copper conductor. On top of the plastic dielectric insulator is a metal screen. Finally, the outer plastic sheath protects the inner insulation and conductor.
System functionality
Data transmission over a copper conductor is the functionality of coaxial cables for the Internet. Thanks to the extra layers, you won't feel signal loss. In other words, it reduces electromagnetic interference.
Speed
These internet cables can transfer data at speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps (megabits per second).
F.A.Q.
How far can a coaxial internet cable go?
Coaxial cables are known for lasting longer than most other cables. They can run up to 500 m. This value is 1640.4 feet. However, this value may vary depending on cable type and signal strength.
Does the length of the coaxial cable affect the internet signal?
Yes, cable length affects internet signal. For example, you will experience more signal loss with longer cable lengths. This signal loss is due to resistance.
As the length of the conductor increases, the resistance of the conductor automatically increases. So long distance means higher resistance, which means loss of internet signal.
As a rule, as the distance from the coaxial Internet cable increases, the following signal losses can be expected.
– 20% signal loss at 50 feet
– 33% signal loss at 100 feet
Can I use any coaxial cable for internet
No, you cannot use a coaxial cable for internet. Some of them are designed to connect to radio or television, while others are designed to transmit data over the Internet. So, you will have to buy a coaxial cable that supports data transmission over the Internet. RG-6, RG-8 and RG-58 cables are the most common coaxial internet cables on the market. (1)
What is the resistance in ohms of coaxial cables for internet?
When classifying coaxial internet cables based on their impedance, two types of cables are distinguished; 50 ohm and 75 ohm. 50 ohm cables are mainly used for wireless communication and data transmission. And 75 ohm cables are used for video signals. (2)
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to check the signal of a coaxial cable with a multimeter
- Where to find thick copper wire for scrap
- How thick is the 18 gauge wire
Recommendations
(1) data transmission - https://www.britannica.com/technology/data-transmission
(2) data communication - https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/data-communication-definition-components-types-channels/
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