Coaxial cable

Definition

Coaxial cable is a type of electrical cable that consists of a central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer. It is widely used for transmitting data, video, and audio signals due to its ability to carry high-frequency signals with minimal interference. Its design allows for improved protection against external electromagnetic interference, making it a reliable choice in various communication systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coaxial cables are commonly used in cable television systems, broadband internet connections, and other telecommunications applications due to their high bandwidth capabilities.
2. The central conductor of a coaxial cable can be made from copper or aluminum, while the outer shield is typically constructed from braided or solid metal to provide protection against interference.
3. Coaxial cables can support various types of connectors, such as BNC, F-type, and RCA, allowing them to be used with different devices and systems.
4. The thickness of the coaxial cable is measured in terms of its diameter, with standard sizes including RG-6 and RG-59 being popular for residential and commercial installations.
5. Coaxial cables are less susceptible to external interference compared to twisted pair cables due to their shielding properties, making them ideal for environments with high electromagnetic noise.

Review Questions

• Compare coaxial cable with twisted pair cable in terms of signal quality and application use cases.
  • Coaxial cable generally offers better signal quality than twisted pair cable due to its shielding and design, which reduces interference and allows for higher bandwidth. This makes coaxial ideal for applications like cable television and broadband internet where high-frequency signals are needed. In contrast, twisted pair cables are more commonly used in local area networks (LANs) because they are less expensive and easier to install, but they may experience more signal degradation over longer distances compared to coaxial cables.
• Discuss the role of the metallic shield in a coaxial cable and how it impacts the performance of the cable.
  • The metallic shield in a coaxial cable serves as a barrier against external electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can distort or degrade the signals being transmitted. This shielding ensures that the inner conductor remains insulated from external noise, thus maintaining the integrity and clarity of the signal over longer distances. The effectiveness of this shield directly influences the performance and reliability of coaxial cables in various applications, particularly in environments where there is significant electromagnetic activity.
• Evaluate how the choice between coaxial cable and fiber optic cable may affect a network's performance and scalability.
  • Choosing between coaxial cable and fiber optic cable can significantly impact a network's performance and scalability. While coaxial cables are effective for short-distance transmission and offer good signal quality, they have limitations in bandwidth and distance compared to fiber optics. Fiber optic cables can handle much higher bandwidths and longer distances without significant signal loss or attenuation. As networks continue to grow and demand higher speeds and more data capacity, fiber optics become increasingly attractive for modern infrastructures seeking scalability and future-proofing against technological advancements.

Related terms

Twisted pair cable: A type of electrical wiring where pairs of insulated copper wires are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference, commonly used in telecommunication and networking.

Fiber optic cable: A cable made of thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit data as light pulses, offering high-speed data transmission over long distances with minimal signal loss.

Signal attenuation: The reduction in strength of a signal as it travels through a medium, which can affect the quality and integrity of the transmitted data.