Coaxial cables, also called coax cables, are a form of electrical cable which carries radio frequency (RF) signals. Historically they have been used to connect satellite antenna facilities to homes and businesses.

How do Coaxial Cables work?

These cables carry data via the centre conductor, usually a copper wire, which is surrounded by a tubular dielectric plastic insulator. They feature a shielded design which protects the internal conductor from damage and electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring rapid and reliable signal transmission. The shield is commonly made of braided copper mesh, which is contained in an insulating outer jacket.

Coax cables have a distinctive shape which is thick and round due to their interior insulation layer. The most common sizes are: RG-6, RG-11 and RG-59. They also have a transmission speed of 10Mbps (megabits per second) and have a much higher transmission capacity than twisted pair cables. They can be connected to other devices using coaxial cable connectors, such as BNC, TNC, SMB, 7/6 DIN connectors, QMC, MCX, and RCA connectors.

Benefits of Coaxial Cables:

Durable

Easy to install

Resistant to EMI

Designed to transmit signals over long distances

Coaxial Cable Applications

Coaxial cables can be used in applications such as feedlines connecting radio transmitters and receivers with their antennas, computer network (internet) connections, distributing cable television signals, CCTV, digital audio (S/PDIF), and video.

At RS we have a broad range of coax cables from trusted brands such as Alpha Wire, Hirose, Belden, Molex, Amphenol, Huber+Suhner, Phoenix Contact, Atem, RS Pro, and many more to help you find the ideal choice for any application. For detailed information about their uses and the different kinds of coaxial cables available, we recommend you read our bespoke coaxial cable guide.