What Are the Benefits of Using Coaxial Cable?

By Kimberly Turtenwald

Coaxial cables come with different configurations and connectors.
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Coaxial cables are thick cables that can be used to connect any number of devices. They are commonly used to connect accessories to televisions, as well as to run access through cable and satellite companies. Using this type of cable over other types of cable offers several advantages to users.

Versatility

Coaxial cables can be used for a number of different functions. When you hook up your DVD or Blu-ray player to your television, you may use a coaxial cable. These cables are also often used to connect your television or computer to a satellite dish or cable connection. Coaxial cables are capable of carrying anything from radio transmissions to video to data signals.

Capacity

Because coaxial cables are capable of transmitting so many different types of signals, their capacity is important. These cables consist of a large number of copper wires that are banded together within the rubber outer coating of the cable. These cables are capable of transmitting large amounts of data at a high rate of speed, up to 100 megabytes per second. This makes a coaxial cable the ideal type to use for broadband Internet connection, as well as television service to avoid a delay.

Frequency Range

Different kinds of data require various frequencies to transmit the information from one place to another. Coaxial cables are capable of transmitting various frequencies, even at the same time, making the cables a good choice for running multiple connections on the same line, such as both Internet and cable through the same line. Copper is the most frequently used wire within coaxial cables because of copper's ability to work with higher frequencies. Some other types of cables are only capable of transmitting one frequency at a time, which makes them poor choices for multi-media applications.

Protection

Coaxial cables are typically protected by thick layers of rubber. This not only protects the delicate wires inside from breaking or starting a fire; it also helps to keep outside interference from the wires. The lack of interference means that the cables are able to transmit information more quickly and efficiently. It also creates a low occurrence of errors in the data that is transmitted through the cable. The signal is also capable of traveling over longer distances when encased within a coaxial cable.

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