RG59 vs RG6: Key Differences And Guide To Choose One For You
Selecting the proper coaxial cable when installing a home theatre system, satellite TV, or security cameras is critical.
The two most popular types of coaxial cables available on the market are the RG59 and RG6. While both are used for similar functions, a few differences may affect the signal quality and the cable length utilized. Because of this flexibility, RG6 is preferred over RG59 for most modern applications, including higher frequencies and longer cable runs.
On the other hand, RG59 is suitable for applications that cover a shorter length and less complicated configurations.
Various aspects of these cables, including the shielding thickness, are different, which affects their stability and signal security.
In this blog, we will learn about the differences between RG59 vs RG6 coaxial cable and assist you in selecting the appropriate one.
What is a coaxial cable?
A coaxial cable is an electrical cable used to transfer or broadcast data signals, video signals, or audio signals.
It uses a single main conductor, made of copper, which is responsible for signal transmission. This conductor is sheathed with an insulating casing to minimise the possibility of interference from its surroundings.
The cable also has a metal shield that helps shield outside interference and signals. Lastly, an outer plastic layer is wrapped around the cable guard on the high-voltage gondola cable.
Coaxial cables are popular for use in internet connectivity, television broadcasts, and other means of transmitting signals.
What Does RG Coaxial Cable Mean?
RG coaxial cable is defined as a kind of electrical cable widely employed for communicating and transferring data, video, and audio signals. This abbreviation means ‘‘Radio Guide.’’ This standard is used to classify various coaxial cables.
These cables have a solid conductor, usually copper or aluminium, at its centre, followed by an insulation layer and a metallic layer.
The shield protects the signal from interference, and the changes expressed mean a clear transmission.
RG coaxial cables are available with different descriptions, including the RG-6 and the RG-59, which categorically have different thickness capabilities of the signals.
These cables are normally applied in television connections, internet connectivity, and security cameras.
RG6 Coaxial Cable: High-Bandwidth Applications
RG6 Coaxial Cable is applied in high-bandwidth applications because it supports huge data.
It has another shield outside, which assists in the shielding of the signal from any form of interference. This makes it suitable for cable television, satellite, and the Internet.
RG6 cables are laid in a way that allows signal transmission at high frequencies without much signal distortion.
Due to their ability to deliver low signal attenuation, there is a clear and stable performance when using these cables for long distances.
They also find applications in home networking and data centres to support high-bandwidth internet connections. Overall, the results suggest that RG6 is a relatively stable choice for instances where bandwidth is necessary and disruption is undesirable.
RG59 Coaxial Cable: Low-Bandwidth Applications
RG59 coaxial cable is most suitable for low-bandwidth use and setup. It has a very small copper-centered conductor that enables the signal to flow through it. This cable is mainly employed in video surveillance systems, cable television, and short-haul transmission.
RG59 is not useful for running high-speed data but is adequate for analogue signals. It also has electromagnetic shielding that assists in dealing with outside disturbances.
However, it is not good for high cable length applications because it is prone to signal degradation over length. Other cables, such as the RG6, are available for higher bandwidths or long distance requirements.
Differences Between RG59 and RG6 Cables
| Feature | RG59 Cable | RG6 Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Coaxial cable | Coaxial cable |
| Cable Thickness | Thinner (about 0.242 inches in diameter) | Thicker (about 0.275 inches in diameter) |
| Impedance | 75 ohms | 75 ohms |
| Signal Quality | Generally used for lower frequency signals (up to 300 MHz) | Better at higher frequencies (up to 1 GHz or more) |
| Applications | Used for short-distance connections like CCTV, baseband video, and low-frequency signals | Used for cable television (CATV), satellite TV, and internet connections |
| Attenuation | Higher attenuation (loss of signal) over distance | Lower attenuation, better at longer distances |
| Shielding | Usually has a single layer of shielding (braided or foil) | Typically has double shielding (braided and foil) for better protection against interference |
| Cost | Cheaper, generally more affordable | Slightly more expensive due to better shielding and performance |
| Bandwidth | Lower bandwidth, suitable for standard-definition video and lower data rates | Higher bandwidth, better for high-definition (HD) video, broadband, and higher data rates |
| Flexibility | More flexible and easier to bend due to its smaller diameter | Less flexible but still manageable, thicker diameter can make it harder to install in tight spaces |
| Signal Loss | More signal loss over longer distances | Less signal loss over longer distances |
Factors to Consider When Buying Coaxial Cables
1. Jacketing
When purchasing coaxial cables, the outer layer should be looked at keenly because it acts as a shield to the internal wires. This layer is known as the jacket, and it covers the cable and can be produced from PVC, PE, or rubber materials.
A good jacket reduces risks to the cable depending on the occasions it is used and/or the areas it is used in.
It also makes the cable have a long life as it is protected from some elemental factors such as moisture, UV light, and physical strain. When selecting the jacketing material for the cables, an individual can increase their lifespan and efficiency.
2. Impedance
Coaxial cables have another property or characteristic known as impedance, which simply points to the extent to which the cable may be said to resist the flow of electrical signals.
It remains significant because the impedance must be correct, and it can be seen that the wrong can lead to signal degradation or interference. Coaxial cables typically have two common impedances: 50 ohms and 75 ohms.
You risk poor signal quality and damaging effects to the equipment whenever the impedance of the cable you are using does not correspond to the impedance in the equipment.
Before purchasing a coaxial cable, one should ensure the cable’s impedance matches that of the devices that it must interface with for the best result.
3. Cable TV Considerations
While selecting the coaxial cables required for means of cable television systems, the cable needs to be of good quality to enable optimal signal strength.
Cable length is also important; a longer cable reduces the signal strength, which is why the cable must be of the right length for your connection.
The sort of coaxial cable, like RG6/59, also has an influence on the performance, while the RG6 is superior to cable television as it has less signal drop-off.
Ensure the cable has good enough shielding to deter outside signals from interfering with pictures and sound.
Last, check if connectors will work for devices, so connections are secure and no connections break.
4. Conductor Material
When selecting a coaxial cable, the type of the conductor is very essential to consider. Copper is preferred as signal carrier material because it is highly conductive; with copper, the signal does not attenuate as quickly.
However, it might be somewhat costly compared to some of the other possibilities, being the model’s key disadvantage. This one is the copper-clad steel, which offers decent performance relative to a price but has a higher signal attenuation than the solid copper.
If cost is an issue, then most probably the copper –clad steel would be preferred while the solid copper provides the best signal quality.
5. Weather Resistance
Coaxial cables that are going to be used in outdoor environments need to be very resistant to weather changes.
Sunlight, rain, and other weather conditions affect the normal cables, making them ineffective in a short time.
For this reason, try to find the cables with the jackets that are resistant to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Sealing is also very important, and it acts to barricade the cable from water that may get inside the cable, thus damaging it.
Such features make the cable withstand the environmental conditions and perform optimally while serving the intended purpose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the differences between RG59 and RG6 cables allow you to make a proper choice depending on the requirements in your case.
RG6 is preferred for distance transmissions because it provides better insulation and can handle higher frequencies compared to RG59.
On the other hand, RG59 is suitable for uses where runs are short or where cost is a major concern.
Modern satellite and cable TV installations prefer using RG6 because it provides better performance than the older RG59.
However, RG59 may still be useful in older systems or low-frequency applications. In short, knowledge about the setup and your requirements will assist you in making a proper decision between these two cables.
