Coaxial cable has a central copper conductor surrounded by insulating material, then an outer conductor and additional insulation. It is used for cable TV networks, some Ethernet LANs, and earlier telephone networks. Coaxial cable has higher bandwidth than twisted pair but also higher signal attenuation, requiring repeaters. Common types are RG-59 and RG-6, with RG-59 used more for cable TV. BNC connectors are commonly used to connect coaxial cables.

1. Coaxial Cable has a central core conductor of solid wire (usually cooper). That wire is
enclosed in an insulating sheath, which is in turn enclosed in an outer conductor of
metal foil. The outer metallic wrapping server as shield against noise disturbance as
well as second conductor which completes the circuit. The outer conductor is also
enclosed in an insulating sheath. The whole cable is protected by plastic cover. You
can see the structure of coaxial cable in following diagram:

2. Category Impedance Use
RG-59 75 ohm Cable TV
RG-58 50 ohm
Thin
Ethernet
RG-11 50 ohm
Thick
Ethernet
Coaxial cable is categorized by Radio Government (RG) ratings. Each
category of RG rating is adapted for different function. Each RG number
donates a unique set of physical specifications, including following:
•The wire gauge of inner conductor.
•Thickness of inner insulation.
•Type of inner insulation.
•Construction of shield.
•The size and type of outer casing.
Let's have a look at some categories of coaxial cable:

3. Coaxial connectors are used to connect the coaxial cable. The most
commonly used connector is Bayone-Neill-Concelman (BNC).
The BNC connector is of following three types:
•BNC connector: It is used to connect the end of the cable to a device
such as TV.
•BNC T-connector: It is used in Ethernet networks to branch out a cable
for connecting a computer or any other device.
•BNC terminator: It is used at the end of the cable to prevent reflection
by signals.

4. How to Connect Coaxial Cable Connectors
Method 1 of 3: Initial Steps
1
Determine your cable size. Cable terminology can be confusing. Look on the side
of your coaxial wire for the size designation. In most homes, the two most common
sizes are RG-6 and RG-59.

5. 1 RG stands for "Radio Guide." The numbers of the various versions of RG cable
refer to the diameter (59 meaning .059, and 6 meaning .06, etc) and internal
characteristics of the cable, including the amount of shielding and the cable's
attenuation, which refers to how much signal loss there is per length of cable.
You may also see the term RF used with these cables, which stands for "Radio
Frequency."
2 Most non-industrial coaxial cable is now known as RG-6, although the previous
thinner lower-quality standard of RG-59 is still used in some applications and older
homes. Commercial installers may use a thicker RG cable, like RG-11(which is only
used if the distance from the source tap to your point of termination at the home is
greater than 200 feet)
3 RG cables used in homes for ordinary purposes should be 75 ohm (RG-6 or RG-
59).
Be aware that all cables (and their connectors) come in a variety of qualities. Get
the best quality cable you can.

7. 2
Choose the right connectors. Most connectors for home video installations are
made with F-Style connectors. However, it is possible your system uses N-type
connectors. Be aware that there are several types of F-type RG-6 cable available,
primarily screw-on and crimp-style connectors.
1 Screw-on connectors are easy to use, but are less secure and can leave a
small air pocket. Some people believe this may affect your signal quality.
2 Crimp-style connectors have two parts: a ring (or crimp) and a terminator.
3 They are typically more difficult to install, but can attain the greatest
lengths and best connections when used correctly.
Know that to make a connection you will need a male and a female connector of
the same type.
1 Male connectors have the center wire sticking out, while female connectors
have a space for the center wire to stick into. Be sure to use the opposite
gender to the connector you will be making. Most cables end in male
connectors.
2 Use an SMA (sub-miniature Version A) connector for very small coaxial cable.

8. Method 2 of 3: Strip The Cable
1 Cut the cable flush.
2
Trim the outer cover (usually black rubber) back 1/2".
Be very careful not to cut into the metal braiding directly beneath the outer housing.
The braiding may be both "loose" wire and a foil-like metal present in shielded wire.

9. 3
Carefully pull back the inner braiding (second channel) outside the outer cover.
Check to make sure none of the braided wire gets wrapped around or touches the
copper center conductor.

10. 4
Trim back the (usually white, but may be clear) dielectric plastic from the inner core
cable. Be absolutely sure not to scratch or nick the center conductor. Any damage to
this conductor can severely impact your signal.

11. 5
Push the connector down over the cable end so that the copper core of the coaxial
cable sticks out.
Be sure the dielectric (aluminum foil) is trimmed so that it does not enter into the
terminator of the connector.

12. 6
Screw the connector into the end of the cable. The thread will cut into the outer
housing and wrap the shielding weave, making a tight fit.

13. Method 3 of 3: Using A Crimp-Style Connector
This is another method which can be used to connect coaxial cable connectors.
1
Place the crimp ring over the cable end.

14. 2
Trim the outer cover back about 1/4".

15. 3
Trim the shielding, wire wrap and dielectric back to the bare inner wire

16. 4
Leave about 1/8" of dielectric.

17. 5
Place the terminator over the end of the wire so the copper core sticks out
through the hole.

18. 6
Push the crimp-style connector down into the cable end so that the tube of the
connector goes between the foil and the outer housing.
This can be very difficult to do. Try holding the cable end with a pair of pliers, or
clamping it in a vice. Try not to twist when pushing down.

19. 7
Crimp the ring around the outside of the cable.

20. 8
Trim any loose wires.

21. 9
Cut the inner core wire flush with the end of the connector.

22. 10
Tug on the connector to make sure it is attached.

23. We can measure the performance of coaxial cable. The attenuation is much higher in
coaxial cable as compared to twisted pair cable. Although coaxial cable has much
higher band width, the signal weakens rapidly and thus it needs the frequent use of
repeaters in order to revive the signal.
Application:
Telephone Networks:
Earlier, the use of coaxial cable started in analogue telephone networks. Then it was
started to be used in digital telephone networks where this cable can carry digital
data up to 600 Mbps. However, use of coaxial cable in telephone networks has been
replaced largely by fiber-optic cable.
Cable TV Networks:
Coaxial cable is used extensively in cable TV networks. Mostly, the entire cable TV
network uses coaxial cable. However, some cable TV providers replaced most of the
network with fiber-optic cable. Cable TV networks uses RG-59 coaxial cable.
LAN Networks:
Coaxial cable is also used in traditional Ethernet LANs. Because of its higher band
width and higher data transfer rate, it is used in some Ethernet LANs.