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:

Category Impedance UseRG-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:

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.

How to Connect Coaxial Cable Connectors

Method 1 of 3: Initial Steps

1Determine 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.

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.

2Choose 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.

Method 2 of 3: Strip The Cable

1 Cut the cable flush.

2Trim 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.

3Carefully 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.

4Trim 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.

5Push 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.

6Screw 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.

Method 3 of 3: Using A Crimp-Style Connector

This is another method which can be used to connect coaxial cable connectors.

1Place the crimp ring over the cable end.

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

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

4Leave about 1/8" of dielectric.

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

6Push 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.

7Crimp the ring around the outside of the cable.

8Trim any loose wires.

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

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

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.