Coaxial cables are used in homes and offices for various audio and video appliances. These cables are popularly used in telecommunication, cable TV, CCTV, and internet connections. Despite the availability of more advanced technology, the demand for coaxial cable is still huge and many consumers prefer them over optic fibre and ethernet due to low cost and better durability. With the diverse application of coaxial cables, they are designed to fit the different needs of users. This is the reason a variety of coaxial cable is available in the market. Not all cables are the same and each coaxial is made to meet a certain standard of specification. They greatly vary in design which ultimately affects their performance and suitability for a particular application. Irrespective of the fact, if you need these cable for your domestic needs or for commercial installation, it is important that you understand the basic features of the cables and buy accordingly. Selecting the right cable to meet your needs can have a serious impact on your satisfaction towards your purchase. Type of cables Depending upon the type of signals they transmit coaxial cables can be divided into RF cables, Microwave cables and digital cables. RF cables are mostly used for TV sets and internet connections whereas microwave cables are installed in communication systems, satellite connections and military gadgets. Digital coaxial cables are frequently used to connect sound systems with subwoofers and their quality is comparable to the optical fibre. Transmission Impedance Impedance refers to the strength of the signal the cables are capable of transmitting. Impedance Depends upon the central layer of cable, particularly the capacitance of the cable over a meter in relation to its inductance over a meter. On the basis of these characteristics, coax cable is divided into two categories, 750 Ω and 500 Ω impedance cables. The first type is used for video application while the other is used mostly for data and wireless connections. Cable attenuation and Operating Frequency For higher signal frequency the signal energy starts moving away from the centre of the cable towards the outer layers. This is referred to as “skin effect” which leads to signal loss, and due to this effect, higher frequencies can only travel to shorter distances. Thicker cables will be able to handle higher frequency translation without much loss in the strength of the signal. The signal loss for the longer distance should be one of the factors to consider if you are planning for commercial applications.