To understand the key difference between RG-6 and RG5-9 coaxial cable and selecting the better cable in both coaxial cables we need to understand the RG Category. So what is RG? RG is one of the classifications of different types of coaxial cables. These types of cables have a wire at the center which is enclosed by an insulation and then grounded protection of braided wire on the insulation. RG is basically a military-established specification that is a bit older and known as a ‘Radio guide’. There are different types of coaxial cables available in the market, but RG-6 and RG-59 are commonly used in them. Coaxial cables have been used for decades in various fields like cable TV and radio due to their property of high-frequency transmission. In this article, we will cover the key differences between RG-6 and RG-59 and will try to find out which coaxial cable is better on the basis of these differences in properties.
RG-6 is designed to fulfill the needs of high-frequency transmission. The primary use for RG-6 Cable is satellite signal transmission or commercial installations. Because satellite and internet signals run at high frequencies. it has a larger conductor that provides better-quality signal transmission. the dielectric insulation over the conductor has made it thicker also as shown in the picture below.
Figure 1 RG-6 Diagram
RG-59 is the older version of coaxial cables and has been around for a long time.RG-59 is installed in the older homes and buildings. But due to changes in the frequency of signals with time and modern signal requirements have made this coaxial cable less popular. RG-59 was designed mainly for longer wavelengths.
Figure 2 RG-59 Diagram
Key Differences between RG-6 and RG59:
RG-6 Varies in many properties as compared to RG-59. We will elaborate on these differences further which can help us to select the exact type of coaxial cable for their wide range applications.
Size of Cables:
The first visible difference between RG-6 and RG-59 is the size of both cables. Measured in AWG (which is an American wire gauge system used since 1857 to measure cable sizes). A conventional RG-59 has roughly 20 AWG and a standard RG-6 has 18 AWG-sized copper center conductors respectively.
Shielding:
The purpose of shielding is to prevent interference of noise in our signal and help us maintain the quality of our signal. In coaxial cables, two types of shielding have been used which are braid and foil.
More shielding means more effectively cable will function in case of longer run specifically. In the case of foil shielding, it involves a mylar foil or aluminum to the dielectric. So foil shielding is effective in case of high frequency electromagnetic interference.
On the other hand, braided shielding involves a number of small wires that are braided around the outer side of the dielectric. This type of shielding is effective in cases of lower frequency. Both RG-59 and RG-6 can use braided shielding but the main difference is copper braid for RG-59 and aluminum or copper braid shielding for the RG-6 has been used.
Bandwidth:
As mentioned earlier RG-6 coaxial cables are designed for higher bandwidth that’s why it’s a heavier gauge cable and has applications related to higher frequency applications. The most common uses for RG-6 are in Cable TV, internet, and satellite TV signals. As RG-6 has a larger conductor as compared to the RG-59, it provides good quality signals and better performance. RG-6 can handle higher frequencies, for example, if any device operates at frequencies more than 50MHz, e.g. broadband internet RG-6 is the best choice for such a device.
On the other hand, the RG-59 cable is a relatively thinner cable as compared to the RG-6 that’s why it has been used for lower frequencies and low bandwidth applications. We use RG-59 where analog video signals or CCTV systems are involved. However, due to modern technologies working at higher frequencies, the RG-59 cables have become less popular around the globe in recent years. As RG-59 has a thinner conductor as compared to RG-6 these factors cause lower signal quality and are less suitable for higher frequency.
Signal Loss:
Signal loss is another important factor when considering coaxial cables for different types of applications, it is also known as attenuation, signal loss in coaxial cable depends on the length of the cable.
More lengthy cable means more chances of signal losses. So keeping the length of the cable short is preferred in the case of coaxial cables. The signal loss ratio for RG-59 is higher as compared to RG-6 at different values of frequency. Selecting an appropriate length for coaxial cable is crucial for maintaining the quality of signals. So choosing between RG-6 or RG-59 one must consider signal loss and distance restrictions.
ALSO READ: RG6 VS RG59: Exploring the Distinctions
Conclusion:
We can conclude from our above discussion that when it comes to choosing a coaxial cable, especially between RG-59 and RG-6 it is vital to consider the specific requirements of your equipment and its application. When higher frequencies are involved and higher bandwidth capability cables are required RG-6 is recommended for satellite TV or Cable TV for higher-quality signals. Similarly for lower frequency signal, RG-59 is preferred for such signals. Consider the above-mentioned factors e.g. shielding, size, bandwidth applications, and most importantly signal loss are most important when choosing between RG-59 and RG-6 cables. After considering these factors, you can make a better decision as per your device and application and ensure higher quality performance in your audio and video systems and devices. So as per modern technology and high frequency devices of this age the RG-6 is a better choice for wide range of applications.