Coaxial Cable

Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cables were the first cable types used in LANs. As shown in Figure 3.6, coaxial cable gets its name because two conductors share a common axis; the cable is most frequently referred to as a coax.

The components of a coaxial cable are as follows:

A center conductor, although usually solid copper wire, sometimes is made of stranded wire.
An outer conductor forms a tube surrounding the center conductor. This conductor can consist of braided wires, metallic foil, or both. The outer conductor, frequently called the shield, serves as a ground and also protects the inner conductor from EMI.
An insulation layer keeps the outer conductor spaced evenly from the inner conductor.
A plastic encasement (jacket) protects the cable from damage.

Further Information

Types of Coaxial Cable
Coaxial Characteristics
Connectors for Coaxial Cable
Coax and Fire Code Classifications