Patented in 1880, coaxial cable has been a standard means of delivering high frequency electrical signals over distances with low signal loss. It has many applications, including telephone trunk lines, cable television signals, and cell phone boosters. Cables come in many sizes and lengths, each designed for a specific application.

Coaxial cable has an inner and outer core that share a geometric axis. This prevents electromagnetic interference and enables more reliable data transmission over longer distances.

Coaxial cable is constructed from a single copper or copper-coated steel wire as the center core which carries the high frequency signal. This wire is surrounded by a dielectric insulator, often made of plastic, which keeps a constant distance between the center conductor and the next layer. This insulator is wrapped with a metal shield made of woven copper, aluminum or other metal. This cancels outside electromagnetic interference. The final layer is a rubber wrapper that insulates the whole configuration.

Coaxial cable can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications with a few differences. Coax used outdoors requires additional insulation to protect the wires from sun and moisture. Cables rated for outdoor use may run along the outside of your home to a satellite dish or to the cable box on the corner. Whether out in the sun or buried in the earth, the cable needs to be protected enough to provide seamless transmissions.

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