When it comes to fast Internet and cable TV, there is no better way to get the most out of your Internet connection than with a coaxial cable. Now, here a question may arise whether using RG6 or RG59 coaxial cable is better for your cable network?
Well, when choosing between these two cables, there are many factors we need to look at like Construction, Signal Loss, Frequency Range, and many more. So, if you are confused between RG6 and RG59 wires, then you are in the correct place.
Today we will discuss everything you need to know about RG6 and RG59 cables, along with a complete comparison between them.
Key Takeaways:
- RG6 has a thicker construction due to dual shielding
- RG59 cables are suitable for low-frequency applications like CCTV cameras.
- Due to its more prominent conductor and thick build, RG6 can carry higher frequency with less signal loss.
- RG6 cables cost more than the RG59 cables.
Is Rg6 Better Than Rg59?
We can’t tell for sure that RG6 is superior to RG59. This is entirely dependent on the application for which the coaxial cable is required. RG6 cables can transmit signals further and with higher signal quality than RG59 cables.
As a result, RG6 cables are commonly utilized in high-frequency applications such as television connections. RG59 cables, on the other hand, are better for reduced and quick transmission.
Down below, we will look into the complete breakdown of both RG6 and RG59 cables.
What Is Rg6 Cable?
The most popular kind of coax cable used for most home and business interior installations is RG6 cable. It also has a new type of insulation that enables it to withstand Ghz grade frequencies more successfully. With a bigger conductor and more robust multilayer insulation, RG6 cable provides much-improved signal quality.
Overview Of Rg6 Cable
We have already discussed about Rg6 cable. But there are two different variants of Rg6 cable. Both RG6 Quad Shielded (RG6Q) and RG6 Dual Shielded (RG6) coaxial cables are insulated. The type of inner shielding utilized to protect the sensitive wires is the fundamental difference between the RG6 and the RG6Q.
Outside interference is reduced by the RG6Q’s increased “quad” shielding, resulting in higher transmission fidelity. But do keep in mind you cannot interchange between different types of Rg6 cables. The coating and insulation of RG6 cable are tailored for greater bandwidth along with high-frequency uses.
These cables typically have a maximum length of 90 meters, with 10 meters in the switch or hub and a maximum distance of 1000 feet. However, a switch that enables it on both ends is required.
Advantages of using RG6 cable
There are many advantages of using RG6 cables, which are as follows.
- It offers a high bandwidth
- Comes with a heavier gauge along with a high insulation
- For wall or ceiling applications, this coax cable is slender and bendable.
Applications Of Rg6 Cables
- It is utilized to transmit cable and satellite signals for home and business applications.
- Used for cable TV signal transmissions
- An RG6 cable connects gadgets that transfer video and audio from transmitters to a monitor.
What Is Rg59 Cable？
Another type of coaxial cable is RG59, which is often used to transmit video streams for cable Television and Surveillance connections. They’re frequently used to link reduced video and RF signals. The cable features a copper braid and a typical impedance of 75 ohms.
Overview of Rg59 cable
RG59 cable can be used inside, outside, or buried underground. It can handle baseline transmissions, broadcasting frequencies, as well as audio and video transmissions across distances of up to 100 feet. It measures 6.15 mm in diameter.
It also has a smaller conductor, which makes the signal quality inferior. Its shielding is also built in such a way that it does not effectively keep Gigahertz level signals within the conductor; hence it is designed to convey lower-frequency signals.
Advantages Of Using Rg59 Cables
- Unique where both video and power run in the same cable
- Easy to cut to the exact required length
- To reduce interference, it is well insulated.
Applications Of Rg59 Cables
- CCTV cables and camera
- Best for groundworks due to thinner dimension
Rg6 Cable Vs. Rg59: Head To Head Comparision
Now we come to the main section of our guide. Down below, we will look into the comparison of Rg6 Cable Vs. Rg59 cable. Here you will see all the significant comparisons between these two cables in full detail.
Construction
When it comes to construction comparison between the RG6 and RG59 cables, it is nearly similar with a slight alteration. A central conductor, an insulator, a shielding, and a Plastic outside coat are all present in both.
The key difference is the thickness of the cables, which is greater in RG6 than in RG59. The center conductor of an RG6 cable usually is 18 AWG, but the center conductor of an RG59 cable is 22 AWG. Another distinction is that RG6 cables have higher bandwidth and better transport high-frequency signals.
Signal loss
The transmission distance and shielding type are two factors that affect the signal loss in coaxial cables the most. As a result, the further the wires are extended, the greater signal losses occur. As a result, RG6 cables have greater signal strength than RG59 cables since they transport signals over longer distances and maintain good signal strength.
When talking about shielding type, RG59 has only one shielding, whereas, on the other hand, RG6 comes with both braided mesh and foil shielding. Hence RG6 has much less signal loss than RG59.
| Frequency | RG59 Signal Loss per 100 Ft | RG6 Signal Loss per 100 Ft |
| 50 MHz | 2.4 dB | 1.5 dB |
| 100 MHz | 3.4 dB | 2.0 dB |
| 400 MHz | 7.0 dB | 4.3 dB |
| 900 MHz | 11.1 dB | 6.8 dB |
| 1000 MHz | 12.0 dB | 7.0 dB |
We can clearly see from the table above that signal loss per 100 feet is much more in RG59 cables compared to RG6 cables for the same frequency.
Frequency Range
RG6 cables have a substantial copper covering that enables them to handle frequencies beyond 50 Mhz, whereas RG59 cables only function with 50 Mhz or below frequencies.
Attenuation
Because RG 59 has a shorter conductor than RG 6, it cannot reach the same signal strength. Its shielding is also built in such a way that it does not effectively keep Gigahertz level signals within the conductor. So, with RG59 cables, the attenuation will be much more than the R6 cables as it has a thicker shielding with much lower signal loss.
Application
Both Rg59 and Rg6 cables have similar kinds of applications. However, they perform differently. Hence, we will look into a detailed explanation of both of these cables under different uses.
1. CCTV cameras
RG59 cables are perfect for converting analog video signals. So, they work in a much better way with CCTV cameras than RG6 cables. Another problem with Rg6 cables in CCTV is they are pretty thick, so it becomes tough to install them around corners, whereas Rg59 are much thinner, so they become easier to bend.
But, make sure to use RG59 with the solid copper conductor as they will perform much better with HD CCTV and carry the bandwidth perfectly. Moreover, they are also one of the finest CCTV cables available.
2. Digital TV
Do keep in mind that RG6 cables can transmit has the capability to carry both analog and digital signals. However, Rg59 can carry only analog signals. Moreover, they simply cannot handle greater frequency transmissions like digitized or satellite broadcasts. Thus they don’t operate well with them. So, using Rg6 for digital TV has become a prominent choice.
3. TV Antenna
A high-frequency application like a Tv antenna, web data transmissions, and satellite that also requires very high bandwidth needs cables with a large conductor, and RG6 comes with a bigger conductor than RG59. Thus, it has become a more suitable choice for a TV antenna.
Price
We should already have an idea of which cable will cost more. The RG6 coaxial cable has a much higher price per meter when compared to RG59. The higher price includes dual shielding in RG6 rather than single in RG59. RG6 cable is also relatively thicker and comes with a bigger center conductor. Thus, all these features justify their higher price tag for them.
Which One Do I Pick?
So, which coaxial cable should you pick; RG6 or Rg59? We believe by now you have the answer to this question. But, to clarify the answer again, we will need to understand what applications you are looking for the cable for. In overall comparison, RG6 is much better than RG59.
However, if you are looking for a cable for low-frequency devices CCTV surveillance cameras, then RG59 will work absolutely fine for you. But, if you need cables for digital and HD transmissions for high-tech gadgets with high frequency, you just need to go for RG6 cables.
Conclusion
Now, it all comes down to your requirements and needs, and from here you can make the best decision. This post was written to give you a clear insight so that you can decide the appropriate cable for your home.
In this article, we have compared both RG6 and RG59 with respect to various parameters. So when you are going to buy a cable for your home or office, make sure that you know all its specifications and requirements for making a perfect decision.