Coax cables also referred to as coaxial cables are electrical cables used to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals from one place to another. They are highly durable and reliable as well as can be installed easily hence coax cables are mainly used to satellite antenna facilities to homes and businesses. These are primarily used by telephone companies, internet providers, and cable operators to transfer data, video, and voice communications to customers. The extreme reliability of coaxial cables is based on its shielded design, which allows the copper core of the cable to transmit data quickly, without interference or damage from environmental factors.
Some most common cable sizes are RG-6, RG-11, and RG-59. RG is short for “radio guide” and the various versions of RG cables are differed by their diameters(59 meaning .059, and 6 meaning .06, etc.).
A connector of a coax cable such as a coax F connector is the least expensive connector that provides the required performance for many domestic TV-related applications. The connectors are segregated as male and female connectors. It provides a 75 Ohm match for signals extending well above 1 GHz since it uses a threaded outer to provide reliable contacts.
The thread for the coax F connector is a 3⁄8 in-32 unified extra fine (UNEF) thread. The female connector has a conductor and a barrel containing the spacing dielectric on the inside and on the outside is the thread. Whereas, male connector possess a captive nut with a thread on the inside and the center pin. The connectors are arranged in such a way that the dielectrics of the two halves are in contact hence producing an almost constant impedance across the connectors. The body of the F connector is screwed over the cable shielding braid, and a captive nut. Apart from F-type connectors, there are various N-type connectors that your system may require. Various F-type connectors for RG-6 cables are compression connectors, screw-on connectors, and crimp-style connectors. Both male and female coax connectors are required to make a connection. Male connectors have a wire sticking out from the center whereas female connectors have space for the center wire to stick into.
Coax F connectors require more care for installation and usage. The F connector is not water-resistant or waterproof (neither the thread nor the joint). whereas the male connector is enhanced with an 0-ring which seals the mating of both connectors, providing some waterproofing for the center conductor.
Coax cables sometimes cause leakage issues called ingress or egress causing tiling, fuzzy or snowy signals. Domestic television equipment mainly uses an F-type coax cable connector. This is because F-type connectors are not at all costly and can perform to high frequencies up to 2 GHz which makes it ideal for terrestrial and satellite links between antennas and the television itself.
Some countries exclusively use F-type connectors for down-converted satellite signals that fall between 950–2150 MHz from LNBs and DC power.