Coaxial Vs. Twisted-Pair Cables: What Should I Choose?

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The modern communications and networking cable market is oversaturated with offers, so it can be difficult to choose the best cable for your particular application. In this article, we compare the most popular types of network cables, coaxial and twisted pair cables, to help you make an informed choice. We focus on the differences between the various subtypes of these cables and the benefits of each.


What is the coaxial cable?

A coaxial cable is an advanced signal transmission cable that consists of a round solid conductor, a grounded conductor, three layers of insulation, and a strong metal shield. The signal transmission in a coaxial cable is carried out with the help of an internal conductor.

Coaxial cable is used for the transmission of Ethernet and video signals. It is known for its excellent resistance to electromagnetic interference and its ability to convert signals over long distances.

What is a twisted pair cable?

A twisted pair cable is a communications cable consisting of two insulated copper wires twisted together into a pair, plus a plastic jacket. The signals in a twisted pair cable are transmitted over metal conductors. The cable is used for Ethernet (including gigabit), shielded, and telephone signal transmission. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-install cable that gets better with each subsequent generation.

From RG 6 to RG 59: Types of coaxial cable

The common types of coaxial cable on the market are RG 6, RG 11, and RG 59.

RG 6 is a thin cable that can be installed into walls and ceilings. It has thick insulation and is recommended for frequencies above 50 MHz. It also has excellent signal quality. RG 6 is used for cable TV, television, analog video, and broadband Internet.

RG 11 is a thick cable for underground and outdoor use for transmitting signals over long distances. It is an excellent cable for HDTV because it can convert strong signals.

RG 59 is a thin cable recommended for frequencies below 50 MHz and short distances. The cable is superior when it comes to closed-circuit TV.

From CAT 1 to Cat 7: Types of twisted pair cable

Twisted pair cables can be classified as shielded/unshielded. They can also be classified by generation.

STP vs. UTP

Twisted pair cables can be shielded (STP) or unshielded (UTP). As the name implies, shielded cables have a shield that protects them from electromagnetic interference. UTP twisted pair cables are suitable for most Ethernet applications, while STP is a premium cable for industrial applications where electromagnetic interference is a concern.

Category Cables

Twisted pair cables are also commonly referred to as category cables. CAT cables are available from CAT1 to CAT7, each representing a new generation of superior performance cables. CAT1 and CAT4 are the lesser used telephone and Ethernet cable categories today. Cables from CAT5 through CAT7 are the common modern category of cables.

Cat 5 is a 100 Mbps cable for 100BaseT Ethernet.

Cat 5e is a 1,000 Mbps cable for Gigabit Ethernet.

Cat 6 is a 1,000 Mbps cable for Gigabit Ethernet with higher frequencies and bandwidths than CAT5 cables.

Cat 6a is a form of Cat 6 with a maximum frequency of 600 MHz and a speed of 10,000 Mbps.

Cat 8 is the latest generation of category cable with the highest frequency and speed on the market. It is primarily used in data centers.

Coaxial vs. twisted pair: points of comparison

Length. The coaxial cable supports longer distances than twisted-pair cable. You can run Ethernet up to 100 meters using a twisted pair cable. With coaxial cable, this distance is increased fivefold to an impressive 500m.

Transmission rate. Both coaxial and twisted pair cables have excellent transmission rates, although coaxial cables always carry more data. The transmission rate is one of the factors that explains the price difference.

Bandwidth. Coaxial cable has better bandwidth than twisted-pair copper cable. However, with each new generation, the bandwidth of twisted pair cable has increased significantly. Currently, Cat 7 cables have a maximum bandwidth of 750 MHz.

Price. Twisted pair cable is much cheaper than coaxial cable. The average price of CAT6 cable is $8-$9 per foot, compared to $12-$13 per foot for coaxial cable. The new generation CAT7 is a little more expensive but still cheaper than coaxial cable.

Easy to install. Twisted pair cables are easy to install because they are thin. Meanwhile, coaxial cables can be both difficult and expensive to install because they are very stiff.

Crosstalk and EMI. coaxial cables are better protected against crosstalk and EMI due to their overall construction and excellent metal shielding. Twisted pair cable offers only negligible and slight protection. It is the least protected of all types of network cables on the market.

Durability. Due to its construction, coaxial cable is very durable, while twisted pair cable is less durable and may require regular maintenance. However, this factor is not particularly important in the case of ordinary residential use.

Summing up

For short-distance applications, choose twisted-pair cable, especially if price and ease of installation are important to you. For long-distance applications, a coaxial cable is your best choice. If crosstalk and electromagnetic interference are important to you, always choose a coaxial cable. While both cables are used for Ethernet, coaxial cable is the best choice for analog video, CATV, HDTV, and CCTV.

At ZMS Cables, we offer the latest generation of top-quality twisted pair and coaxial cables at the best prices in the industry. Click on the links to purchase all types of computer and data communication cables.


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