RG6 coax cable is the most common variety of communication medium used by satellite TV installations. It is cheap, easy to install, reliable and provides high bandwidth.

The standard RG6 coax cable for digital satellite TV signal distribution these days is Twin-Shielded although Quad-Shielded Coax (See Left) is available for minimum RF Interference.

For Dual Satellite Dish LNB’s you can obtain Dual RG6 Coax Cable (Right). These cables are bonded together via the insulation into one cable which makes installation much easier than feeding individual cables.

RG6 Coax Cable – Specifications

RG6 typically refers to coaxial cable with a 75 AWG internal gauge and 75-ohm impedance. “Coaxial” means there are two conductors embedded inside the cable. The center conductor is typically made of copper and carries the signal used for satellite television and Internet services.

The outer conductors are normally a mix of wire mesh and foil shield that is grounded through the connections at either end of the cable. This outer conductor acts as a ground point but also protects the internal conductor from outside RF interference. A dielectric material known as “cladding” is installed between the inner conductor and the outer shielding.

This cladding helps to keep the signal from “leaking” out and radiating away from the central conductor. It also prevents the center conductor from shorting to ground. The cable is covered in a durable and flexible shield. This shield is typically made of flexible plastic and provides protection from outside elements and electrical currents.

Each end of an RG6 coax cable is typically terminated with a connector. Multiple connectors are available depending upon the application. The most common connector used on RG6 coax cable is an F Connector.

Other options include the BNC and TNC connectors. However, these are not especially common in satellite television and internet installations. They are more often found in closed-circuit television networks and high-frequency radio applications.

RG6 coax cable was originally specified by a military standard called “MIL-STD-196E.” However, cables that are sold today may not meet the requirements set by the MIL-STD-196E standard.

RG6 Coax Cable – Installation

Important features to look for when choosing and installing RG6 coaxial cable include, but are not limited to:

• RG6 Coax Cable length should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal attenuation and intrusion by outside interference

• Quality shielding to absorb and remove electromagnetic interference

• Securely crimped end connectors

• High-quality strain-relief assemblies at each end to prevent cable damage caused by stretching

• The cable should ideally be new and show no signs of outside wear. Outside wear can indicate compromises in the inner shielding, cladding and center conductor