Coaxial

Coaxial: veteran of signal transmission

The method was already invented in the 1930s by the English engineer and mathematician Oliver Heaviside. Today, even with the introduction of HDMI or optical solutions, for example, this method is an important component in many installations. 

The robust and reliable connection is therefore used especially for connections between the cable or satellite port and the television set. Previously, comparatively simple two-wire solutions were mostly used for signal transmission. Signal losses and interference were almost inevitable.

The cable is constructed on the basis of a central wire that transmits the signal. To protect it from electromagnetic interference, an isolating layer with an additional metallic shield is used as a coating.

High speed and long signal path possible

In general, coaxial cables are often used in audio, video and control transmission and can transport both analogue and digital signals. Data rates of several hundred megabits up to several gigabits per second are possible. 

Depending on the type of connection and cable quality, distances of theoretically up to 150 metres for analogue and about 100 metres for digital data can be achieved with a comparatively acceptable loss of signal. If necessary, a repeater can further increase this distance.

In addition, DOCSIS 3.1 technology, short for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, which is used by many modern cable internet providers, allows for transmission rates of up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream via a coaxial cable.