| Q: |
What is the difference between RG59, RG6 and RG11? |
| A: |
The 'RG' acronyms have historically referred to 'Radio Grade' coaxial cabling and today are referred to as 'Series 59', 'Series 6" and 'Series 11'. Each of these coaxial cables has a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms. Series 59 coaxial cable has a smaller diameter center conductor than Series 6 (RG6) resulting in higher attenuation (signal loss). Series 59 cables are typically secified for use as equipment patch cords because of their smaller bend radius and enhanced flexibility. Since Series 6 cables exhibit less attenuation than Series 59, they are more commonly used for distributed cabling and are recommended for use up to 90m (295 ft.). Series 11 cables support even less attenuation than Series 6 or Series 59 because the center conductor diameter is almost twice that of Series 59. Series 11 cables are recommended for lengths up to 112m (400ft.). |
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| Q: |
Why is it recommended to run two category 5 UTP cables and two 75 ohm RG6 cables to each room? |
| A: |
The Residential Telecommunications Cabling Standard Committee ANSI/TIA/EIA 570-A developed this requirement to accommodate multi-line phone systems on one category 5 UTP, data applications on the second category 5 UTP, external RF signals (CATV) on one RG6 coaxial cable and internally generated modulated signals on the second RG6 cable. This cabling scheme provides flexibility for home owners to select service providers that use different types of media to deliver their service. |
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| Q: |
How many times can a single coaxial cable be split before signal amplification is required? |
| A: |
In most cases, six. Cable TV companies typically deliver 15dB of signal strength. A quality six-way splitter has a typical loss of -10db. Since the typical attenuation of 30.5m (100ft) of Series 6 coaxial cable is -4dB, then the result is 1dB of signal strength to each TV. Optimal signal strength for a TV is 0dB plus/minus 10dB (a TV will deliver good picture quality from -10dB to 10dB). |