You are here:

Bandwidth/RG6 Coaxial Cable

Advertisement

Expert: Jeremy Blair - 11/20/2001


Question
What does RG stand for?  What is the difference between RG59 and RG6?

Answer
Hi Jo, thanks for the question. RG is the military designation for coaxial cable. It actually stands for "radio grade".

Both RG6 and RG59 cable being 75 Ohm the most noteable diference is the gauge of the copper center, as well as the quality. RG59 is typically 22 AWG (american wire gauge) where RG6 is 18 AWG. RG6 is typically a solid copper core where as RG59 is braided coper wires.

RG6 is typically much better insulated as well using an aluminum foil sheath rather than a braided copper shield that RG59 uses. RG6 is normally Plenum rated also which means itcan be used in applications inside a wall where fire safety is a concern. Plenum rated materials will not produce toxic gas upon burning.

I hope this helps Jo, have a great Thanksgiving!

Jeremy Blair
bandwidth.com
919-945-1230
jeremy@bandwidth.com

Bandwidth

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jeremy Blair

Expertise

I can answer questions about what type of bandwidth companies need for their office settings.
I can answer basic questiosn about availability of certain types of bandwidth in certain areas and ball-park prices companies should expect to pay.
I can explain many telecommunications acronyms and terms.
I cannot give information that may compromise the integrity of carriers, such as confirming service outtages or ellaborating on carrier problems.

Experience

Experience in the area: 3 years of telecom consulting the last year of which has been spent with a master agent representing every major US tier-one carrier.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.