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RG6 versus RG59 versus RG11 for cable manufacturers
The three constructions differ in conductor size, dielectric diameter and loss per metre, which is what fixes the run length each can serve.
RG59 is the smallest of the three, with the highest loss per metre. It suits short runs, which is why it survives in CCTV and analogue video installations where distances are tens of metres rather than hundreds.
RG6 is the volume construction for broadband and CATV distribution: larger conductor, larger dielectric, lower loss, and small enough to install easily. If a market asks for one coaxial core, it is almost always this one.
RG11 is larger again and lower loss still, which is why it is used for trunk runs where RG6 would not reach. It is harder to install and more expensive per metre, and it is specified by distance rather than preference. Choosing between the three is a link budget calculation, not a taste question.
Specifications
| RG59 | Smallest, highest loss, short runs such as CCTV |
|---|---|
| RG6 | Volume construction for broadband and CATV distribution |
| RG11 | Largest, lowest loss, trunk runs beyond RG6 reach |
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