What Is RG11 Coax Cable?
RG11 Coax Cable is a 75-ohm coaxial cable designed for reliable RF, video, broadband, CATV, satellite, MATV, and CCTV signal transmission, particularly where longer cable runs and lower signal attenuation are important. Its larger conductor and dielectric structure compared with smaller coaxial cables help provide lower attenuation over distance.
RG11 is commonly selected for trunk and backbone sections of signal distribution systems. Depending on the manufacturer and construction, it can be available with different shielding configurations, conductor materials, jackets, and ratings for indoor, outdoor, burial, riser, or plenum installations.
RG11 Coax Cable Construction
A typical RG11 Coax Cable consists of several carefully designed layers:
Center Conductor
The center conductor may be manufactured from solid bare copper or copper-clad steel. The conductor provides the primary path for the RF or video signal. Different constructions are selected according to conductivity, mechanical strength, cost, and application requirements.
Dielectric Insulation
The conductor is surrounded by a polyethylene or foam polyethylene dielectric. This insulation maintains the required spacing between the center conductor and shield while helping establish the cable’s electrical characteristics.
Shielding
RG11 cables may use aluminum foil and braid shielding, with dual- or quad-shield configurations available for applications requiring greater protection from electromagnetic interference and signal leakage. Shield construction varies between manufacturers and product types.
Outer Jacket
The outer jacket protects the internal construction from mechanical damage and environmental exposure. PVC, PE, LSZH, and other jacket materials may be available depending on the intended installation environment.
RG11 Coax Cable Specifications
Typical specifications vary according to the exact construction and manufacturer. A common RG11 configuration has:
| Parameter | Typical RG11 Specification |
|---|---|
| Cable Type | Coaxial Cable |
| Characteristic Impedance | 75 Ohms |
| Center Conductor | Copper or Copper-Clad Steel |
| Dielectric | Foam PE / PE |
| Shield | Foil + Braid / Quad Shield |
| Cable Diameter | Approximately 10 mm |
| Capacitance | Approximately 53 pF/m |
| Velocity of Propagation | Approximately 82–85% |
| Application | CATV, CCTV, MATV, Satellite, Video |
| Jacket Options | PVC, PE, LSZH |
| Installation | Indoor, Outdoor, Burial, Riser, Plenum |
Exact electrical and mechanical values should always be checked against the selected manufacturer’s datasheet.
Key Features of RG11 Coax Cable
75 Ohm Impedance
RG11 is primarily designed around a 75-ohm characteristic impedance, making it suitable for video and broadband signal distribution systems.
Lower Attenuation for Long Runs
One of the major advantages of RG11 is its relatively low attenuation compared with smaller 75-ohm coaxial cables. This makes it useful for longer signal routes and trunk distribution networks.
Strong Shielding
Foil and braid shielding configurations help reduce unwanted interference and signal leakage. Dual- and quad-shield versions can provide additional shielding performance for demanding environments.
Robust Construction
The larger cable diameter and durable jacket options make RG11 suitable for infrastructure installations where mechanical protection and long-distance signal transmission are important.
Applications of RG11 Coax Cable
RG11 Coax Cable is widely used in:
- Cable television and CATV distribution
- Satellite and DTH systems
- MATV systems
- CCTV and security video networks
- Broadband signal distribution
- Digital video transmission
- HDTV and SDI applications
- Long-distance antenna connections
- Residential and commercial signal distribution
- Trunk and backbone coaxial networks
Specific RG11 constructions can also be designed for outdoor, direct-burial, messenger, riser, plenum, or specialized installations.
RG11 Coax Cable vs RG6 Cable
RG11 is generally larger than RG6 and is commonly selected when lower attenuation over longer runs is a priority. RG6 is easier to route and is widely used for shorter distribution connections, while RG11 can be advantageous for trunk or backbone sections.
The correct selection depends on cable distance, operating frequency, attenuation requirements, installation space, connector type, shielding requirements, and environmental conditions.
RG11 Coax Cable vs RG 188 Cable
RG11 and RG 188 Cable serve different application requirements. RG11 is generally a 75-ohm cable used for video and broadband distribution, while RG 188 Cable is associated with smaller RF coaxial cable constructions and different system requirements. They should not be considered direct replacements without checking impedance, frequency, attenuation, dimensions, connectors, and environmental specifications.
How to Select RG11 Coax Cable
Before purchasing RG11, consider:
- Required characteristic impedance
- Operating frequency
- Cable length
- Maximum allowable attenuation
- Shielding level
- Indoor or outdoor installation
- Direct-burial requirement
- Riser or plenum rating
- Required jacket material
- Compatible connectors and termination method
A properly selected RG11 cable can provide stable signal transmission while reducing losses across longer cable routes.
Conclusion
RG11 Coax Cable is a practical 75-ohm coaxial solution for long-distance RF, video, CATV, CCTV, satellite, MATV, and broadband signal distribution. Its relatively large construction, low attenuation characteristics, multiple shielding options, and range of jacket configurations make it suitable for both commercial and infrastructure applications. For reliable performance, the exact cable construction, attenuation, shielding, environmental rating, and connector compatibility should be verified before installation.
FAQs About RG11 Coax Cable
1. What is RG11 Coax Cable?
RG11 is a 75-ohm coaxial cable commonly used for long-distance RF, video, CATV, CCTV, satellite, and broadband signal distribution.
2. Is RG11 a 75-ohm cable?
Yes. RG11 is commonly manufactured as a 75-ohm coaxial cable.
3. What is RG11 cable used for?
It is commonly used for CATV, satellite, MATV, CCTV, broadband, digital video, and other 75-ohm signal distribution applications.
4. Is RG11 better for long-distance runs?
RG11 is often selected for longer runs because its larger construction can provide lower attenuation than smaller 75-ohm coaxial cables.
5. What is the diameter of RG11 cable?
A typical RG11 construction has an outside diameter around 10 mm, although the exact dimension varies by manufacturer and cable design.
6. Does RG11 have shielding?
Yes. RG11 is available with different shielding constructions, including foil and braid, dual shield, and quad shield.
7. Can RG11 be used outdoors?
Yes, outdoor and burial-rated RG11 versions are available. The cable must be selected according to the environmental and installation requirements.
8. What is the difference between RG11 and RG6?
RG11 is generally larger and can offer lower attenuation over longer distances, while RG6 is smaller and easier to route.
9. Is RG11 suitable for CCTV?
Yes. RG11 can be used for CCTV and video distribution where a compatible 75-ohm system and suitable connectors are used.
10. Can RG11 replace RG 188 Cable?
Not automatically. RG11 and RG 188 Cable have different construction and application characteristics, so impedance, frequency, attenuation, dimensions, and connector requirements should be checked before substitution.
