Optimizing your 5G connection: A comprehensive comparison of antenna cables

The 5G technology revolution has permanently changed the world of the internet, and with it the demands on the quality of the network infrastructure are increasing. A key component in this scenario is the antenna cable, which plays a crucial role in signal transmission. In this comprehensive article, we look at the different cable types - RG174, RG58, CoFlex2200, CoFlex2700, CoFlex2800 and CoFlex2900 - in terms of attenuation, diameter and shielding and assess their suitability for use with 5G outdoor antennas such as the CoFlex3200 or CoFlex5200.

1 Why cable choice is critical for 5G

With the promise of 5G, faster data rates and lower latency, it's more important than ever that every component in the network is optimized to take full advantage of these benefits. This is where the antenna cable plays a central role, as it is the physical connection between the router and the antenna.

2 Attenuation and its significance

Attenuation, measured in decibels per meter, is a measure of the signal loss that occurs in a cable. Lower attenuation values are critical for 5G applications as they ensure that the signal is transmitted with minimal power loss.

3. cable types in comparison

a. RG174 and RG58

• RG174: Thin (diameter approx. 2.55 mm) and flexible, but with high attenuation (approx. 1.5 dB/m at 2 GHz). With simple shielding, it offers a total loss of around 15 dB over 10 meters.
• RG58: Medium diameter (approx. 5 mm), less flexible but with better attenuation (approx. 0.8 dB/m at 2 GHz). With simpler shielding, the total loss is about 8 dB over 10 meters.

b. CoFlex series

• CoFlex2200 (LMR200 equivalent): Diameter approx. 4.95 mm, with an attenuation of approx. 0.6 dB/m at 2 GHz. With double shielding, the loss is 6 dB over 10 meters.
• CoFlex2700 (LMR240 equivalent): Diameter approx. 6.1 mm, with 0.5 dB/m attenuation. With stronger shielding, the total loss is 5 dB over 10 meters.
• CoFlex2800 (LMR300 equivalent): Diameter approx. 7.62 mm, with only 0.4 dB/m attenuation. Provides even stronger shielding and a loss of 4 dB over 10 meters.
• CoFlex2900 (LMR400 equivalent): The thickest cable with a diameter of approx. 10.29 mm. With the lowest attenuation of 0.2 dB/m at 2 GHz and excellent shielding, this results in a total loss of only 2 dB over 10 meters.

4 Conclusion: Choosing the right cable for your 5G outdoor antenna

Choosing the right cable for your 5G outdoor antenna requires a balance between attenuation, flexibility, diameter and shielding. While thinner cables such as RG174 and RG58 can be useful in certain scenarios due to their flexibility, they are less suitable for 5G applications due to their higher attenuation values and simpler shielding. The CoFlex series offers a variety of options with different diameters and shielding levels to achieve the best results for your specific requirements. CoFlex2800 and CoFlex2900 are especially recommended for longer distances and demanding 5G applications as they minimize signal loss and provide excellent signal quality.