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Coax Internet Cable: If I have to build one, what am I looking for exactly?

I am considering picking up an audio-grade coax cable to connect the internet wall outlet to the modem. My suspicion is that the digital coax cable that sits between the wall and modem is the same coax cable that feeds into a DAC--but with different connectors. I believe the standard coax connector to feed a DAC is the RCA connector while I need a Type-F connector to feed a coax-based internet service into the modem. 

I haven't seen anything on this forum on this topic. I also don't see any audio brands offering premade coax internet cables (e.g. http://thecableco.com).  

If I have to build my own coax cable to feed into the modem, what am I looking for? AQ has 3 connector offerings, including Type-F, for both 18 AWG and 24 AWG sizes. And their respective 18 AWG and 24 AWG pages list their compatible bulk cable being either "HD6" or "ITA, ITV or MAC 24". 

I figure that I might as well build a coax cable to feed into the DAC while I'm at it. It looks like the HD6, ITA, or ITV are made for different applications. From their price book, AQ says that HD6 is for "Video, RF, Digital, Subwoofer" while ITA is for analog and ITV is for video. From this info, I believe the HD6 bulk cable would be ideal to both feed a modem and a DAC. 

So, here are the main questions:

  1. Anyone know of any premade coax internet cables?
  2. If I need to build my own coax cables to feed the modem and DAC, does the info above look correct?
  3. Can anyone share their experience building coax cables?
  4. Can anyone share their experience upgrading their coax internet cable?
128x128classdstreamer

Showing 2 responses by jea48

jea48
4,296 posts
 

On true F-Type RG6 cables, the conductor itself is the actual pin that is inserted into the COAX socket. The "F-Type" connector is just the ground shield and a "screw-on" assembly that holds the cable onto the connection.

The coax cable ground shield is also the current return path back to the source.

That’s why a loose and or corroded F connector connection will have an effect on the signal.

Example: Power flow in a coaxial cable

Note the signal does not flow in either the center conductor or the shield conductor but rather through the space, dielectric, between the two conductors. The signal travels in one direction >>>> from the source to the load in the form of an electromagnetic wave

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jea48
4,296 posts
 

@classdstreamer

 

You want RG6 Quad Shield solid copper 18 gauge coax cable.

Watch out, many RG6 coax cable uses a copper plated steel center 18 gauge conductor.

 

Example solid copper center conductor:

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