Coaxial Cable

Don't use cheap coax intended for CB, Ethernet or Cable TV on your 802.11 equipment. There are several qualities of each type of cable that make it better or worse for a given application. In general, thicker cable has less loss, per foot. This is especially important when a long run of cable is called for. In addition, the higher the frequency, the more loss a cable has. Therefore, cable that may be entirely adequate for CB (27 Mhz) is horrible for 802.11 (2.4 Ghz = 2400 Mhz). Thick cable has a bending radius that makes it difficult to work with in portable operation. In this case, a short run of thinner diameter, high quality (expensive) cable is often used.

Connectors also make a difference. So-called "UHF" connectors used on CB and "F-type" connectors used on cable TV are no good at 2.4 Ghz. Also, avoid use of multiple adapters because these will cause an additional, though small (around 1 dB) loss.

Specifications of various types of cable and connectors have been gathered and will be presented here, along with several sources, in the near future. Until then, remember LMR-400 is good for home use and LMR-200 is good for portable use. For connectors, use N-type at home and SMA for portable.

Read the Adapters page.

Below are some specifications for various types of cable. Where sources disagree, the source is noted. (ydi)=young designs inc. (tm)= times microwave.

Cable Type	dB loss per 100 ft. at 2.4 GHz	bend radius mm
Belden 9913	6,8(ydi)
Cushcraft TL93605 Ultralink	6.7
Andrew LDF4-50 Heliax	4.5
RG-58	25
LMR-100A	38.916
LMR-195	18.61
LMR-200	16.512(tm),16.8(ydi)
LMR-240	12.651(tm),12.9(ydi)
LMR-240 Ultraflex	15.2(tm)
Times Microwave LMR-240	15
LMR-300	10.194
LMR-400	7.902,6.8(ydi)
LMR-600	4.4(ydi)
RG-213	12.381
Times Microwave LMR-400		25.4
Cushcraft RG-58 Ultralink	17
Belden 9248	11
1/2 in LDF	3.9(ydi)
3/8 in LDF	5.9(ydi)
1/2 in superflex	6.1(ydi)
3/8 in superflex	6.8(ydi)
1/4 in superflex	9.8(ydi)

Times Microwave performance calculator