Created: April 15, 2026 | By your WiFi technology expert team
In high-frequency technology, the cable is often just as important as the antenna itself. A low-quality cable can completely negate the gain of an expensive antenna. We explain how a coaxial cable works, why quality makes the difference, and which cable types are optimal for WiFi, 4G, and 5G.
What is a Coaxial Cable? Structure and Function
A coaxial cable is a two-pole line with a concentric design. Unlike a standard power cable, it is designed to transmit high-frequency electromagnetic waves with minimal radiation loss.
The Components in Detail:
- Inner Conductor: The core through which the signal is transmitted. In our quality cables, it is usually made of pure copper for best conductivity.
- Dielectric: The insulator between the inner and outer conductors. It keeps the distance exactly constant. If this is deformed (e.g., by tight bending), performance drops.
- Outer Conductor (Shielding): Protects the signal from external interference and prevents the cable from becoming a transmitting antenna itself.
- Outer Jacket: Protects against UV radiation, moisture, and mechanical stress.
Quality vs. Standard: Why RG58 is Outdated
Many inexpensive antennas are often shipped with RG58 cables. In modern networks (5 GHz WiFi or 5G mobile), this is a fatal mistake. RG58 has extremely high attenuation – meaning the signal is converted into heat within the cable instead of reaching the antenna.
High-quality cables like our H155 or RF240 use low-loss materials and superior shielding to guarantee maximum performance even at high frequencies.
Our Cable Recommendations
We assemble your cables individually. Here are the differences between our three main cable types:
- H155: The classic. Very flexible and easy to install with a 5.4 mm diameter. Ideal for indoor WiFi applications and short distances.
- RF240: The low-loss alternative. Slightly more rigid but significantly more powerful at high frequencies up to 6 GHz. Perfect for LTE and 5G.
- CNT400: Professional cable for maximum performance. Rigid at 10 mm diameter but absolutely low-loss. Ideal for long outdoor distances.
MIMO Solutions: Our TWIN Cables (LMR200-based)
Modern mobile standards like LTE and 5G use MIMO technology (Multiple Input Multiple Output). Data is transmitted over multiple antenna paths simultaneously. Our LMR200-based TWIN cables are the cleanest solution for this:
- 2x2 MIMO: A single TWIN cable connects both ports of your antenna to the router. This saves space during wall installations.
- 4x4 MIMO: For modern 5G setups with four ports, simply use two TWIN cables in parallel. This keeps your installation organized and flexible.
Risk Factor: Short Circuits and Poor Assembly
A coaxial cable is a precision component. If a single fine wire of the shielding touches the inner conductor during assembly, a short circuit occurs.
- The Result: The signal does not reach the antenna but is reflected back to the router. In the worst case, this can damage the transmit stage of your hardware.
- Moisture: Cheap cables suck up water like a wick (capillary effect) if not properly sealed. This destroys conductivity from the inside out over time.
That is why we rely on professional assembly with industrial tools.
FAQ: Antenna Cable Basics
Which cable is best for 5G?
For 5G, we recommend at least RF240 or our LMR200-based TWIN cable. These are optimized for high-frequency mobile networks.
How do I wire a 4x4 MIMO antenna?
For 4x4 MIMO, you need four signal paths. The easiest way is to use two TWIN cables. This ensures all four router ports are connected with low loss and order.
What happens during a short circuit in the cable?
A short circuit immediately interrupts communication. Energy is reflected back to the transmitter, which can cause heat and defects in your router or access point.