Coax Cables vs. Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Cables

Utilizing effective network cabling services is the first step in securing optimal internet connection and overall telecommunications performance. For businesses that need ultimate connectivity to ensure superior data signal and power, two common structured cabling systems that are often utilized within various industries are coax cables and PoE (Power over Ethernet) cables.

Choosing between coax cables and PoE cables depends on a number of factors that pertain specifically to your surroundings and performance needs, including:

• Workplace environment (from your office location to the materials that built your premises)
   
• Proximity (your location’s range within various network stations and signals)
   
• Bandwidth and data capacity
   
• Transmission performance
   
• Durability and maintenance needs

To get a better understanding of which structured cabling system would best suit your workplace environment, let’s break down the pros and cons of both coax cables and PoE cables to determine the most appropriate high frequency shielded cables for your business.

Pros and Cons of Coax Cables

When you envision a structured cabling system in your head, it’s probably coax cables you’re seeing. Coax cables have been utilized since the early 20th century, which is why they’re renowned for reliable transmission and extreme durability.

With their ability to transfer high-frequency electric signals while maintaining maximum flexibility, coax cables have long established themselves as an easy-to-install cabling system.

Here are the basic pros of utilizing coax cables for on-site cabling:

• Extremely durable and flexible
   
• Optimal performance for short-distance transmission
   
• Easy to install and repair
   
• Rapid data transmission without environmental interference
   
• Thickness reduces signal loss

However, in recent years, usage of coax cables has started to dwindle, specifically in larger office settings that require superior long distance signal performance.

Here are the general cons of coax cables to keep in mind:

• Not adequate for long-distance signal performance
   
• Performance speeds can fluctuate with heavy usage
   
• Signal leakage can result in distortion
   
• Not suited for larger offices or complex working environments

Pros and Cons of PoE Cables

Power over Ethernet cables have emerged in the past few decades as a premier solution for powering everything from cloud-based and premise-based phone systems to commercial surveillance systems to all other high-performance telecommunications equipment.

PoE cables provide efficient delivery of electrical power and data transmission through one single cable, making it a viable solution for larger complex networks.

For Local Area Networks (LANs) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) that need to connect devices between multiple buildings or throughout a city, PoE cables are often a go-to resource.

Here are the overall pros for utilizing PoE cables:

• Cheaper installation costs due to only one electrical supply line needed
   
• Safe, secure, and high-powered network infrastructure
   
• Flexible and scalable network connection solution
   
• Extremely maintenance-friendly and cost-effective
   
• Can be accompanied by an uninterruptible power supply

While PoE cables are commonly utilized for larger businesses and organizations, they do have a few drawbacks when it comes to accessibility for certain industries, including:

• Not compatible with older technologies and systems
   
• Insufficient electrical energy provider for high-powered consumption devices
   
• More expensive to install and maintain than coax cables
   
• Requires a more expansive environment to take advantage of

Network Cabling Solutions From Telecom Technologies

Figuring out which structured cabling system is most compatible and compliant with your connectivity and performance needs requires experience and knowledge to appropriately assess. At Telecom Technologies, we work with businesses of all sizes and industries to determine what network cabling solutions are best suited for their business operations.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our telecommunications specialists!