Difference Between RG6 and RG11

RG6 vs RG11

In choosing the correct coaxial cable to wire-up an AV system, we often encounter the RG6 and RG11 designations. These cables are not the same and there are differences that need to be considered before choosing one over the other. The biggest difference between these two cable types is attenuation, or the degree at which signal quality is lost. RG6 cables have greater attenuation compared to the RG11. Therefore, with a given length of cable, you would have a better signal at the end of the RG11 cable than at the end of the RG6. Conversely, you can use greater longer RG11 cables before experiencing any noticeable signal loss. Another upside to the RG11 cable is that it can transmit signals at a higher frequency range, which the RG6 cable could no longer carry.

Probably the biggest downside to the RG11 cable is its higher price per meter. The increase in price can add up pretty quickly as it is often used for long distances. The reason for the higher price is the thickness of the cable and the conductor itself within the cable. More materials directly translate to a higher cost to manufacture. Since the conductor inside the RG6 is smaller in diameter, the overall thickness of the RG6 cable is also thinner.

Another problem with the RG11 is the lack of flexibility, largely due to the thickness of the cable. This makes the use of RG11 cables in common home connections very difficult, if not impossible. The RG11 cable is not really designed to bend around corners or take sharp turns. The RG6 is much better for this and that is why it is often preferred in home installations. The RG11 cable is often used in backbone installations where you would usually need to connect two points that are separated by a somewhat great distance.

If you already have the RG11 cable but need the RG6, it is safe to use the RG11 cable in its place and expect no loss of signal quality. The opposite is not always true as, depending on the signal being carried, the RG6 may or may not suffice.

Summary:

1. RG11 is better at preserving signal quality than the RG6

2. RG11 is able to work at much higher frequencies than the RG6

3. RG11 costs more than RG6

4. RG11 is twice as thick as RG6

5. RG11 is not as flexible as RG6

6. You can use RG11 to replace RG6

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