Coaxial vs Ethernet Cable: When Should You Use Each?
Coaxial cable and Ethernet cable are both used to transmit signals, but they are not interchangeable in a standard network installation. Ethernet cable is the normal choice for connecting modern network devices such as switches, routers, computers, access points, and IP cameras. Coaxial cable is more commonly found in older CCTV, CATV, broadband, and building distribution systems.
For commercial and industrial networking projects, the better question is not which cable is “better.” The right question is: what cabling is already available, what distance needs to be covered, and what type of network connection is required?
What Is Ethernet Cable?
In most networking discussions, “Ethernet cable” refers to twisted-pair copper cable such as Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6A. These cables contain multiple pairs of copper conductors twisted together to help reduce interference and support reliable data transmission.
Twisted-pair Ethernet cable is commonly used for local area networks because it connects directly to standard RJ45 Ethernet ports on switches, routers, computers, cameras, access points, and other IP devices.
For standard copper Ethernet, the typical maximum channel distance is 100 meters / 328 feet. Beyond that distance, installers usually need to use fiber, additional network equipment, or an Ethernet extender depending on the site conditions.
What Is Coaxial Cable?
Coaxial cable, often called coax, uses a center conductor surrounded by insulation, shielding, and an outer jacket. It is commonly associated with cable television, broadband service, older analog CCTV systems, and some building signal distribution systems.
Coaxial cable is not the same as twisted-pair Ethernet cable and cannot be plugged directly into a standard Ethernet switch without a compatible converter or extender. However, existing coaxial cable can sometimes be reused for IP networking when replacing older systems or avoiding new cable installation.
Key Differences Between Coaxial and Ethernet Cable
| Category | Ethernet Cable | Coaxial Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Typical construction | Twisted pairs of copper conductors | Single center conductor with shielding |
| Common network use | LAN connections between Ethernet devices | Existing CCTV, CATV, or broadband infrastructure |
| Connector type | RJ45 | Usually BNC or F-type |
| Standard Ethernet compatibility | Directly compatible with Ethernet switches and devices | Requires Ethernet over coax equipment |
| Typical distance limit | 100m / 328 ft for standard copper Ethernet | Depends on cable type, condition, and transmission equipment |
| Best fit | New LAN cabling and standard network drops | Retrofit projects where usable coax is already installed |
When Ethernet Cable Is the Better Choice
For new network installations, twisted-pair Ethernet cable is usually the preferred option. It is widely supported, easy to terminate, and compatible with standard networking equipment.
Ethernet cable is generally the right choice when:
- You are installing new cable for a LAN
- The cable run is within 100m / 328 ft
- You need direct connection to switches, routers, computers, access points, or IP cameras
- You want support for standard PoE devices
- The site allows new Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6A cabling to be installed
For most office, commercial, and industrial LAN connections within the standard Ethernet distance limit, twisted-pair Ethernet cable is the simplest and most direct solution.
When Coaxial Cable May Be Useful
Coaxial cable becomes more relevant when a building already has usable coax installed and replacing it would be expensive, disruptive, or impractical.
This is common in retrofit projects such as:
- Upgrading older analog CCTV systems to IP cameras
- Reusing existing coax in apartment buildings, hotels, campuses, or commercial facilities
- Connecting remote network locations where new cable installation is difficult
- Extending network service through existing coax pathways
In these cases, the coaxial cable itself is not being used as a standard Ethernet cable. Instead, Ethernet over coax equipment is used to transmit network data over the existing coax run.
Can Ethernet Run Over Coaxial Cable?
Ethernet cannot run directly over coaxial cable using standard RJ45 Ethernet ports. A switch, router, or computer cannot connect to coax by itself.
However, Ethernet can be extended over coaxial cable with the correct equipment. Ethernet over coax solutions convert the Ethernet connection so it can travel across existing coaxial infrastructure, then convert it back to Ethernet at the far end.
This can be useful when the existing coax is in good condition and the goal is to avoid pulling new cable. It is especially helpful in retrofit applications where the cost or disruption of new cabling is the main challenge.
Which Cable Should You Choose?
Use Ethernet cable when you are building or expanding a standard LAN and the cable distance is within the normal 100m / 328 ft limit. It is the most straightforward option for connecting modern network devices.
Consider reusing coaxial cable when the building already has coax in place and the project is focused on retrofit or network extension. In that case, the decision depends less on the cable alone and more on the condition of the existing coax, the distance of the run, and the type of Ethernet over coax equipment being used.
Final Takeaway
Ethernet cable and coaxial cable serve different roles in network design. Ethernet cable is the standard choice for modern LAN connections, while coaxial cable is most useful when existing infrastructure can be reused for a retrofit project.
For new installations, use the appropriate category of Ethernet cable whenever practical. For existing coax runs, evaluate whether Ethernet over coax equipment can meet the distance, bandwidth, and topology requirements of the project before replacing the cabling.
Related Netsys Solutions
For point-to-point Ethernet over coax applications, see the NHG-200CKIT G.hn Ethernet over Coax Extender Kit.
For point-to-multipoint coax applications, see the NHG-420M G.hn Master and NHG-200S G.hn Slave.
For extending Ethernet over existing twisted-pair copper or phone line, see the NV-202GEKIT VDSL2 Ethernet Extender Kit.