RG11 coaxial cable can reliably run up to 1,500 feet (457 meters) for Internet and TV signals without excessive signal loss, making it ideal for long-distance runs where shorter cables like RG6 (1,000 feet) or RG59 (750 feet) fall short.
How far can you run RG11 for Internet?
For Internet and TV signals, RG11 can reliably run up to 1,500 feet (457 meters) while maintaining acceptable signal quality.
That’s plenty of reach for large properties, rural setups, or when you need to connect from a street pedestal all the way to a house. Once you push past that distance, signal quality starts to drop unless you add amplifiers or use better shielding. Always check signal strength at the far end with a meter—don’t just guess.
Can I use RG11 in my house?
RG11 is not recommended for most indoor home installations due to its thickness, rigidity, and difficult handling.
It needs big bend radii and special connectors, so trying to snake it through walls and tight spaces gets frustrating fast. RG6 or RG59 are way easier to work with indoors. Save RG11 for outdoor runs, basements, or utility areas where you don’t need to bend it much.
Can you use RG11 for Internet?
Yes, RG11 can carry Internet and TV signals just like RG6, but it’s typically reserved for long-distance or buried installations.
Internet providers often use RG11 for rural homes where the distance tops 1,000 feet. It’s also common for underground or aerial outdoor runs because it loses less signal over distance. For shorter indoor runs, RG6 or RG59 usually does the trick and is much simpler to install.
How far can you run power over coax?
Power over Coaxial (PoC) technology allows you to send power and video signals up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) over a single coaxial cable.
That’s handy for IP cameras, security systems, or long analog video setups. Just make sure your power supply and camera are PoC-compatible—otherwise you risk frying them. Don’t even think about using regular coax for serious power needs; it’s not built for high currents.
Is RG6 or RG11 better?
RG11 is better for long-distance runs due to lower signal loss and longer distance capability, while RG6 is better for most indoor and mid-length applications.
RG11 loses less signal over distance, so it’s great when you need to go far. The catch? It’s thick, stiff, and expensive. RG6 strikes a better balance for most homes up to 1,000 feet. Use RG11 when you’re pushing beyond that or need outdoor/buried runs.
Is RG11 the best coaxial cable?
RG11 carries the best signal for HDTV over long distances, but it’s not the “best” overall—its thickness and handling difficulty make it impractical for most uses.
It has the lowest signal loss per foot, perfect for long runs. But for everyday home use, RG6 usually wins for performance, cost, and ease of installation. Save RG11 for pro setups or when you really need to stretch the distance.
Can I use RG11 instead of RG6?
Yes, RG11 can safely be used in place of RG6—it will carry the signal with no loss of quality and often with better performance.
RG11’s bigger conductor and better shielding cut down on signal loss, especially over long stretches. The downside? It’s a pain to work with. If you’ve already got RG11, no need to swap it out. But for new installs, RG6 is usually the smarter pick for short to medium runs.
What is the maximum distance for RG11 coaxial cable?
The maximum recommended distance for RG11 coaxial cable is 1,500 feet (457 meters) for video and data signals.
Go much farther and you’ll need an amp to keep the signal strong. For comparison, RG6 maxes out around 1,000 feet, and RG59 at 750 feet. Always test at the endpoint with a signal meter—don’t assume it’ll work.
What is the highest quality coaxial cable?
No single “highest quality” cable exists universally—quality depends on your specific needs, such as shielding, flexibility, and environment.
For most homes, quad-shield RG6 cables like Mediabridge RG6 or Cable Matters RG6 give great performance with solid shielding against interference. For long outdoor runs, grab direct-burial RG11 with solid copper conductors. Skip the cheap CCA (copper-clad aluminum) cables—they corrode and fail faster.
Does electricity run through a coaxial cable?
A coaxial cable can carry electricity, but it is not designed for high-voltage or high-current applications.
If the center conductor is solid copper, it can safely carry low-voltage DC power for short hops—like powering a security camera via PoC. But don’t try sending 110V AC or more than a few amps through it. Standard coax will overheat and could start a fire. Keep mains power wiring far away.
Is PoC or PoE better?
PoC (Power over Coax) is better for long-distance analog video systems, while PoE (Power over Ethernet) is better for network devices over short to medium distances.
PoC stretches up to 400 meters and works great for IP cameras. PoE tops out at 100 meters (328 feet) but handles gigabit speeds better, making it ideal for routers, switches, and VoIP phones. Pick based on your distance and what your devices need.
Can coax be run with power?
Yes, coax can be run in the same conduit or along the same path as power cables—just keep them separated to avoid interference.
Power lines can mess with coax, especially if they run parallel and close. Use separate conduits or keep at least 12 inches between them. Shielded coax helps block noise. This setup’s been used safely in homes and businesses for decades—just follow the spacing rules.
Is RG6 quad shield worth it?
Quad-shield RG6 is not inherently better in signal performance—it’s primarily better for shielding against interference in noisy environments.
Those extra foil and braid layers block electromagnetic interference from power lines, fluorescent lights, or nearby transmitters. If you’re in a noisy spot, it’s worth the extra cash. Otherwise, dual-shield or even high-quality single-shield RG6 usually does the job just fine.
What is RG6 Quad?
RG6 Quad Shielded (RG6Q) is a type of coaxial cable with four layers of shielding for superior noise rejection.
It packs two foil layers and two braided shields, making it super resistant to interference. RG6Q shines in areas with strong RFI/EMI—like near radio towers or industrial sites. You’ll often find it in commercial jobs or high-end home theaters where clean signals matter most.
Do different coaxial cables make a difference?
Yes, different coaxial cables make a significant difference in signal quality, especially over longer distances or in noisy environments.
The number of shielding layers, conductor material, and insulation quality all play a role. More shielding keeps interference out, while solid copper conductors outlast copper-clad aluminum. For long runs or HD signals, invest in better cable. For short, clean runs, basic RG6 is plenty.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
