When it comes to wireless connectivity—whether for 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi—the quality of your coaxial cable can make or break your setup. At RFShop, we’re passionate about helping you get the best performance from your equipment. That means not just choosing the right antenna but also selecting the right cable—because poor cable choice can drastically reduce your signal strength and overall range.
In this post, we’ll walk you through four commonly used 50-ohm coaxial cables and help you understand how to pick the best one for your application.
📉 Why Cable Loss Matters
No matter how powerful your antenna or modem is, if your coaxial cable introduces too much signal loss, your signal strength is weakened before it even reaches the antenna. This results in:
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Reduced range
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Poorer connectivity
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Wasted potential from high-gain antennas
Low-loss, high-quality cable ensures that as much signal as possible reaches the antenna, helping you maintain optimal performance. Let’s take a look at the most common options.
🔍 Cable Comparisons: From RG316 to RFS400
🟠 RG316 – Thin, Flexible, and Very Lossy
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Diameter: Very thin
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Loss: ~1 dB per meter @ 900 MHz
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Use Case: GPS, Wi-Fi, 4G – only for short runs
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Max Recommended Length: 1 meter
This pink-colored, super-flexible cable is commonly used in compact electronics and test setups. However, its high signal loss makes it unsuitable for longer runs. Use it only when absolutely necessary, and never beyond one meter.
🟡 RFS195 – A Practical Mid-Range Option
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Diameter: ~5–6 mm (similar to RG58)
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Loss: ~0.36 dB per meter @ 900 MHz
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Flexibility: High
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Recommended Length: Up to 5–10 meters
This is a solid all-rounder, suitable for applications where moderate cable length and flexibility are needed. It offers a significant improvement over RG316 while remaining easy to work with and install.
🟢 RFS240 – The Balanced Performer
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Loss: ~0.25 dB per meter @ 900 MHz
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Flexibility: Slightly stiffer than RFS195 but still manageable
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Recommended Length: Ideal for up to 10 meters
RFS240 strikes a great balance between low loss and usability. It’s one of our go-to recommendations for 4G setups, offering reliable performance with minimal signal degradation while still being practical to handle.
🔵 RFS400 – Ultra Low Loss for Serious Installations
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Diameter: ~10 mm
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Loss: ~0.14 dB per meter @ 900 MHz
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Best Use: Cable runs over 3 meters, especially over 10 meters
If you’re serious about maintaining top signal quality over longer distances, RFS400 is the cable of choice. While it’s bulkier and a bit harder to work with—especially on short runs—its ultra-low loss makes it ideal for longer cable lengths in outdoor or demanding RF installations.
✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Undervalue the Cable
Your antenna might be powerful, but if your cable isn’t up to the task, you’re limiting your performance right from the start. A poor-quality cable reduces signal strength before it even leaves your equipment, nullifying the benefits of even the best antennas.
At RFShop, we believe that choosing the right cable is just as important as selecting the right antenna—if not more so. We’re here to help you find the perfect match for your setup.
🛒 Need Help Choosing? We’re Here for You
Ready to upgrade your RF setup with high-quality RFS coaxial cables? Visit our website at rfshop.com.au to explore our product range or contact us for expert guidance on your cable and antenna needs.