Satellite Coaxial Cables: The Complete Guide

Published by Wassalat Technical Team

Satellite TV is one of the most demanding applications for coaxial cables. With frequencies ranging from 950 MHz to 2150 MHz and signals traveling from space, cable quality is critical for reliable reception.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about coaxial cables for satellite TV—from dish to receiver, from single LNB to multi-switch systems.

Why Satellite Cables Are Different

Satellite TV places unique demands on coaxial cables that other applications don't:

1. High Frequencies

Satellite signals operate at 950 MHz to 2150 MHz (L-Band). This is much higher than cable TV (5-1000 MHz) and requires cables with low loss at high frequencies.

2. Weak Signals

Satellite signals travel 22,000 miles from space to your dish. The signal is extremely weak by the time it reaches your receiver. Every bit of cable loss matters.

3. Power Transmission

Satellite cables carry DC power (13V or 18V) from the receiver to the LNB (Low Noise Block downconverter) on the dish. The cable must efficiently carry both power and signal.

4. Interference Susceptibility

Satellite signals are easily disrupted by interference from:

• WiFi routers (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
• Cellular towers
• Power lines
• Other electronic devices

The 75Ω Standard

All satellite TV equipment uses 75Ω impedance. This includes:

• ? Satellite dishes and LNBs
• ? Satellite receivers and set-top boxes
• ? Multi-switches and splitters
• ? Wall plates and connectors

Using a 50Ω cable (like RG-58 or LMR-400) will cause impedance mismatch, signal reflections, and poor satellite reception. Always use 75Ω cables for satellite TV.

RG6: The Satellite Standard

RG6 is the worldwide standard for satellite TV installations. All professional satellite installers use RG6.

Why RG6 for Satellite?

• ✅ Low signal loss – Critical for weak satellite signals
• ✅ High frequency support – Operates up to 3 GHz
• ✅ Power handling – Carries 13V/18V to the LNB
• ✅ Widely available – Easy to find
• ✅ Industry approved – Used by all major satellite providers

RG6 Specifications for Satellite

RG11: For Long Runs

For satellite installations with runs over 150 feet, RG11 provides lower signal loss and better performance.

RG11 Specifications for Satellite

When to Use RG11

• ✅ Runs over 150 feet – RG6 loss becomes significant
• ✅ Large homes – Dish on one side, receiver on the other
• ✅ Commercial buildings – Roof-mounted dishes with interior receivers
• ✅ Multi-dwelling units – Central distribution systems

Quad Shield vs Dual Shield for Satellite

For satellite TV, quad shield is strongly recommended. Here's why:

Dual Shield (Foil + Braid)

• ? Good protection for most applications
• ? Suitable for cable TV
• ? May not be sufficient for satellite
• ? More susceptible to WiFi and cellular interference

Quad Shield (Foil + Braid + Foil + Braid)

• ? Maximum protection against interference
• ? Essential for satellite TV
• ? Blocks WiFi, cellular, and EMI interference
• ? Required for installations near power lines or RF sources

Interference Sources to Block

Satellite Frequency Bands

Satellite TV operates in specific frequency bands. Your cable must support these frequencies:

L-Band (950 MHz – 2150 MHz)

What it is: The IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal from the LNB to the receiver

Cable Requirement: Low loss at 1-2 GHz

Typical Use: All satellite TV systems

Ku-Band (10.7 GHz – 12.75 GHz)

What it is: The signal from the satellite to the dish

Cable Requirement: N/A (this signal is received by the dish, not carried by cable)

Typical Use: Direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV

Ka-Band (26.5 GHz – 40 GHz)

What it is: Higher frequency band for newer satellites

Cable Requirement: Future systems may require upgraded cables

Typical Use: Newer satellites, high-speed internet

Frequency vs Cable Loss

Satellite System Components

A complete satellite TV system includes several components connected by coaxial cable:

1. Satellite Dish

The dish collects signals from satellites and focuses them on the LNB.

2. LNB (Low Noise Block downconverter)

Mounted on the dish arm. Converts the high-frequency satellite signal to L-Band (950-2150 MHz). Requires DC power (13V or 18V) from the receiver.

3. Coaxial Cable

Connects the LNB to the receiver. Carries both RF signal and DC power.

4. Receiver / Set-Top Box

Decodes the satellite signal for display on your TV. Provides DC power to the LNB.

5. Multi-Switch (Optional)

Distributes signal to multiple receivers. Used for multi-room installations.

6. Splitters (Optional)

Split signal to multiple TVs. Each split adds signal loss (typically 3.5 dB per port).

System Diagram

F-Type Connectors for Satellite

F-Type connectors are the standard for satellite TV. Choose the right type:

1. Compression F-Type (Best)

Quality: Excellent

Weatherproof: Yes (with proper installation)

Recommended: Professional installations

Advantage: Most reliable connection, lowest signal loss

2. Crimp F-Type (Good)

Quality: Good

Weatherproof: Varies

Recommended: Indoor installations

Advantage: Reliable, cost-effective

3. Screw-On F-Type (Avoid)

Quality: Poor

Weatherproof: No

Recommended: Not for satellite

Disadvantage: High signal loss, unreliable connection

Connector Size Matters

Maximum Distance Guide

Satellite signals are weak, so cable length must be carefully managed.

Distance Limits by Cable Type

Factors That Reduce Distance

• ? Universal LNBs – Require higher voltage, more power loss
• ? Multiple LNBs – More power draw
• ? Switches and splitters – Add signal loss (3.5 dB per port)
• ? Poor quality cable – Higher attenuation
• ? Old or damaged cable – Increased loss

Installation Best Practices

1. Use Quad Shield Cable

Always use RG6 or RG11 with quad shield for satellite installations. The extra shielding is essential.

2. Solid Copper Conductor

Use cable with a solid copper center conductor, not copper-clad steel (CCS) or copper-clad aluminum (CCA). Solid copper has lower resistance and better power transfer.

3. Weatherproof All Connections

Outdoor connections must be weatherproofed:

• Use weatherproof F-Type connectors
• Apply self-amalgamating tape over connections
• Use weather boots on connectors
• Point connectors downward to prevent water ingress

4. Avoid Sharp Bends

Sharp bends can damage the cable and alter impedance. Maintain minimum bend radius of 2-3 inches for RG6, 4-6 inches for RG11.

5. Use Proper Drip Loops

Create a drip loop (a small U-shaped loop) at the point where the cable enters the building. This prevents water from running along the cable into the wall.

6. Ground the System

Satellite systems must be properly grounded to protect against lightning strikes. Ground the dish and the cable entry point.

7. Keep Cable Runs Short

Plan your installation to minimize cable length. Every foot of cable adds loss.

8. Test the System

After installation:

• Check signal strength and quality on the receiver
• Verify all channels are working
• Check for pixelation or freezing
• Test during rain or bad weather

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best coaxial cable for satellite TV?

RG6 with solid copper center conductor and quad shielding is the best choice for satellite TV. For runs over 150 feet, use RG11.

2. Can I use RG59 for satellite TV?

No. RG59 has too much signal loss at satellite frequencies (950-2150 MHz). You will experience pixelation and channel loss. Always use RG6 or RG11.

3. How long can a satellite coax cable be?

For RG6, maximum recommended length is 100-150 feet. For RG11, maximum is 200-300 feet. Longer runs may require signal amplifiers.

4. What is the difference between RG6 and RG11 for satellite?

RG11 has lower signal loss (about 36% less) than RG6 and can run about twice as far. However, it's thicker, stiffer, more expensive, and requires different connectors.

5. Do I need quad-shield coax for satellite?

Yes. Quad-shield is strongly recommended for satellite TV to block interference from WiFi, cellular, and other sources.

6. What type of connector does satellite TV use?

Satellite TV uses F-Type connectors. For the best performance, use compression F-Type connectors, not screw-on types.

7. Can I use RG6 for satellite and cable TV?

Yes. RG6 works for both cable TV and satellite TV. However, satellite requires quad-shield while cable TV often uses dual-shield.

8. Can I use cable TV coax for satellite?

It depends. If the cable is RG6 with quad shield, yes. If it's RG59 or RG6 with dual shield only, it's not recommended.

9. Does satellite coax carry power?

Yes. The cable carries 13V (for vertical polarization) or 18V (for horizontal polarization) DC power from the receiver to the LNB on the dish.

10. Can I extend my satellite coax cable?

Yes, using a barrel connector (F-Type coupler). However, each connection adds signal loss. For long extensions, use RG11 instead of adding multiple connections.

11. What is a universal LNB?

A universal LNB covers both Ku-band (10.7-12.75 GHz) and requires 13V/18V switching. It may require shorter cable runs than standard LNBs.

12. Why does my satellite signal pixelate in rain?

Rain can weaken satellite signals (rain fade). Good quality cable with low loss helps minimize this effect. Quad-shield cable also helps by reducing interference.

? Related Articles

• Complete Guide to Coaxial Cables
• RG6 vs RG11
• Best Coax Cable for TV
• Coaxial Cable Impedance
• 50 Ohm vs 75 Ohm Coax
• Coaxial Cable Connectors Guide
• Browse Coaxial Cables →

Last Updated: July 2026

© 2026 Wassalat. All rights reserved.