Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Types of Cable Used for CCTV
3. Coaxial Cables
4. Twisted Pair Cables
5. Fiber Optic Cables
6. Aston Cable Company Solutions
7. References

Introduction

The efficiency and reliability of a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system heavily depend on the choice of cable used for signal transmission. Different types of cables offer varying levels of signal integrity, distance capacity, and susceptibility to interference. Selecting the appropriate cable type is crucial to optimize the performance of a CCTV system.

Types of Cable Used for CCTV

Each cable type has unique characteristics that determine its suitability for specific CCTV applications. The primary categories include coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, and fiber optic cables. These cables vary in terms of electrical characteristics, signal loss, bandwidth, and price.

Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cables are the traditional choice for CCTV systems. These cables consist of a central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer. Coaxial cables are available in different types, such as RG59, RG6, and RG11.

• RG59: Ideal for short distance transmission, up to 225 meters with a bandwidth capacity of 750 MHz.
• RG6: Suitable for medium-range connections, reaching up to 300 meters with a bandwidth of 1 GHz.
• RG11: Best for long-distance transmission, capable of reaching distances over 450 meters and supporting a bandwidth of 2 GHz.

Coaxial cables offer excellent noise resistance and are relatively easy to install. However, they are less flexible compared to other cable types.

Twisted Pair Cables

Twisted pair cables, such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a, utilize twisted pairs of wires to minimize electromagnetic interference. These cables are primarily used for network connections but have become popular for CCTV systems, especially for IP cameras.

• Cat5e: Supports up to 100 Mbps data rate over 100 meters with a bandwidth of 100 MHz.
• Cat6: Offers 1 Gbps data rate over 100 meters, providing 250 MHz bandwidth.
• Cat6a: Extends up to 10 Gbps data rate for 100 meters with a bandwidth of 500 MHz.

Twisted pair cables are cost-effective and versatile, allowing for both video and power transmission. Furthermore, they allow for networked connections through Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology.

Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cables are composed of thin strands of glass or plastic fibers that transmit light signals. These cables are unmatched in terms of transmission distance and bandwidth capacity.

• Single-mode Fiber: Suitable for long distances, reaching up to 40 kilometers with a bandwidth exceeding 10 Gbps.
• Multi-mode Fiber: Better for short-range transmission up to 2 kilometers, supporting bandwidths of several Gbps.

Fiber optic cables provide the highest level of performance in terms of data integrity and are immune to electromagnetic interference. However, they can be more expensive and complex to install.

Aston Cable Company Solutions

Aston Cable Company offers a comprehensive range of cable solutions tailored for CCTV systems. Their product lineup includes coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber optic cables, each designed to meet specific installation needs.

Aston's RG59 coaxial cables are engineered for precision in short-distance applications, ensuring minimal signal loss. Their twisted pair cables, such as Cat6a, offer robust performance for networked camera setups, supporting Power over Ethernet (PoE) to simplify installations. For high-demand environments, Aston's fiber optic solutions guarantee seamless long-distance transmission with superior signal quality.

Aston Cable Company also provides custom cable assembly services, allowing businesses to procure tailored solutions optimized for their unique CCTV system requirements.

References

Data and specifications in this article are compiled from leading industry standards and publications, including:

• IEC 61158-3:2014, Industrial communication networks
• EIA/TIA-568 standards for telecommunications cabling
• International standards for fiber optic transmission by ITU-T
• Product specifications from Aston Cable Company