Skip to main content

ANTENNA SOLUTION BUILDER

Try our Antenna Solution Builder. You have questions. We have answers.

Learn More
Antenna Efficiency Explained: Minimizing Coaxial Cable Loss

Antenna Efficiency Explained: Minimizing Coaxial Cable Loss

Posted by Gordon Reed on 30th Jul 2025

How Coaxial Cable Loss Impacts Antenna Efficiency and Signal Strength

When it comes to antenna performance, the quality of your coaxial cable is just as important as the antenna itself. Signal loss, or attenuation, occurs as the signal travels through the cable, reducing both transmission power and receive sensitivity. This means even the highest-gain antenna can underperform if the cable between it and your device is inefficient.

At AntennaGear, we engineer our AGA-series cables—AGA400, AGA240, and AGA195—to minimize signal loss and keep your antenna system performing at its best.

What is Coaxial Cable Loss?

Coaxial cable loss is the gradual reduction of signal strength as it travels through the cable. It’s measured in decibels (dB), which quantifies how much signal power is lost from one end to the other. This loss is caused by:

  • Conductor resistance—energy dissipated as heat in the cable’s center conductor.
  • Dielectric losses—energy lost through the insulating material around the conductor.
  • Shielding imperfections—minor signal leakage or interference.

Loss increases with frequency and cable length. For example, a 25-foot run of AGA195 at 2.4 GHz will have significantly higher attenuation than the same length of AGA400.

How Cable Loss Reduces Antenna Efficiency

An antenna system is only as strong as the weakest link, and in many cases, that link is the coaxial cable. High cable loss directly impacts performance by:

  • Reducing transmit power—less energy reaches the antenna.
  • Weakening receive signals—faint signals from distant networks may not make it back to the radio.
  • Cancelling antenna gains—the benefit of a high-gain antenna can be negated by excessive cable loss.

Even a few dB of loss can make the difference between a stable connection and dropped signals, especially in environments with weak coverage.

Comparing AGA Cables: AGA400 vs. AGA240 vs. AGA195

AntennaGear’s AGA-series cables are designed to meet a wide range of performance needs:

  • AGA400: Our lowest-loss cable, ideal for long runs and high-frequency applications like 5 GHz Wi-Fi or 5G cellular.
  • AGA240: A mid-size option that balances low loss with installation flexibility.
  • AGA195: Compact and flexible, suitable for short runs or lower-frequency setups where minimal cable length is required.

For reference, at 2.4 GHz, 100 feet of AGA400 has far less attenuation compared to AGA195, making it the go-to choice for maintaining signal integrity over distance.

Factors That Affect Cable Loss

Several variables determine how much signal is lost in a coaxial cable:

  • Frequency: Higher frequencies experience greater attenuation.
  • Cable Length: Loss is cumulative—doubling the cable length roughly doubles the loss.
  • Connector Quality: Each connector or adapter adds small insertion loss.
  • Cable Construction: Shielding, conductor materials, and dielectric quality all impact performance.
  • Installation Practices: Sharp bends or kinks can disrupt the cable’s internal structure and increase attenuation.

Practical Tips to Minimize Cable Loss

To get the most out of your antenna system:

  1. Select the Right Cable: Use AGA400 or AGA240 for longer runs or higher-frequency signals.
  2. Keep Cable Runs Short: Minimize unnecessary length between your antenna and device.
  3. Use Quality Connectors: Precision connectors ensure a better signal path and reduce added loss.
  4. Avoid Sharp Bends: Maintain a proper bend radius to prevent internal damage to the cable.
  5. Inspect Your Cable: Over time, physical damage or weathering can increase loss—regular checks can prevent this.

When to Upgrade Your Cable

If your signal quality is weak or inconsistent, your coaxial cable could be the problem. Upgrading from AGA195 to AGA400 can recover several dB of signal strength, leading to better range, improved speeds, and fewer dropped connections. Even a 1–2 dB improvement can have a noticeable impact, especially for Wi-Fi, 5G, or IoT networks.

What This Means for You

Your coaxial cable is a critical component of your antenna system. By choosing the right cable and minimizing loss, you can dramatically improve wireless performance. AntennaGear’s AGA-series cables are engineered for low attenuation and long-term reliability, ensuring you get the most out of your antenna setup.

Looking for a cable upgrade? Explore AGA400, AGA240, and AGA195 coaxial cables at AntennaGear, or contact our team for custom cable assemblies designed to match your exact needs.

!