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Quick Answer
While coax cable is still used for certain applications like cable TV, most experts recommend against pre-wiring a new home with coax due to the rise of streaming services and fiber optic internet. Coax is still useful for cable TV distribution, connecting cable modems, satellite TV, OTA TV antennas, and older security cameras. However, coax provides lower bandwidth than ethernet cable for things like 4K/8K video and is more susceptible to signal degradation. So unless you know you will need coax for a specific purpose, focus on running ethernet to rooms instead.
The Decline of Coax
Coaxial cable (coax) was once the standard way to transmit video and data signals in homes. It provided more noise immunity and higher bandwidth than telephone wires or power lines. But the rise of fiber optic networks, WiFi, and streaming video has greatly reduced the role of coax in homes.
Here are some key reasons coax is declining:
- Internet providers are shifting from coax lines to fiber optic
- Streaming services like Netflix have replaced cable/satellite TV
- WiFi covers most household wireless networking needs
- Ethernet provides faster speeds and less interference than coax
- HDMI connections work better for HDTVs than coax
As a result, most homes no longer need coax running to multiple rooms for cable TV. And WiFi or ethernet, rather than coax, now handles most home networking needs.
Where Coax is Still Used
While its role is diminishing, coax still has some uses in homes:
- Connecting cable modems for internet access
- Distributing cable/satellite TV signals
- Connecting over-the-air (OTA) HD antennas
- Older security cameras and intercom systems
- Amateur radio and CB radio installations
So if your home will rely on cable internet or you want cable/satellite TV service throughout the house, you may still need coax lines. An OTA antenna in the attic or roof normally connects to TVs via coax as well. And if you have an older analog security camera system, it likely uses coax.
However, for a new home security system or CCTV cameras, CAT5e or CAT6 ethernet cable is recommended over coax. HDMI or ethernet are better choices than coax for HDTV distribution these days. And most homes only need one coax line for the cable modem rather than lines to each room.
Should New Homes Include Coax?
Based on the declining need for coax in most homes, here are some guidelines on whether to run coax cables while building a new house:
Do Not Pre-Wire for Coax If:
- You will use fiber optic or another high-speed internet option, not cable internet
- You don’t plan on having cable/satellite TV services
- You’ll rely on streaming video rather than cable/satellite TV
- Your security cameras or intercoms use ethernet/WiFi, not coax
In these situations, coax is unnecessary and adds unnecessary costs. Ethernet and fiber lines are better long-term investments.
Consider Including Coax If:
- You know you will have cable internet and need coax to the cable modem
- You want cable/satellite TV access in multiple rooms
- You’ll have an OTA antenna in the attic/roof for broadcast HDTV
- You have an older security system or cameras that use coax connections
In these cases, the extra cost of wiring for coax while walls are open may be worthwhile. But still weigh whether CAT5e/CAT6 ethernet may work instead for future uses.
Use Coax and Ethernet
One approach is running both coax and ethernet to rooms. This provides maximum flexibility. However, two separate cable runs can add substantial material and labor costs. Not every home needs this much wiring.
Pros and Cons of Coax
To decide whether to wire a new home with coax, consider these key pros and cons:
Pros:
- Handles cable TV, satellite, OTA antennas
- Transmits video signals over long distances with low loss
- Works with existing cable internet and cable modems
- Handles older security cameras and intercoms
- Coax installation tools and connectors are inexpensive
Cons:
- Lower bandwidth than ethernet – can’t handle 4K or 8K video as well
- More susceptible to interference than fiber optic cable
- Harder to modify, expand, and troubleshoot than ethernet
- Not well suited to IP-based video distribution
- Overall need for coax is declining compared to other options
Conclusion
While coax still has some niche uses, ethernet cable provides more bandwidth and flexibility for most modern homes. The shift to streaming video and fiber optic internet has made whole-home coax pre-wiring unnecessary in many new homes.
Unless you have specific plans that require coax, like extensive cable/satellite TV distribution or an older security system, focus your new home wiring on ethernet to future-proof for the long term. An ideal network combines ethernet for data and WiFi for wireless devices, with coax only as needed for legacy systems.
| Cable Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Coax | Handles cable TV/satellite, OTA antennas, older security cameras | Limited bandwidth, susceptible to interference |
| Ethernet | High bandwidth, ideal for IP networks | Only handles data, not legacy video applications |
| Fiber Optic | Nearly unlimited bandwidth, immune to interference | Expensive, complicated terminations |