Which type of cables are commonly used for antennas?

The most suitable type of cable for antennas is coaxial cable. Coaxial cables are specifically designed to carry radio frequency (RF) signals, making them ideal for connecting antennas to transmitters and receivers. They consist of an inner conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer, which helps to minimize signal loss and interference. This design is crucial in maintaining the integrity of RF signals, ensuring that antenna performance remains optimal over distance.

In contrast, while triaxial cable is a variation that can reduce interference further, it is not commonly used in everyday antenna applications compared to coaxial cable. Fiber optic cable is used for high-speed data transmission and is not suitable for RF signals. USB cables are primarily designed for data transfer and power supply between devices, which does not align with the needs of antenna systems. Thus, coaxial cable remains the standard choice for antenna connections due to its effective design and functionality in RF applications.