RG58 is a classification of coaxial cable that is used for RF (Radio Frequency) communication systems. A coaxial cable is a multi-layered electrical cable that has an internal conductor which is enclosed by tubular insulation, which is in turn completely enclosed by a conductive cover and is finally sheltered with a thin insulating layer. RG58 has a distinct impedance of either 50 or 52 ohms.

The RG58 cable is prominently used for two-way radio communication systems, such as amateur radio, police radio, marine VHF (Very High Frequency), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) antennas and so on. It is also used along with BNC connectors to test laboratory equipment connections.

The RG58 cable was formerly used with “Thin Ethernet”, as it was low-cost, flexible in form and easy to set up. It was otherwise known as 10 Baseband2 (10B2). It was specifically used for baseband communications at 10Mbps speed, maximum of attached nodded, and covering a maximum distance of 185 meters.

Devices or computers connected to the network were wired in a bus topology.  The network interface cards of the computers were connected to 10B2 cabling via a BNC “T” connector. The beginning and end of the bus were fixed to 50 Ohm terminators. Today, Cat5 and Cat5e cables have entirely replaced 10B2 cables.

Disadvantages of using RG58 cabling in networking

At first, RG58 cabling was ideal for setting up small workgroup based networks, as it was a low-cost option. However, as requirements and capacities increased it proved to be inadequate. The disadvantages of RG58 cabling are as follows:

• Complicated system
  the 10B2 network is bus based, hence any change will affect all the devices or computers on the network, which leads to downtime.
• Limited scope
  RG58 cabling supports a maximum of 30 nodes and maximum distance of 185 meters.
• Dedicated cable
  The RG58 cable used to setup 10B2 networks cannot be used for any other function. If the network is upgraded, the cables will have to be completely changed.