How Coaxial Cable Really Works (And Why the Right Fittings Make or Break Your Signal) Coaxial cable might look like a simple wire, but inside it’s a precision‑built system engineered to carry high‑frequency TV and internet signals with minimal loss. Whether you’re dealing with pixelated channels, slow internet, or modem resets, the problem often comes down to one thing: bad fittings or damaged cable . This guide breaks down how coax cable actually works, why fittings matter so much, and the tools you need to get clean, reliable signal. If you install or troubleshoot cable regularly, this is information that saves time, money, and frustration. How a Coax Cable Carries Signal A coax cable is built in layers, each one designed to protect the signal: 1. Center Conductor (the “stinger”) Carries the actual RF signal used for TV and internet. 2. Dielectric Foam Keeps the conductor perfectly centered. If this gets crushed, signal quality drops. 3. Braided Shield Blocks outside interference lik...