RG8

networking, hardware, cable (Or "thicknet" - "thick

Ethernet") The original "full spec" cable, used for

10base5 Ethernet networks. RG8 is stiff, large diameter

coaxial cable with an impedance of 50 ohms, a member of

the "Radio Guide" series. The outer sheath is usually yellow,

to indicate double shielding, so it is often just called

"yellow cable".

10base5 cable is designed to allow transceivers to be added

while existing connections are live. This is achieved using a

"vampire tap" - a device which (with sufficient practise)

clamps onto the cable, forcing a spike through the outer

shielding to contact the inner conductor while other spikes

bite into the outer conductor. This is often built into the

transceiver and a more flexible multi-wire cable carries the

connection between the transceiver and the node.

RG58 is a cheaper, more flexible alternative.

(2002-06-17)