from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
RG8
thick Ethernet cable
<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}".
{RG58} is a cheaper, more flexible alternative.
(2002-06-17)