Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT)
One of the most important cable measurements is Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT). It’s signal interference from one pair that adversely affects another pair on the same end. Crosstalk occurs between adjacent wire pairs (“pair-to-pair NEXT”). In addition, all other pairs in a UTP cable can also contribute their own levels of both NEXT and Far-End Crosstalk (FEXT), multiplying the adverse effects of interference onto a transmitting or receiving wire pair. These compounded levels of interference can prove crippling. So check your NEXT ratings on any CAT5e and CAT6 cable you purchase.