CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

Near End Crosstalk (NEXT) is a phenomenon that occurs when signals from one pair of wires in a cable create interference on another pair of wires, particularly at the transmitting end, or "near end." This type of crosstalk typically affects the ability of the receiving device to distinguish the intended signal from the noise introduced by the crosstalk.

When electrical signals travel along the cable, they can inadvertently couple with adjacent pairs of wires, which is where NEXT comes into play. Being at the near end means that the crosstalk is most significant close to the source of transmission, and the interference tends to diminish as distance from the source increases.

This type of crosstalk is particularly important to consider in network performance, as high levels of NEXT can result in decreased data integrity and transmission speeds. Effective design and shielding of cables are often implemented to manage and reduce the effects of NEXT in network cabling systems.

The other options refer to different kinds of crosstalk or measures relevant to crosstalk, but they do not specifically relate to the interference occurring at the near end of the cable.