What does Alien Crosstalk (AXT) refer to?

Alien Crosstalk (AXT) specifically refers to crosstalk generated from network cables that are in close proximity to each other. This type of interference occurs when the signals from one cable couple into another nearby cable, potentially leading to reduced performance and errors in data transmission. AXT is particularly relevant in environments where multiple cables are installed closely together, such as in data centers or structured cabling systems. This contrasts with self-crosstalk, which involves interference from the same cable rather than from an adjacent one. Understanding AXT is crucial for network design and troubleshooting, especially in maintaining optimal data integrity and performance in high-density cabling situations.