What is measured as the crosstalk at the sending end of a cable?

Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) is specifically defined as the interference or unwanted signals that occur at the sending end of a communication cable. This phenomenon happens when a signal on one pair of wires induces a voltage in a neighboring pair, leading to crosstalk. Measuring crosstalk at the near end allows engineers and technicians to assess how much interference might affect the integrity of the signals being transmitted to and from devices.

In telecommunications, understanding crosstalk is crucial as it impacts the performance and reliability of data transmission. The degree of near-end crosstalk gives insight into the quality and design of the cabling system, helping to determine whether additional shielding or other modifications are needed to mitigate the effects of interference.