What happens when a wire from one pair crosses over into an adjacent pair?

When a wire from one pair crosses over into an adjacent pair, this scenario is referred to as a "split pair." In structured cabling, each pair is designed to maintain a specific twist ratio to minimize interference and crosstalk. Pair crossing or splitting disrupts the intended pairing and can lead to performance issues such as increased crosstalk, reduced transmission quality, and degraded network performance.

A split pair occurs when the wires from a specific pair are not only separated but also mismanaged in a way that their original pairing is lost during installation, causing an imbalance in electrical properties. This typically happens when the pairs are improperly terminated or connected, disregarding the twisting and other specifications that are essential for the optimal performance of the cabling system.

Understanding the implications of wiring configuration is crucial for maintaining network integrity and performance, which is why recognizing a split pair as the correct answer highlights the importance of adhering to proper cabling practices to avoid any disruptions in network communication.