Neighbor crosstalk is when electromagnetic interference causes signals from two different cables to interfere with each other, degrading the signal. Far-end crosstalk is the same, but at a distance. Modern communication equipment must meet standards to minimize crosstalk. Audio conference calls can experience crosstalk, but operators can track and eliminate it.
Neighbor crosstalk is a phenomenon that can occur when some form or electromagnetic interference occurs relatively close to the measurement point. The effect of nearby crosstalk is that signals carried by two different cables or wires can begin to interfere with each other in a way that degrades the signal of at least one of the two transmissions. The problem can occur due to something as simple as temporary twisted-pair wiring or worn spots in the insulation of the actual wiring allowing the wiring of the two wires to come together.
Along with near or NEXT crosstalk, there is also the occurrence of what is known as far-end crosstalk or FEXT. FEXT is essentially the same set of circumstances as with near-end crosstalk. The only difference is that remote crosstalk is the detection of a signal crossing or interruption that is at a distance from the measurement point.
As you can imagine, the occurrence of any type of crosstalk can lead to communication problems. In general, modern communications equipment must be designed to meet the standards set forth by the Telecommunications Industry Association and the Electronic Industries Association to receive approval from these two organizations. The standards set by the TIA and EIA also form the basis for standards set by many countries with nationalized telephone and communications networks. These standards require that the type of cabling used in the equipment be designed to minimize the chances of both far-end and near-end crosstalk occurring on a recurring basis.
Many people who have participated in an audio conference call have experienced the end result of remote or local crosstalk during the meeting. When the conference call is conducted through connecting equipment operated by an audio conferencing calling service, it is usually possible for a conference operator to track crosstalk on a particular line or lines in the meeting. The operator can then instruct the participant to disconnect and redial the other party’s number, or ask the other party to use a toll-free number to rejoin the conference.
The chances of the second connection using the same combination of cable, trunk, and wire connections a second time are astronomical, so this usually eliminates the problem for the end user. The conference call provider will normally note the line number that the original link used for bridge connectivity and run diagnostics to ensure that the source of the crosstalk was not in the conference bridge.
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