What is the most likely cause of crossed pairs in a network?

The most likely cause of crossed pairs in a network is terminating one end as T568A and the other as T568B. This standard refers to two different wiring schemes for Ethernet cables. T568A and T568B specify different assignments for the pairs of wires within the cable. If one end is wired under T568A and the other under T568B, the pairs will not align correctly, leading to cross-talk and potential communication issues where signals are disrupted or misdirected. This misalignment results in the phenomenon known as crossed pairs, which can severely impact network performance.

When cabling standards are not consistently followed across cable terminations, it can create significant problems in data transmission. Adhering to a single wiring standard throughout the installation ensures that all pairs are correctly aligned, allowing the network to function as intended.