Questions: A network administrator is troubleshooting connectivity issues in a newly installed network segment. After running tests with a wire map tester, one cable is identified as having a "split pair" fault. The administrator needs to understand the nature of this fault to address the issue. What characterizes a "split pair" fault identified by a wire map tester? One of the cable's pairs is transmitting data at a slower rate than the others. The cable's shielding has been compromised, reducing its effectiveness against interference. Both ends of a single wire in one pair are wired to terminals belonging to a different pair. The cable is not fully inserted into the tester, leading to inaccurate results.

The answer is the third one: Both ends of a single wire in one pair are wired to terminals belonging to a different pair.

Explanation for each option:

1. One of the cable's pairs is transmitting data at a slower rate than the others.

   • This is not characteristic of a "split pair" fault. A split pair fault is related to the incorrect wiring of the cable pairs, not the data transmission rate.

2. The cable's shielding has been compromised, reducing its effectiveness against interference.

   • This describes a shielding issue, not a split pair fault. A split pair fault involves the incorrect pairing of wires, not the shielding.

3. Both ends of a single wire in one pair are wired to terminals belonging to a different pair.

   • This is the correct characterization of a "split pair" fault. It occurs when the wires are not correctly paired, leading to increased crosstalk and reduced performance.

4. The cable is not fully inserted into the tester, leading to inaccurate results.

   • This would result in a different type of error, such as an open circuit or no connection detected, rather than a split pair fault.

Summary: A "split pair" fault is characterized by both ends of a single wire in one pair being wired to terminals belonging to a different pair. This miswiring can cause significant issues with network performance due to increased crosstalk and signal degradation.