CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is an effective way to avoid Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) during cable installation?

1. Avoid power cords and fluorescent lights

2. Increase cable length

3. Use metal cable ties

4. Twist cables tightly

The correct answer is: Avoid power cords and fluorescent lights

To effectively avoid Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) during cable installation, one of the best strategies is to avoid power cords and fluorescent lights. EMI is generated by various electronic devices, especially those that operate with high voltages, like power cables and fluorescent lighting. These sources emit electromagnetic fields that can interfere with the signals transmitted along network cables. By strategically keeping network cables away from potential EMI sources, you significantly reduce the likelihood of signal degradation, which can lead to network performance issues. This consideration during installation can help maintain signal integrity and ensure reliable communication across the network. While increasing cable length can sometimes help to mitigate interference by putting more distance between the interference sources and the data transmission, it is not typically an effective strategy overall. Using metal cable ties is not a solution to EMI and could even exacerbate the situation by creating grounding issues if not handled correctly. Twisting cables tightly is a technique used in twisted pair cabling to minimize crosstalk rather than to address EMI specifically. Therefore, keeping network cables away from sources of EMI is the most effective approach to ensure a stable network environment.