What is a common problem associated with untwisted Ethernet cabling?

The choice of excessive crosstalk and interference as the correct answer emphasizes the inherent design limitations of untwisted Ethernet cabling. Ethernet cables, specifically twisted pair cables like Category 5 or Category 6, use pairs of wires twisted together to help reduce electromagnetic interference from external sources and crosstalk between pairs within the cable.

In untwisted cabling, the wires are not paired in this manner, which makes them more susceptible to external noise and other forms of signal degradation. This can lead to poor network performance, potential data loss, or corruption, impacting the reliability and speed of data transmission.

Understanding this aspect is crucial for network design, as utilizing appropriate cabling can greatly mitigate these issues and provide a more robust networking environment.