What happens during cross talk in communication systems?

During cross talk in communication systems, the phenomenon that occurs is that signals from one wire affect adjacent wires. This interference usually happens in bundled wires, where the electrical signals can couple into nearby conductors, causing degradation of the signal integrity. Cross talk can result in the unintended transmission of signals, leading to distortion or loss of the original signal being sent, which ultimately affects the overall performance of the communication system.

Understanding this concept is crucial, as it helps in designing effective communication systems that minimize interference, for instance, through proper shielding, twisting of pairs in twisted pair cables, and maintaining adequate spacing between cables to prevent adversely affecting performance.