Split pair

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A split pair is a wiring error where two connections that are supposed to be connected using the two wires of a twisted pair are instead connected using two wires from different pairs. Such wiring negates the benefit of using twisted pair in the first place and is likely to cause errors in high rate data lines and increase interference on voice lines, especially on long runs.

When using registered jack connections and other connection schemes that use the same physical connectors it is very easy for the unwary to introduce split pairs. The easiest way to wire such a connector is to put the pairs next to each other but this will not result in correct pairing.