this is a measure of the signal coupling from one wire to another, within a cable assembly, or among cables within a bundle. next measures the amount of crosstalk disturbance energy that is detected at the near end of the link — the end where the transmitter is located. next measures the amount of energy that is "returned" to the sender end.the factors that affect next and crosstalk are exactly the same as outlined in the return loss section. the crosstalk performance is directly related to the quality of the cable installation.