What is the most likely cause of intermittent connectivity issues in a network installed near power lines and fluorescent lights?

Intermittent connectivity issues in a network that is installed near power lines and fluorescent lights are most likely caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI is generated by electrical sources, such as power lines and fluorescent lighting, which can disrupt the signals being transmitted over network cables. This interference can cause packet loss, slow connections, and erratic network performance, leading to the symptoms described.

Power lines carry high voltages that can create electromagnetic fields, while fluorescent lights use electrical arcs that can also produce unwanted electromagnetic noise. Both these sources can affect the performance of data transmission, especially if the cabling is not adequately shielded against such interference.

In contrast, issues like insufficient bandwidth relate to the capacity of the network connection, not the physical placement of hardware, while using an incorrect cable type might lead to consistent connectivity problems rather than intermittent ones. Lastly, outdated hardware could certainly impact overall performance but would not specifically account for the intermittent nature of the connectivity issues as effectively as EMI does in this scenario.