What potential disruption could occur if Ethernet cables are installed near electrical power lines and fluorescent lights?

Installing Ethernet cables near electrical power lines and fluorescent lights can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This disruption occurs because electrical devices generate electromagnetic fields that can couple with adjacent cables, leading to noise and signal degradation. Since Ethernet cables rely on specific voltage levels and timing for proper data transmission, any interference from nearby electrical sources can result in packet loss, increased error rates, and even network outages.

The potential for EMI is higher near fluorescent lights due to their electronic ballasts, which can produce varying electromagnetic frequencies. This interference can adversely affect the quality of the data being transmitted over the Ethernet cable, causing slower speeds and potential connectivity issues.

In contrast, electrical shorts in cables would typically result from a physical fault or mishandling rather than EMI. Increased latency in data transmission can be a consequence of network problems, but EMI specifically disrupts the electromagnetic signals necessary for immediate data transfer. Lastly, Ethernet cables overheating is usually related to power handling issues or excessive resistance rather than interference from electrical devices.