A company’s network experiences intermittent connectivity issues. Upon analysis, the network technician observes frequent CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) errors on a specific network link. What is the most likely cause of the problem?

CRC errors occur when the data received at the Data Link Layer does not match the checksum expected. This typically indicates physical layer issues caused by a faulty network cable, damaged connectors, or defective network interface cards (NICs). 1. CRC is an error-detection mechanism in the Data Link Layer that ensures data integrity during transmission. 2. Faulty hardware or cables introduce noise or distortion, leading to checksum mismatches. 3. Resolving the issue involves replacing the cable, inspecting connectors, or testing hardware for faults. Why Other Options Are Incorrect: • A) Incorrect IP addressing: CRC errors occur at the Data Link Layer, unrelated to IP addressing (Network Layer). • C) Misconfigured router: Routers operate at the Network Layer and do not impact CRC checks. • D) High CPU utilization: CPU issues on servers affect processing speed, not CRC integrity. • E) Overloaded switch ports: Congestion might delay packets but does not generate CRC errors.