Which of the following is a requirement for UTP cable termination?

Matching colors in UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable termination is crucial because it ensures that each wire within the cable is connected to the corresponding pin on the connectors in a consistent manner. UTP cables typically consist of eight individual wires that must be arranged and connected according to specific color-coding standards, such as T568A or T568B. If the colors are not matched correctly, the cable will not function properly, leading to issues like interference, crosstalk, and overall network performance degradation.

The other options, while related to cable termination and performance, do not address the fundamental importance of the color-coding scheme in UTP terminations. Specific cable lengths and retention ratings might pertain to installation guidelines, while signal type refers more to the overall transmission capabilities rather than the physical termination of the cables themselves. Therefore, ensuring that the colors are matched during termination is the foundational requirement for achieving an operational and efficient UTP connection.