A repeater is a network device that amplifies or regenerates an incoming signal before retransmitting it, extending the range of the network. It's essentially a signal booster.
Understanding Repeaters in Networks
Repeaters are crucial in network infrastructure because signals degrade over distance. Without a repeater, a signal might become too weak or distorted to be properly received.
- Function: Receives a signal, cleans it up by removing noise, and retransmits it at a higher power level or with a renewed signal.
- Purpose: To extend the coverage area of a network by compensating for signal attenuation.
- Types of Signals: Repeaters can handle optical, wireless, or electrical signals.
- Alternative Names: Commonly known as a signal booster.
How Repeaters Work
- Signal Reception: The repeater intercepts the incoming signal.
- Signal Amplification/Regeneration: The repeater then amplifies the signal (increasing its power) or regenerates it (creating a new, clean copy of the signal).
- Signal Re-transmission: Finally, the repeater transmits the amplified or regenerated signal to the next segment of the network.
Use Cases
Repeaters are commonly used in:
- Wired networks: Extending Ethernet cable runs beyond the standard distance limitations (e.g., 100 meters for Ethernet).
- Wireless networks: Increasing the range of a Wi-Fi network to cover a larger area.
- Optical fiber networks: Boosting optical signals to allow for longer fiber optic cable runs.
Example
Imagine a long Ethernet cable connecting two computers. Due to signal degradation, the signal might become weak before reaching the receiving computer. By placing a repeater in the middle of the cable, the signal is boosted, ensuring reliable data transmission between the two computers.
