Repeaters in Computer Networks

Repeaters in Computer Networks (Fully Explained)

Repeaters are devices that function at the physical layer of the OSI model, designed to amplify or regenerate incoming signals before they are retransmitted. They are utilized in networks to enhance coverage areas and are commonly referred to as signal boosters.

Why are Repeaters necessary?

When an electrical signal travels through a channel, it experiences attenuation based on the channel's characteristics or the technology used. This creates limitations on the length of Local Area Networks (LANs) or the coverage area of cellular networks. Installing repeaters at specific intervals helps to mitigate this issue.

Repeaters amplify the weakened signal and retransmit it. Digital repeaters have the capability to reconstruct signals that have been distorted due to transmission loss. As a result, repeaters are frequently used to connect two LANs, effectively creating a larger single LAN. This is illustrated in the diagram below.

Types of Repeaters

Based on the types of signals they regenerate, repeaters can be divided into two categories:

Analog Repeaters: These can only amplify analog signals.
Digital Repeaters: These can reconstruct distorted signals.

Based on the types of networks they connect, repeaters can be classified into two types:

Wired Repeaters: These are used in wired LANs.
Wireless Repeaters: These are utilized in wireless LANs and cellular networks.

Based on the domain of LANs they connect, repeaters can be categorized into two types:

Local Repeaters: These connect LAN segments that are close together.
Remote Repeaters: These connect LANs that are situated far apart.

Advantages of Repeaters

Repeaters are easy to install and can effectively extend the length or coverage area of networks.
They are also cost-effective.
Repeaters do not require any processing overhead; they only need to be checked if performance degrades.
They can connect signals using various types of cables.