What do repeaters do in a network?

Repeaters play a crucial role in network communication by amplifying or regenerating signals that may degrade over distance. When data packets travel through a network, particularly over long distances, they can experience loss of signal strength and quality, leading to errors or data corruption. A repeater mitigates this issue by receiving the weakened signals and then retransmitting them at a stronger level, thereby extending the effective distance over which data can be transmitted without quality loss.

This capability is particularly important in larger networks where devices may be located far apart or when obstacles in the environment can attenuate the signals. While other network devices, like routers and switches, serve different functions such as routing traffic or connecting various networks, the primary job of a repeater is specifically focused on ensuring that the signal remains intact over greater distances. They do not process data or serve as connection points for multiple networks, nor do they directly connect user devices to the internet. Their sole purpose is to enhance signal quality and reach, making them essential for maintaining reliable communication in larger network architectures.