(rē-pēt´ër)
(n.) A
network device used to regenerate or replicate a signal. Repeaters are used in transmission systems to regenerate
analog or
digital signals distorted by transmission loss. Analog repeaters frequently can only amplify the signal while digital repeaters can reconstruct a signal to near its original quality.
In a data network, a repeater can relay messages between subnetworks that use different protocols or cable types. Hubs can operate as repeaters by relaying messages to all connected computers. A repeater cannot do the intelligent routing performed by bridges and routers.
