Network repeater is the network communication equipment amplifies the signal without increasing noise, unlike an amplifier. In fact it regenerates the signal that preserves the data integrity. As the signal travels it loses its strength gradually. So to send data at longer distances a repeater or combination of repeaters is used in the path. Repeater forwards the signal after regenerating allowing the data to travel as it is for longer distance. OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model defines repeater as physical layer device. Network devices such as routers or switches do not offer the functions of repeaters.

Repeater Specifications

Network type, network protocol, and connector types are important specifications to consider while selecting repeaters.

Repeater types

Network type and network protocol analysis is one major concern before selecting a repeater. Repeaters are available for all the type s of networks such as wireless, physical, or optical networks. For wireless LAN, Wi-Fi Networks, or Wireless access points (WAPs) they have to be converted to repeater mode to get functionality of repeater. Repeaters are also available as half duplex or full duplex. Repeaters are available in different styles such as printed circuit boards, stand alone devices, rack mount, stackable, or modular forms.

Repeater Connectors

Connector support in the available repeaters is also important is repeater selection. Repeaters work with various interfaces with various connector types. These include MIC (medium interface), AUI (attachment unit interface), BNC (Bayonet Neil Concelman), SC (subscription channel), ST (straight tip), and RJ-45 connectors. Repeaters supporting RS 232, RS0422, and RS 485 serial ports are also available. In others there are USB (universal serial bus) interfaces, support for E and T lines (T1, T2, and T3). So repeaters can be selected according to the network such ISDN networks usually use repeaters with ST interfaces.

Repeater Protocols

Repeaters are available on the basis of the protocol they support. They support almost all the common network protocols used these days. These include all types of Ethernet protocols, ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), SONET (synchronous optical network), FDDI (fiber distributed data interface), fiber channel, field bus, frame relay, token ring, CAN (controller area network), DeviceNet, ControlNet, ISDN (integrated services digital network), and DSL (digital subscriber line). Repeater supporting VOIP (voice over Internet protocols) are also available. These include RVP (remote voice protocol), SIP (session initiation protocol), SAP (session announcement protocol), MGCP (media gateway control protocol), SCCP (skinny client control protocol), and SGCP (simple gateway control protocol). Moreover repeaters also support proprietary protocols such as PROFIBUS®, INTERBUS®, or AppleTalk®.