Repeater

A repeater is a device similar to the Hub, but has additional features. Network repeaters receive
and retransmit incoming electrical, wireless or optical signals. With physical media like Ethernet
or Wi-Fi, data transmissions can only span a limited distance before the quality of the signal
degrades. Repeaters attempt to preserve signal integrity and extend the distance over which data
can safely travel.

The repeaters are used in places where amplification of input signal is necessary. But, the kind of
amplification done by the repeater is different from the regular amplification by amplifiers. The
regular amplifies everything fed into it. That means, if the input signal has noise induced into it,
both the desired signal and noise signal are together amplified. But, in the case of a repeater, it
regenerates the input signal, and amplifies only the desirable signal. Hence, the noise component
of the signal is eliminated.

The repeaters are necessary since, during the transmission of the signals over long distances, the
signal has reduce, delay distortions and noise, which lead in loss of data. Hence, in order to
prevent this, the regenerative repeaters are used. The repeater regenerates the faded signal. In
addition, it has all the features of a Hub. In a data network, a repeater can relay messages
between sub networks 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.

Problems:

One common problem between the repeaters and the Hubs are that only one transmission can
take place on the network at a particular time. If multiple devices transmit data simultaneously,
there will be data collision.

Typical Uses for a Repeater:

A typical router is usually strong enough to supply a signal to fill a small house or an apartment
with a Wi-Fi signal, but it may not be strong enough to serve a large house. This results in "dead
spots" in the home where no signal is available. One can benefit from installing a repeater:
  If one’s office or home has a wireless internet connection that is strong in most of the
areas but weak or nonexistent in the far reaches of the home or office
 If Wi-Fi is suffering from a line-of-sight problem such as a metal wall between user and
router.
 If user like to be able to stream a sports game outside while you are grilling.

How to Use a Repeater:

 Positioning the repeater in the right location is important. Locate the repeater where the
Wi-Fi signal is strong. A location halfway between the router and the weakest reception
area is ideal.
 Then, following the instructions that come with your repeater, log in to the Wi-Fi repeater
on your computer and enter the login information and password of your Wi-Fi network.
 The repeater connects to the Wi-Fi network and boosts the signal strength from its
location outward. Some range extenders boost the signal equally in all directions, but if
your repeater has antennas, you can direct them toward the areas of weakest reception.