What function do repeaters serve in a network?

Repeaters play a crucial role in network communications by regenerating and propagating electrical signals. As data travels across a network, it can experience degradation due to distance or interference. Repeaters are positioned at intervals along the transmission medium, such as copper or fiber optic cables. They receive the weakened signals and amplify them back to their original strength, ensuring that the data can continue to travel effectively over longer distances without loss of integrity.

This function is essential in maintaining a reliable network, particularly in larger setups where signals must traverse considerable distances. By amplifying the signal, repeaters help to extend the range of a network and facilitate communication between devices that are not within direct electrical range of each other.

The other functions listed, such as filtering traffic, assigning IP addresses, and analyzing data packets, are handled by different network devices such as switches, routers, and firewalls. These devices operate on different layers of the network model and serve distinct purposes that complement the role of repeaters.