In a Local Area Network (LAN), a Cat 6 communication cable connecting two network (Ethernet) devices is approximately 160 meters long and is experiencing signal loss due to the cable length. Which of the following devices would you recommend to amplify and retransmit the signals between the two devices ?

The correct answer is Repeater.

Key Points

• A Repeater is a networking device used to amplify and retransmit signals between devices to combat signal loss over long distances.
  • In this scenario, the Cat 6 communication cable in the Local Area Network (LAN) is approximately 160 meters long, which exceeds the standard maximum Ethernet cable length of 100 meters.
  • Signal loss occurs due to attenuation, which is the reduction in signal strength over long distances.
  • A repeater receives the weakened signal, amplifies it, and retransmits it to extend the effective range of the cable.
  • This ensures reliable communication between the two network devices.
  • Repeaters are commonly used in Ethernet networks to maintain signal integrity over extended distances.

Additional Information

• Repeaters are simple devices and operate at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model.
• They do not analyze or modify the data; they simply amplify and retransmit the signal.
• Modern network setups may use switches or hubs with built-in repeater functionality for extended cable lengths.
• Other devices like modems, firewalls, and plotters are not designed to amplify or retransmit signals in this context.