Which of the following scenarios best demonstrate the use of a repeater?

A repeater is a network device that operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model. Its primary function is to regenerate and retransmit electrical or optical signals to extend the length of a network segment. It takes a weakened or corrupted signal, reconstructs it, and then transmits it with its original strength, allowing data to travel longer distances without significant degradation.

1. Boosting the signal strength of an Ethernet cable over long distances: This is a classic and direct application of a repeater. Ethernet cables have distance limitations (e.g., 100 meters for Cat5e/6), and repeaters are used to extend these segments by regenerating the signal, allowing it to travel further. This perfectly demonstrates the core function of a repeater.

2. Extending the range of a Wi-Fi network in a large building: A wireless repeater (often called a Wi-Fi extender) functions on the same principle as a wired repeater. It receives the Wi-Fi signal, amplifies it, and retransmits it to extend the coverage area of a wireless network. This is also a valid and common use of a repeater.

3. Filtering unwanted traffic in a network segment: Filtering traffic involves inspecting data packets and making decisions based on rules. This functionality is performed by devices operating at higher layers (like Layer 3 for routers or Layer 4-7 for firewalls), not by a simple repeater, which operates at Layer 1 and simply regenerates signals without inspecting content.

4. Interconnecting two separate LANs using different protocols: Interconnecting different LANs or handling different protocols requires devices like routers (Layer 3) or gateways, which can interpret and translate between different network protocols. A repeater cannot perform protocol conversion.

    

Both scenarios 1 and 2 demonstrate the use of a repeater to extend network range by regenerating signals. However, option 1 describes the fundamental role of a repeater in overcoming distance limitations in a physical cable, which is the most direct and foundational example of its use. Wireless repeaters (extenders) are a specialized form of repeater for wireless media.

The final answer is 1​