UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Repeaters operate at the physical layer and simply regenerate incoming electrical or optical signals before passing them on. This counters attenuation, allowing data to travel longer distances without becoming unreadable. They do not make decisions based on addresses or protocols. Therefore, the device mentioned in the stem is a repeater.

Option A:
Option A, switch, works at the data link layer and forwards frames intelligently based on MAC addresses rather than simply boosting signals.

Option B:
Option B, bridge, also operates at the data link layer and segments networks, making decisions about whether to forward traffic across segments.

Option C:
Option C, router, functions at the network layer and determines paths using IP addresses, which is far more complex than basic signal regeneration.

Option D:
Option D is correct because repeaters are specifically defined as devices that amplify and reshape signals, extending the physical reach of a network without interpreting the data.