Terms used in communication system – Repeater

A communication system consists of communications equipment, cables and other components that transmit signals, such as telephones, television and radio. The purpose of a communication system is to transmit signals from one place to another. The first communication systems were signal fires, smoke signals and drums.

 All communication systems share a basic structure. They all have a sender and a receiver and they all convey a message from one person or thing to another. In this article, we will talk about repeaters. Repeaters are used to boost the strength of a signal on a particular medium or in a specific part of a communication system. They are an essential part of any communication system, particularly those that are long-range or rely heavily on wireless technology. Repeaters are also used to increase the coverage of a signal in a system that uses multiple transmitters to broadcast the same signal. This is particularly useful in systems where the transmitter is too far from the receiver to receive a signal without a repeater.

Communication System

The world we live in today is a world of constant communication. We’re constantly communicating with each other. In many ways, this is a wonderful thing. The ability to communicate allows people to exchange ideas, solve problems and build communities.

Communication also allows people to share their feelings and experiences. It is the ability to transmit information from one person or entity to another. The system of communication is the channels, routes and means of communication used to transmit information. The communication system can be divided into two parts: the sender and the receiver. The sender is the person who is transmitting the message; they are the source of information.

The ability for communication systems to increase data capacity is one of the most important functions of a repeater. Without repeaters, telecommunications networks would not be able to carry data as far or as fast as they do today. Repeaters can increase data capacity by amplifying weak signals and receiving and processing strong signals that have already passed through other parts of the network. In this article, we will explore the different types of repeaters and examine the different ways they are used in communications systems.

We will be discussing the basic terminology used in communication systems.

Basic terminology in communication systems

1. Signal

2. Amplitude

3. Wavelength

4. Frequency

5. Bandwidth

6. Modulation

7. DeModulation

8. Attenuation

9. Repeater  

Let’s discuss in detail the repeater, its functions and how it works:

Uses of a repeater

The use of repeaters is fundamental to the operation of a digital communication system. The repeaters amplify or strengthen weak signals so they can be transmitted over longer distances without being distorted. Repeaters are also used to overcome the loss of signal strength or integrity caused by the free-space electromagnetic field divergence or in the case of a cable loss. Repeaters, which are devices that extend the range of a signal, make it possible to extend a signal over a long distance. Repeaters are also called regenerators.

Repeaters remove unwanted noise from incoming. A digital signal can be easily perceived even when transmitted through a noisy channel, unlike analogue signals strengthened through amplifiers that also take care of noise and the signal.

Need of a repeater in digital signals

The reason why digital signals dissipate quickly and require frequent repeating is that they are dependent on whether the voltage is present or absent. They do not dissipate slowly as there is no fluctuation in the voltage. On the other hand, in analogue systems, repeaters are generally spaced at intervals of 18,000 metres, whereas in digital systems, repeaters are usually placed at two thousand to six thousand metres.

Repeaters in wireless communication

In wireless communication systems, a repeater has a radio receiver, amplifying device, a transmitter, isolating device and two different antennas. The signal is produced on a frequency that is different from the signal that is received. If this difference is not accounted for, the strongly transmitted signal will completely overwhelm the weak received signal and the receiver will no longer be able to receive the weak signal. A radio or repeater, will significantly enhance the performance of a wireless network in locations where it would otherwise be impossible.

Repeaters in wireless satellites

In satellite (wireless), transponders receive uplink radio signals and retransmit them to the destination location, usually on other frequencies.

Repeaters in a telephone communication system

In the telephone communication system, a repeater is a collective group of communication.Transceivers’ purpose is to serve as an intermediary between mobile communication transceivers and the base station. These transceivers collectively serve a user.

Repeaters in optical fibre communication network

Repeaters in an optical fibre communication network, a repeater consists of various things like a photocell, amplifier and a LED or IRED for each light or IR signal, which requires amplification. Fibre optic repeaters operate at a level of power that is much lower than wireless repeaters. Fibre optic repeaters are also very simple and cheaper. However, their design has to pay careful attention to ensure that the internal circuit noise is minimised.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed repeaters in the communication system. A repeater is a device that receives a signal and then sends it further. In the communication system, repeaters are used to boost the signals to increase the distance between the sender and the receiver. Repeaters are used in the communication system to increase the system’s capacity. We also learn in this article that repeaters are called regenerators.