What is the Difference Between Amplifier and Repeater?

The primary difference between an amplifier and a repeater lies in their functions:

• Amplifier: An amplifier is an electronic device that increases the amplitude of a signal waveform without regard to the noise present in the signal. It takes low input power and provides high output power. Amplifiers are generally used in wireless communication and are employed to boost weak signals.
• Repeater: A repeater, on the other hand, is used as a regenerator of the signal, removing noise in the process. It takes high input power and provides low output power. Repeaters are typically installed on links that receive signals before they reach their limits or become too weak. They work on the physical layer of the OSI model and are essential components in digital communication systems due to their ability to handle digital signals.

In summary:

1. Amplifiers are used to increase the amplitude of a signal, including any noise present in the signal.
2. Repeaters regenerate the signal, removing noise and improving signal quality.
3. Amplifiers generally take low input power and provide high output power, while repeaters take high input power and provide low output power.

Comparative Table: Amplifier vs Repeater

The main differences between an amplifier and a repeater are their functions and power consumption. Here is a table comparing the two:

In summary, a repeater is used to regenerate a weak signal and reduce noise, while an amplifier increases the amplitude of the signal, including any noise present in the original signal. Repeaters are generally used in stationary environments, while amplifiers are more common in mobile and remote area networks.