65. Which piece of network equipment extends the cable range and allows connections to be made by increasing the signal strength?
Answer: A
A repeater extends the cable range and allows connections to be made by increasing the signal strength.
A repeater is specifically designed to receive a signal and amplify it, thereby extending the distance over which data can be transmitted effectively.
A) Repeater
A repeater is the correct choice because it serves the exact function described in the question. It boosts the strength of the signal, allowing it to travel longer distances without degradation, thereby facilitating connections over extended cable runs.
B) Router
A router does not extend cable range; instead, it directs data packets between different networks and manages traffic. Its primary function is to connect multiple devices to the internet or to each other, but it does not amplify signals like a repeater.
C) Switch
A switch is used to connect multiple devices within the same network, allowing them to communicate with each other. While it can manage data traffic efficiently, it does not increase signal strength or extend cable range as a repeater does.
D) Firewall
A firewall is a security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It does not serve the purpose of extending cable range or amplifying signals, making it irrelevant to the question.
Conclusion
The repeater is definitively the correct answer as it directly addresses the need for extending cable range by amplifying signal strength. In contrast, the other options either serve different functions or do not relate to signal amplification, thereby failing to meet the criteria specified in the question.