What does a repeater do when it receives a bit pattern at its input?

A repeater is a device used in telecommunications to extend the range of signals transmitted over a network. When a repeater receives a bit pattern at its input, it regenerates the signal to ensure that it can travel further distances without degradation.

The correct response indicates that the repeater generates the same pattern at a higher power level. This regeneration process is crucial because it amplifies the input signal, compensating for any loss of strength that may have occurred as the signal traveled over distance. By boosting the signal strength, the repeater helps maintain the integrity and clarity of the data being transmitted, allowing it to cover longer distances without losing quality.

In contrast, other potential choices do not accurately reflect the primary function of a repeater. For example, stopping the signal would negate the purpose of a repeater, as its role is to extend, not halt, communication. Generating the same pattern at a lower power level would lead to an even weaker signal, which would not be effective in maintaining signal quality. Altering the bit pattern would change the data being transmitted, which is not the intended function of a repeater; it solely maintains the same data while boosting the power.