What is the purpose of an optical repeater?

An optical repeater serves a crucial role in fiber optic communication systems by regenerating and amplifying optical signals over long distances. As signals travel through optical fibers, they can degrade due to scattering and absorption, which can lead to a loss of signal integrity. The repeater takes the weakened optical signal, processes it, and then amplifies it back to a strong, usable level, ensuring that the data can continue to travel effectively over extended distances without a significant loss of quality.

This function is vital in maintaining the performance of a communication system, especially in scenarios where signals need to traverse large geographical areas or numerous connections. By regenerating the signals, optical repeaters help maintain the integrity and reliability of data transmission, enabling high-speed communication across vast networks.