Repeaters and traffic propagation: evaluate the statement below and choose the most appropriate assessment. Statement: “A drawback of repeaters is that traffic generated on one segment is propagated onto the other segments.”

Introduction / Context:
Repeaters and hubs operate at the physical layer. They regenerate and forward every symbol they receive, regardless of the frame’s ultimate destination. Understanding this limitation is important when designing collision domains and troubleshooting broadcast storms or excessive background traffic on shared media.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• “Repeater” refers to devices that extend a segment by regenerating signals (e.g., classic Ethernet repeaters or hubs).
• They do not inspect MAC addresses or apply filtering logic.
• Segments interconnected by a repeater become one shared collision/broadcast domain.

Concept / Approach:
Because a repeater lacks Layer 2 intelligence, it blindly forwards bits to all attached segments. Any unicast, broadcast, or collision activity on one side repeats across the other side(s). This behavior contrasts with bridges and switches, which forward selectively based on MAC learning, and with routers, which segment broadcast domains at Layer 3.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Network design guidelines recommend replacing repeaters/hubs with switches to contain traffic and mitigate collision/broadcast issues, confirming the practical consequence stated.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming repeaters filter like switches; they do not. Confusing “media converters” (also L1) with bridges (L2).

Final Answer:
Valid statement.