BasicB-003-015-003
What is the function of a digipeater?
A
Answer
Basic radio theory
Type
A
To receive digital data and retransmit data marked for retransmission
B
To receive analog FM, convert to digital data and retransmit
C
To receive digital data, convert to analog FM and retransmit
D
To receive digital data and export to the internet
Answer Notes
A digipeater, short for "digital repeater," acts as a relay station for packet radio networks. Its primary function is to receive digital data packets, store them temporarily, and retransmit them to their next destination if the packet header indicates it should be relayed.
Unlike analog voice repeaters that retransmit audio in real-time, digipeaters use a "store-and-forward" method for digital data. The hardware looks at the packet's digital address to decide if it is marked for retransmission along a designated path.
Distractors involving internet exporting describe an Internet Gateway (IGate), not a basic digipeater. Additionally, while the local terminal node controller (TNC) converts analog audio to digital data, the digipeater's network role is strictly about receiving and forwarding those digital packets via RF.
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