Which devices operate at Layer 1 of the OSI Model?

Layer 1 of the OSI Model, known as the Physical Layer, is responsible for the actual physical connection between devices and the transmission of raw bitstreams over physical mediums. Devices that operate at this layer handle the electrical, optical, or radio signals that represent the data being transmitted.

Repeaters play a crucial role in Layer 1 as they receive a signal and amplify it to extend its range. This is essential in network configurations where the signal needs to travel long distances, ensuring that it maintains integrity. Repeaters do not interpret any data; they simply regenerate the signal, allowing it to continue to propagate through the medium.

In contrast, switches, routers, and firewalls function at higher layers of the OSI Model. Switches operate primarily at Layer 2, managing traffic between devices on the same network by using MAC addresses. Routers function at Layer 3, directing data packets between different networks based on their IP addresses. Firewalls, which are security devices, can operate at various layers, but they primarily function at Layer 3 (and sometimes up to Layer 7) to analyze and filter traffic based on predefined rules.

Thus, repeaters are specifically designed for tasks at the Physical Layer, making them the correct answer for devices