In packet networking, a multiport repeater is the simplest multi-port active device in use. It has multiple input/output

Input/output

In computing, input/output, or I/O, refers to the communication between an information processing system , and the outside world, possibly a human, or another information processing system. Inputs are the signals or data received by the system, and outputs are the signals or data sent from it...

 (I/O) ports, in which a signal introduced at the input of any port

Computer port (hardware)

In computer hardware, a port serves as an interface between the computer and other computers or peripheral devices. Physically, a port is a specialized outlet on a piece of equipment to which a plug or cable connects...

 appears at the output of every port except (usually) the original incoming. With multiple computers, the network slows, due to packet collisions. Lower prices of network switch

Network switch

A network switch or switching hub is a computer networking device that connects network segments.The term commonly refers to a multi-port network bridge that processes and routes data at the data link layer of the OSI model...

es in the late 20th century made multiport repeaters rare.

A multiport repeater

Repeater

A repeater is an electronic device that receives asignal and retransmits it at a higher level and/or higher power, or onto the other side of an obstruction, so that the signal can cover longer distances.-Description:...

usually performs regenerative functions, i.e., it reshapes digital signals that have been distorted.