Repeaters on the OSI model?

DDWingate

I took all three practice exams available at tech-exams and I got asked the question twice 'At what layer are repeaters on the OSI model'. One said data link, the other said physical. I thought I should point this out, but also ask you all what you think. Is it physical or data link?
Ive heard multiple sources say data link, but many say physical.

In my opinion it should be physical, because although it is just a link between data, logically it has no special function so it works as nothing beyond the lowest layer, the physical.

On the other hand, the primary claim of Data Link is to transfer data from one to another, which is the sole function of a repeater

Is there (ever going to be) a consensus about what layer it belongs to?

QHalo

I always put it at layer 1. It's not doing anything to the signal but repeating it. They don't interpret the data so I'm not sure how they could be part of the Data Link layer.

Gngogh

its physical... repeaters only repeat signals they dont know what is a MAC address. they are used to extend cabling.

Webmaster

I just checked both the Network+ and the Network+ OSI model practice tests and both have a question that places the repeater at the Physical layer. As the explanation of one of them say: "Repeaters are protocol transparent". They merely amplify the signal, and are indeed at the Physical layer of the OSI model. If for some odd reason you see it again please include the QID.