Network Transceivers, short for transmitter-receiver, are devices that both transmit and receive analog or digital signals. The term is used most frequently to describe the component in a local-area network (LAN) that actually applies signals onto the network wire and also detects signals passing through the same wire. For many LANs, the transceiver is built directly into the network interface card (NIC). Some types of networks, however, require an external transceiver.
Network transceivers are available in three main configurations: chip, board, or module style. Chip style network transceivers are the smallest type. They can easily be inserted into or removed from a network system. Board style devices are built directly into a network board or card. Module transceivers are external to the network, and are installed and function similarly to other computer peripherals, or they may function as stand-alone devices. |
