What does a fiber optic transceiver do?

A fiber optic transceiver plays a crucial role in fiber optic communication by converting electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa. This process is essential for transmitting data over long distances using light pulses, which is the principle behind fiber optics. The transceiver includes both a transmitter and a receiver, enabling it to send and receive information efficiently.

When an electrical signal, typically from a network device like a switch or router, is received, the transceiver converts it into an optical signal using a light source, such as a laser or LED. This optical signal is then transmitted through the fiber optic cable. On the receiving end, the transceiver again converts the optical signal back into an electrical signal for the receiving device to interpret. This conversion process is vital for the establishment and maintenance of high-speed data communication, which is a primary advantage of fiber optics over traditional copper cables.