Transceivers

Transceiver (Transmitter + Receiver)
A transceiver is a device that integrates both a transmitter and a receiver into a single unit to send and receive data signals over a communication channel. In server, storage, and network environments, transceivers are typically used to convert electrical signals into optical signals (or vice versa) for high-speed data transmission across fiber optic or copper links.

Key Features:
Combines transmitting and receiving functions into one compact module.
Supports various data rates (e.g., 1Gbps, 10Gbps, 25Gbps, 40Gbps, 100Gbps, 400Gbps, or higher).
Available in multiple form factors such as SFP, SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP112, OSFP, CFP, etc.
Can operate over copper (e.g., DAC cables) or fiber optic cables (e.g., with AOC or discrete fiber transceivers).

Typical Applications:
Network switches, routers, servers, and storage systems.
Data center interconnects, enterprise networks, and telecommunications.
Long-distance, high-speed data transmission over fiber optic links.

Features

Modulation and Demodulation

They can modulate outgoing signals for transmission and demodulate incoming signals for reception.

Signal Amplification

Transceivers can amplify signals for transmission, ensuring that they are strong enough to travel over long distances or through various media.

Frequency Conversion

Some transceivers can change the frequency of the signals, allowing for compatibility with several types of networks or devices.

Signal Encoding/Decoding

They often handle encoding and decoding schemes to represent digital data as analog signals for transmission and vice versa.