Network Transceivers

Network transceivers (short for transmitter-receiver) can both transmit and receive digital and analog signals. They are used to connect different types of networking media. The term is most often used when referring to Ethernet LANs. In a LAN, the term “transceiver” refers to the component that applies signals to the network wire and detects the signals passing through. In many LANs, the network transceiver is built into the network interface card.

In wireless networking, transceivers are also known as access points. Because they are radio transceivers, it is very easy to eavesdrop on someone’s wireless network, just as it is with cell phones. That is why security precautions are so important with wireless networking.

Radio Frequencies and Network Transceivers

Wireless networks operate on radio frequencies and therefore are subject to interference just like radios and cell phones. Heavy walls or large metal objects near transceivers can interfere with radio signals. That is why performance will vary when it comes to evaluating wireless network speeds.

Network transceivers send and receive messages as well as translate and format them. They help organize the flow of information between computers on the network. Many network interface cards (NIC) already have transceivers attached to them. Before you begin building a home network, you’ll need to figure out how many network adapters you already have. Your computer may or may not have a wireless adapter chip already built in.