Ethernet Transceiver

What Does Ethernet Transceiver Mean?

An Ethernet transceiver is a hardware device designed to connect computers or electronic devices within a network, allowing them to transmit and receive messages. A transceiver consists of a transmitter and a receiver, hence the name.

Advertisements

An Ethernet transceiver is also known as a media access unit (MAU).

Techopedia Explains Ethernet Transceiver

An Ethernet transceiver is hardware used in Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 specifications. It is responsible for linking computer networks. It is a component of the physical layer in the network ISO model. Functions of an Ethernet transceiver include:

  • Collision detection
  • Digital data conversion
  • Processing on Ethernet interface
  • Providing access to the network

Several workstations can be connected on a single connection of an Ethernet bus via a multi-port transceiver or MAU. Ethernet transceivers can be configured as a joined station, a discrete device or an Internet hub available for multiple connections.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Hardware Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…