Optical transceiver is an Ethernet transmission conversion unit that converts electrical signals and optical signals to each other,so it is also called photoelectric converter.The main purpose of using optical fiber transceivers is to extend the transmission distance of signals.Because the transmission distance of twisted pair,that is,network cable,used in our daily life is very limited,if the transmission needs to reach more than a few kilometers,twisted pair cannot meet the requirements of such a long distance transmission,so we need to use optical fiber for transmission.At this time,we need to use optical fiber transceivers to extend the transmission distance,Therefore,it belongs to transmission relay.

The principle of optical modules is similar to that of optical transceivers,both of which play the role of photoelectric conversion.However,optical modules need to be connected to switches with optical ports for use,while transceivers are used to extend the use of switches with network ports.In fact,their role is to extend the transmission distance of signals.

We all know that the optical module is very small,while the optical transceiver is larger.If it is densely wired,it is obviously not suitable for optical transceivers that occupy too much space.Instead,small optical modules should be used for transmission.

The optical module belongs to passive equipment,while the optical transceiver belongs to active equipment,which has built-in power supply or external power supply.Therefore,it can be used directly with power supply,while the optical module can only be used after being connected to the switch that has been started.

The optical module is more expensive than the optical transceiver,but its performance is much more stable and not easy to damage.However,the transceiver is different.We also need to consider the power supply,network cable and other factors,and its loss is higher than the optical module.

In addition,their application scenarios are also different.Optical modules are mainly used in data centers,backbone networks of optical networks,etc.,while optical transceivers are usually used in access layer applications of broadband MAN.

Optical Modules

Optical Module Receiver

optical transceiver