A fiber optic (or optical) transceiver serves as both a transmitter and a receiver. It is a small component that is plugged or embedded into another device within a data network like a switch or a router. At the on ramp, it converts an electrical signal from the switch or router to an optical. Fiber optic transceivers are electro-optical devices that convert electrical signals used by network equipment (switches, routers, servers) into optical signals for transmission over fiber optic cables, and vice-versa. They are used in a wide range of applications, including telecommunications, data centers, industrial automation, and military and aerospace.