In computer networking, the term transceiver (sometimes abbreviated to TCVR) is a device that performs, within one chassis, both transmitting and receiving functions that is in a common housing, sometimes designed for portable or mobile use, uses common circuit components for both transmitting and receiving which provides half-duplex operation.

Transceivers were once commonly used in ethernet 10BASE5 networks.

In radio termoinology, it means a unit which contains both a receiver and a transmitter. It was quite common to have these units separated. Ham Radio amateurs can build their own equipment and it is always easier to design and build a simple unit having one of the funcctions, transmitting or receiving. Almost every modern amateur radio equipment is now a transceiver but there is an active market for pure radio receivers, mainly for SWL operators.

See also: Transponder.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188.

In electronics, the term transceiver refers to a device which combines both transmission and reception capabilities within a single housing. An example of a transceiver would be a walkie-talkie, or a CB radio.