Espaniol
Deutsch
English
A gigabit interface converter (GBIC) is a transceiver that converts electric currents (digital highs and lows) to optical signals, and optical signals to digital electric currents. The GBIC is typically employed in fiber optic and Ethernet systems as an interface for high-speed networking. The data transfer rate is one gigabit per second (1 Gbps) or more.
Standardization of optical modules through multisource agreements has helped designers of optical networks trim costs and improve performance. Without standard modules that could be economically mass-produced, fiber optic data communications would never have been able to get off the ground. The latest standardized optical modules can be plugged into board-mounted connectors, letting users swap components and customize capabilities.
The standard modules are developed as multi-source agreements—or MSAs—by groups of companies that include manufacturers and users. Engineers collaborate to develop a common set of interfaces and operating requirements, including physical dimensions, input-signal formats, minimum performance requirements, power requirements, and output-signal formats. The goal is to provide a set of specifications for modules that can be plug-in replacements for each other.
The first standardized pluggable module is the GBIC, developed for Gigabit Ethernet but used for other applications. It performs the same functions as SFF modules but uses a larger SC connector, contributing to its larger size: 1.18 in. wide, 2.56 in. deep, and 0.39 in. high. The electronic interface is a standard 20-pin plug. Concern about the large size of the GBIC led to the development of the SFP, for small-form-factor pluggable, which uses LC or MT-RJ connectors.
The GBIC was the first standardized optical transceiver shape. The GBIC transceivers have a transceiving side (Tx) and a receiving side (Rx). By offering a standard, hot swappable electrical interface, one gigabit port can support a wide range of physical media, from copper to long-wave single-mode optical fiber, at lengths of hundreds of kilometers. The optic comes in 4 different versions: T, SX, LX, and ZX. The T version is with a RJ-45 connector and sold as WS-G5483. The SX version is for Multimode and the LX and ZX are working on Single mode.
The SFP modules have become most popular for Gigabit Ethernet applications, but GBIC and SFF are also used. The modules come in versions for the three standard flavors of Gigabit Ethernet, operating at 850, 1310, and 1550 nm, which are specified for transmitting standardized distances calculated from the attenuation and dispersion of standard fibers at those wavelengths.
SFP is a specification for a new generation of optical modular transceivers. The form factor and electrical interface are specified by a multi-source agreement (MSA). SFP is also known as a Mini GBIC as its function is somewhat similar to the GBIC transceiver while SFP is smaller than it. SFP transceivers are designed to support SONET, gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and other communications standards. Due to its smaller size, SFP is now more and more widely used for both telecommunication and data communications applications.
There is only one difference between GBICs and SFPs. SFP is smaller than GBIC. Because the smaller size of SFP (almost half the volume of GBIC), we can configure double number of ports on the same panel which increases the utilization rates of switches/routers. Other basic functions of SFP is almost the same with the GBIC and they are equal in performance. Though there are some users still using the GBIC as their old divice which can not be updated to support SFP, GBIC will gradually be obsoleted and replaced by SFP.
