Definition

XENPAK is a multi source agreement (MSA),  that defines a fiber-optic or wired transceiver module which conforms to the 10 Gigabit Ethernet(10GbE) standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 working group. The MSA group received input from both transceiver and equipment manufacturers during the definition process. XENPAK has been replaced by more compact devices providing the same functionality.

“GBIC” stands for “Gigabit Interface Converter” and was quite popular in the 1990s. It served as a standard way of connecting to different media like copper and fiber optic cables.  The main difference between GBIC and XENPAK is their size. SFP is considerably smaller than GBIC.

The difference in size is very desirable for many people, especially for those who deal with lots of them, because it will take up a lot less space. Nowadays, GBIC is considered to be obsolete, and you would be hard pressed to find vendors that still carry equipment that is compatible with GBIC.

Difference between XENPAK and GBIC

XENPAK

• Compatible with SENPAK MSA Rev 3.0
  
• Support of IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-L
  
• XENPAK MSA package with duplex LC connector
  
• With Digital Diagnostic Monitor Interface
  
• Operating temperature range 0 to 70 degrees Celsius
  
• Hot Pluggable 70-PIN Connector with XAUI Electrical Interface
  

GBIC

• Gigabit Ethernet 1000base-SX/LX/XD/ZX at 1.25Gbs/s Optional 
  
• Wavelength: 850nm/1310nm/1550nm
  
• Single +3.3V or +5V power supply
  
• Ho-pluggable Duplex SC
  
• Eye safety, meet laser class 1, compliant with IEC60825-1
  
• Compliant with Tecordia (Bellcore) GR-468-CORE
  
• Compliant with specification for IEEE-802.3
  
• Compliant with ANSI spec. for Fiber channel applications at 1.06Gb/s
  

Applications

Used for Hot swappable to maximize uptime and simplify serviceability, Flexibility of media and interface choice on a port-by-port basis, so you can “pay as you populate” ,Robust design for enhanced reliability and  supports digital optical monitoring (DOM) capability.

XENPAK transceivers

XENPAK is a highly integrated, serial optical transponder module for high-speed, 10Gbit/s data transmission applications. It is designed to transmit and receive optical data of link length of 300M, 10km, 20km, 40km, up to 80km. XENPAK 10GB solution includes dual fiber XENPAK, CWDM XENPAK, and DWDM XENPAK modules which enable high port densities for 10 GbE systems. A 70 pin electrical connector and a duplex SC connector optical interface assure that connectivity is compliant to the XENPAK MSARev.3.0.

XENPAK-10GB-SR

The range of Cisco® 10GBASE XENPAK modules offers a wide variety of 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options for data center, enterprise wiring closet, and service provider transport applications

Conclusion

XENPAK modules are SC duplex receptacle package and are designed for Backbone Ethernet transmission systems. For 10 GB/s DWDM XENPAK, wavelengths are selectable from ITU-T channel C-band standards covering 45 DWDM grid wavelengths: 1563.86nm to 1528.77nm.