Experience Cisco GBIC Module and SFP Modules

Understanding Cisco GBIC and SFP Modules

Cisco GBIC (GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter) is a general-purpose, low-cost Gigabit Ethernet stacking module provides high-speed connectivity between the Cisco switches, either the establishment of high-density port stacking, but also with the server or thousandsmegabit connection to the backone for fast Ethernet to Gigabit Ethernet transition, providing a low-cost, high-performance alternative. In addition, by means of the optical fiber, but also with remote high-speed backone network connection. GBIC module is divided into two categories, one is the ordinary cascade using GBIC module, and another is stacked special GBIC module.

Cascading GBIC module

Cisco GBIC module

Cascade using GBIC module is divided into four kinds:

1000Base-T GBIC module, suitable for five or six super twisted pair, the maximum transmission distance of 100 meters.
1000Base-SX GBIC module for multimode fiber (MMF), the maximum transmission distance of 500 meters.
1000Base-LX/LH GBIC module for single-mode fiber (SMF), the maximum transmission distance of 10 km.
1000Base-ZX GBIC, suitable for long-wave single-mode fiber, the maximum transmission distance of 70 km to 100 km.
Installed in GBIC slots of the GBIC module

Stacking GBIC module

Stacking GBIC module for cheap Gigabit connection between the switches. Shown to apply to the Cisco Catalyst 2950/3550 GigaStack GBIC stacking module. It needs to be noted that, GigaStack GBIC Gigabit stacking between switches dedicated to special stack cable connection between the GigaStack GBIC.

SFP Module

SFP Transceiver
SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggables) can be understood as an upgraded version of the GBIC. SFP module volume ratio the GBIC module reduced by half, more than double the number of ports that can be configured on the same panel more. Function with GBIC SFP modules are basically the same, therefore, be some switch vendors called minni GBIC.

Distinguish between GBIC and SFP Modules

There are two common fiber optic module, GBIC optical module and SFP optical module. SFP optical module is a optical module (Small Form Factor Pluggable small package module) SFP module is small compared to the GBIC module, designed to adapt to a number of high-density port, port rate from 100M to 2.5Gbps and vary. Both modules are support hot swap.
CISCO WS-X6516A-GBIC module
CISCO WS-X6724-SFP module

GBIC generally is SC port; SFP generally is LC interface

GBIC stands for Giga Bitrate Interface Converter, the Gigabit convert electrical signals to optical signals interface devices. The GBIC design can be used for hot-swap. GBIC is interchangeable products meet international standards. Gigabit switch with GBIC interface designed interchangeable flexible, account for a large market share in the market.

SFP is the abbreviation of SMALL FORM PLUGGABLE, can be understood as an upgraded version of the GBIC. SFP module volume ratio GBIC module is reduced by half, more than double the number of ports can be configured on the same panel multi. Other basic functions of the SFP module GBIC consistent.

Fiber optic connectors, fiber access optical module connector, and also have a good variety, and each other may not interoperable. Not regular contact with the fiber may be mistaken GBIC and SFP module optical fiber connector is the same, in fact, not. SFP modules connected LC fiber optic connectors, rather the GBIC then is SC fiber optic connector.

Connect a SFP Module to a GBIC Module

The SFP and GBIC is just a connection between the actual laser and the chassis. You need to verify these in order to connect a SFP module with a GBIC module:
  • The type of fiber optic cable used: Single Mode or Multi Mode.
  • The type of physical connection required: SC connector, ST connector, etc.

GBIC Module and SFP Module Cabling and Connection Equipment

The GBIC module port is a 1000-Mbps optical interface in the form of an SC-type duplex port that supports IEEE 802.3z interfaces compliant with the 1000BASE-X standard and provides cabling specifications for the GBIC modules and SFP modules that you install in Gigabit Ethernet devices. Note that all GBIC module ports have SC-type connectors and all SFP ports have LC-type connectors. The minimum cable distance for the WS-G5484 or GLC-SX-MM and WS-G5486 or GLC-LH-SM (multimode fiber [MMF] and single-mode fiber [SMF]) is 6.5 feet (2 m), and the minimum link distance for the WS-G5487 or GLC-ZX-SM is 6.2 miles (10 km) with an 8-dB attenuator installed at each end of the link. Without attenuators, the minimum link distance for the WS-G5487 or GLC-ZX-SM is 24.9 miles (40 km).


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