MINI GBICvs SFP：What's the difference?

The terms Mini GBIC and SFP are often used interchangeably, which can lead to some confusion. In actuality, they refer to the same device, just under different names. Here's a detailed explanation:

Mini GBIC: The abbreviation "GBIC" stands for "Gigabit Interface Converter" and "Mini" denotes its reduced dimensions. The Mini GBIC is a type of optical transceiver that converts digital electric current to optical signals and vice versa. It was designed as a smaller version of GBIC for plugging into the high-density switch ports. It's hot-pluggable, meaning it can be plugged or unplugged without turning off the device or disrupting the network.

SFP: Meanwhile, "SFP" stands for "Small Form-factor Pluggable." It essentially performs the same function as a Mini GBIC. In fact, SFP is often referred to as Mini GBIC due to its smaller size. The SFP module was designed to replace the larger GBIC modules and to offer greater port density.

So, when considering Mini GBIC vs SFP, it's vital to understand that they are the same thing. The term "Mini GBIC" is an older term that has mostly fallen out of use, replaced by SFP.

The terms Mini GBIC and SFP are often used interchangeably, which can lead to some confusion. In actuality, they refer to the same device, just under different names. Here's a detailed explanation:

Mini GBIC: The abbreviation "GBIC" stands for "Gigabit Interface Converter" and "Mini" denotes its reduced dimensions. The Mini GBIC is a type of optical transceiver that converts digital electric current to optical signals and vice versa. It was designed as a smaller version of GBIC for plugging into the high-density switch ports. It's hot-pluggable, meaning it can be plugged or unplugged without turning off the device or disrupting the network.

SFP: Meanwhile, "SFP" stands for "Small Form-factor Pluggable." It essentially performs the same function as a Mini GBIC. In fact, SFP is often referred to as Mini GBIC due to its smaller size. The SFP module was designed to replace the larger GBIC modules and to offer greater port density.

So, when considering Mini GBIC vs SFP, it's vital to understand that they are the same thing. The term "Mini GBIC" is an older term that has mostly fallen out of use, replaced by SFP.

 

What do MINI GBIC and SFP represent respectively?

What is mini gbic?

Mini GBIC, or Mini Gigabit Interface Converter, is a type of transceiver. The term transceiver refers to a device that includes both a transmitter and a receiver. In terms of Mini GBIC, these devices are typically used to convert electrical signals into optical signals (and vice versa), allowing network devices like switches, routers, and servers to send and receive data across fiber optic cables.

"Mini" refers to its small size designed to slide into a dedicated port in network devices, providing connectivity while saving space. Mini GBICs are hot-pluggable, allowing them to be inserted or removed without interrupting network operations. 

The term "GBIC" stands for "Gigabit Interface Converter," denoting that these devices support data speeds up to one gigabit per second. 

Today, the term Mini GBIC has been largely phased out, with the term "SFP" or Small Form-factor Pluggable — which accomplishes the same purpose — being the more commonly used term in the industry. Mini GBICS or SFPs are used in various network environments, connecting network nodes in high-speed networks such as Gigabit Ethernet or Fibre Channel.

 

What is SFP?

SFP, which stands for Small Form-factor Pluggable, is a compact, hot-pluggable optical module transceiver used for both telecommunication and data communications applications. They are designed to support several communication standards including Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, SONET, and many others.

SFP modules are plugged into the SFP port of a network switch and are used to connect a range of network devices such as switches, routers, and firewalls to the fiber optic or copper networking cables. 

There are various types of SFP modules available based on distinct specifications such as transmission rate, transmission distance, and the use of either single or multi-mode fibers. For example, SX SFP uses 850nm for short wavelength transmission up to 550 meters, LX/LH SFP uses 1310nm for long-wavelength transmission up to 10 kilometers, and ZX SFP supports long-wavelength transmission up to 80 kilometers.

SFP transceivers are hot-pluggable which means they can be plugged into or removed from the host device without needing to power down the device. This makes them highly flexible and convenient for network set-up and maintenance. 

An important evolution of the SFP is the enhanced SFP or SFP+, which supports data rates up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps). Furthermore, the Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) and the 16- or 32-channel Course Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) SFPs have been developed to meet the demand for higher transmission rates and increased channel capacity. 

SFP modules have become an industry standard due to their compact size and robust performance, offering a cost-effective and flexible solution for a variety of network configurations. Their interchangeable design allows for easy upgrades or replacements, making them a popular choice for network engineers and IT professionals.

 

GBIC vs SFP, What are the differences?

GBIC vs SFP connector. All GBIC modules use SC connectors, and SFP modules use LC connectors. So when installing a GBIC module, you need a duplex SC fiber, while LC fiber is used for installing an SFP module.

GBIC vs SFP size. SFP is an upgraded version of GBIC. The most significant enhancement of SFP is the size. This SFP is smaller than half the size of GBIC, as shown in the following figure. A smaller size means higher density SFP ports are available on the same switch panel. It is the main reason why GBIC was replaced by SFP.

GBIC vs SFP compatibility. GBIC module has no variants, but SFP has variants such as SFP+ and SFP28, bringing speeds up to 10 Gbit/s and 25 Gbit/s. They have the same size as SFP, so SFP+ and SFP28 modules are backward compatible with SFP when the SFP module is plugged into SFP+ and SFP28 ports.

 

SFP or GBIC, How to choose

Firstly, if your switch or router is ready, how to choose between SFP and GBIC depends on your switch or router slots. SFP is not compatible with GBIC. Switches with only GBIC slots allow GBIC modules only, and so do SFP switches.

If you don’t have an existing switch or router, it is recommended to choose SFP equipment because SFP has many advantages over GBIC, such as higher density, better interoperability and compatibility. Most importantly, the fact is that GBIC has been replaced by SFP in practical applications. GBIC has become thoroughly outmoded, SFP is your right choice now.

 

What Is a Mini GBIC Used For?

Mini GBIC transceivers allow technicians to easily configure and upgrade electro-optical communications networks. It is a plug-in module that can be removed and replaced without turning off the system. Mini GBIC transceiver is typically employed in fiber optic and Ethernet systems for high-speed networking. The data transfer rate is one gigabit per second (1 Gbps) or more. Mini GBIC is designed for high performance integrated duplex data transmission over optical fiber. It can support SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Channel, and other communications standards.

 

Mini GBIC Transceiver Classification

Mini GBIC can be classified into different groups according to data rate, operating wavelength, transmission distance and so on.

Divided by rate:155M/622M/1.25G/2.125G/4.25G/8G/10G,155M and 1.25G market is more used.

Divided by wavelength: 850nm/1310nm/1550nm/1490nm/1530nm/1610nm.

• The 850nm wavelength is SFP multimode, and the transmission distance is up to 550 m.

• 1310/1550nm is SFP single-mode, and the transmission distance ranges from 2 km to 80 km.

The bare Mini GBIC module basically has no difference if they have no mark. So manufacturers make different colors of pull ring to distinguish them.

• Black pull ring is multi-mode, the wavelength is 850nm;

• Blue is the 1310nm module;

• Yellow is the 1550nm module;

• Purple is the 1490nm module and so on.

Divided by distance: Mini GBIC transceiver can also be classified by different transmission distance, see the following table:

GBIC VS SFP: Interface Difference

For every type of GBIC and SFP transceivers, it works with different wavelengths at a designated location or distance. For example, 1000BASE GBIC/SFP SX uses 850 nm for a maximum of 550 meters over multimode fiber, and 4G Fibre Channel uses 850 nm for a maximum of 150 m. 1000BASE SFP LXuses 1310 nm for a maximum of 10 km over single-mode fiber, and 1000BASE-ZX could reach 80 km. 1000BASE-T uses copper RJ45 interface. The data rate, wavelength and distance information are usually in the name, e.g. 1000BASE-SX GBIC 850nm 550m transceiver, so you can easily identify different GBIC/SFP transceiver models. In addition, both GBIC and SFP are specified to support DOM (digital optical monitoring) function, allowing users to locate the real-time working status of the module.

 

Conclusion

GBIC and SFP are functionally similar, but SFP is more future-proof than GBIC in many ways, including smaller size, better compatibility and interoperability. It is consistent with the optical communication developing tendency of higher density, higher speed, and lower power consumption.

QSFPTEK offers a wide range of SFP transceivers for your Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications. These small, modular optical interface transceivers offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for data center, campus, metropolitan area access, and storage area networks. If you have further questions on GBIC vs SFP or need any help with the SFP products, welcome to consult via sales@qsfptek.com.