What is GBIC transceiver?

What is GBIC?
GBIC stands for  Gigabit Interface Converter. A GBIC is a type of Optical Transceiver. It is an module which converts serial electric signals into serial optical signals and vice versa.Each has the same job, which is increasing the transfer speed of data over a network. Companies who need large amounts of data transferred quickly sometimes use a GBIC module for increased control and cost-effectiveness .

In the Optical Networking world, a GBIC is commonly used to interface a Fiber Optic system with an Ethernet system.  Common applications include Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet.  The GBIC form factor allows manufacturers to design one type (form factor) of device which can be used for either copper or optical applications.  GBIC modules are hot swappable, which increases the ease of upgrading Optical networks.

The GBIC has become a standard form factor for optical transceivers, and can support a variety of physical media, from legacy copper to long wave single mode fiber up to lengths of hundreds of kilometers.  The GBIC is an appealing standard in networking equipment because of its flexibility.  In networks where a variety of different optical technologies are deployed, IT staff can purchase GBIC modules as needed, for the specific type of link needed.  The flexibility of the GBIC standard drives costs down and gives IT administrators far more flexibility.  The GBIC standard is non proprietary and is defined by the SFF Committee in document # SFF-8053i.

GBIC transceiver  Function and Transfer Speed

A GBIC module acts as a transceiver that turns electric currents into optical signals, before changing those optical signals into digital electric currents, as stated by searchcio-midmarket.com. The process was created to simplify switch and hub design. Each GBIC module is in place for making system administration of electro-optical communication networks easier. These modules plug directly into a system. They were first designed to support Fibre Channel data networks but are also used with Gigabit Ethernet setups. This device made it possible for users to avoid buying fully populated switching equipment.

                                                                                  

Data transfer rates vary on GBIC module model specifications, but they have a minimum of 1 gigabit per second. Manufacturers, such as Cisco, make GBIC modules with varying transfer speeds.

GBIC module Using tips 
A GBIC module allows a user to reconfigure fiber links, configure tailor receiver costs, link networking distances and organize network topologies based on set requirements. Used on a fiber optic or an Ethernet system, GBIC modules can be upgraded, swapped out or plugged in without turning off the computer. This flexibility eliminates the need to replace entire system networking boards.

Fiberstore GBIC transceiver supports Ethernet, Fibre Channel and other optical link applications across many switching and routing platforms. You may check our available GBIC transceiver as below,

Compatible GBIC

BiDi GBIC Module

CWDM GBIC Module

If you have any questions or requests on these GBIC transceivers above, please do let us know! We sincerely look forward to hearing from you!

Fiberstore Team

This information from Fiber optic products online store ： Fiberstore