GBIC vs SFP Gigabit Transceivers: What's the Difference and How to Choose?
GBIC modules and SFP modules are input/output (I/O) devices for plugging into network switches or routers with gigabit Ethernet ports supporting 1000BASE-X optical fiber links. Do you know the difference between GBIC vs SFP? This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the GBIC module and SFP module and the differences between fiber GBIC and Gigabit SFP transceivers. We will also help you decide which one is right for your business. So, let's get started!
What is GBIC Fiber Module?
GBICs (Gigabit Interface Converters) are hot-pluggable interface devices that convert gigabit electrical signals into optical signals. The GBIC standard was first defined in 1995. GBIC modules are commonly used in gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Channel (FC) for connecting to transmission media like fiber optic cables and copper cables. GBIC became popular in the 1990s. The GBIC connector is designed in the form of SC duplex connectors to support reliable operation at 1Gbit/s.
The typical GBIC fiber transceivers include 1000BASE-SX GBIC, 1000BASE-LX/LH GBIC, and 1000BASE-ZX GBIC. They cover short, long, and extended wavelengths. Their specifications are shown in the following table.
Fiber GBIC Module Options
What is SFP Module?
SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) is similar to the GBIC in function, a more compact hot-pluggable interface module used for electrical signal and optical signal conversion. Also, the typical speed of SFP is also 1 Gbit/s. SFP optical modules support gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, SONET, PON, and other communications standards. However, the size of SFPs are much smaller than the GBICs.
Similar to fiber GBIC, the common SFP types include 1000BASE-SX SFP, 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP and 1000BASE-ZX SFP. The corresponding Cisco product models are GLC-SX-MM, GLC-LH-SM, and GLC-ZX-SM. Their specifications are shown in the following table.
Click here to learn more about SFP Optical Modules: SFP Module Introduction: SFP meaning, Fiber SFP and Copper SFP Types
Optical Fiber SFP Module Options
What is Mini GBIC?
In fact, in addition to the GBIC and optical fiber SFP modules mentioned above, you may have heard the term "Mini GBIC". So, what is Mini GBIC? And what is the relationship between GBIC vs SFP vs Mini GBIC?
Mini GBIC is another term for SFP, emphasizing its smaller size and more compact design than traditional GBIC modules. Although the name "Mini GBIC" is more descriptive and graphic, it refers to the same module interface type as "SFP". In practice, "SFP"is the more common and standard term used in the industry, while "Mini GBIC" focuses more on its miniaturization.
Fiber GBIC vs SFP, What are the differences?
SFP vs GBIC Transceiver Connector
All GBIC modules use SC connectors, and SFP modules use LC or SC connectors. When installing a GBIC module, you need a duplex SC fiber. While SFP modules are used with LC UPC fiber as common as LC SFP optics are more popular.
GBIC vs SFP Optical Module Size
SFP is an upgraded version of GBIC. The most significant enhancement of SFP is the size. The optical fiber 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 GBICs were replaced by SFPs.
GBIC vs SFP Transceiver Compatibility
The GBIC module has no variants, but fiber 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.
Optical Fiber SFP or GBIC Transceiver, 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 SFPs have many advantages over GBICs, 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, the mini GBIC (SFP) is your right choice now.
FAQs about GBIC vs. SFP
Q: Is GBIC still used today?
A: Not anymore. GBIC ports and transceivers are typically only found in older Ethernet switches. Modern switches have phased them out in favor of more compact and efficient options like SFP, QSFP, or QSFP28 modules.
Q: Is SFP only for fiber?
A: No, a Gigabit SFP transceiver is not limited to fiber. While many SFP modules are designed for fiber optic connections, there are also SFP modules that support copper connections using RJ45 ports, allowing transmission over standard Ethernet cables such as Cat5e or Cat6. These are commonly known as 1000BASE-T SFP modules.
Q: Can I use an SFP transceiver in an SFP+ slot?
A: Yes, you can insert an SFP transceiver into an SFP+ slot, and it will usually work for 1G connections.
Conclusion
GBIC and mini GBIC (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 provides a wide selection of mini GBIC (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 our support via [email protected].
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