Difference Between GBIC and SFP & Application

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GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter) is a
hot-swappable Gigabit Interface optical module with SC connector. A gigabit
interface converter (GBIC) is a standard for transceivers, commonly used with
Gigabit Ethernet and fiber channel. A variation of the GBIC called the small
form-factor pluggable transceiver (SFP),also known as mini-GBIC, has the same
functionality but in a smaller form factor. When it’s best to use GBIC and When
to use SFP? What’s the specific difference between GBIC and SFP? This article
will talk about it.

 

GBIC vs SFP

 

GBIC is larger than SFP: “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. In contrast,
“SFP” stands for “Small Form-Factor Pluggable,” which also serves the very same
purpose as GBIC. The main difference between GBIC and SFP is their size. SFP is
considerably smaller than GBIC. It is half the volume of GBIC and can be
configured double number of ports on the same panel. Other basic functions is
the almost the same with the GBIC.

 

SFP is in prominent use while GBIC is
already obsolete: 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. Considering that space in a server location is quite limited, using
SFP lets you put more within one rack unit than if you used GBIC. Because of
this single difference, SFP rapidly gained popularity with administrators who
want to maximize their space. As SFP became more popular, GBIC also fell out of
favor. 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. SFP is still widely being used nowadays but is also under pressure from
newer standards like SFP+.

 

GBIC and SFP are equal in performance:
Although they are different in some aspects , the GBIC and SFP are equal in
performance. Both of them are 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.

 

Some Modules of GBIC and SFP

 

1.1G GBIC

Gigalight GIBC (Gigabit Interface
Converter) is a hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a Gigabit
Ethernet port or slot, linking the port with the network. It consists of two
sections: The transmitter section incorporates a DFB laser, and the receiver
section consists of a PIN photodiode integrated with a trans-impedance
preamplifier (TIA). All odules satisfy class I laser safety requirements.

 

2.BIDI SFP

Gigalight BIDI SFP is for Single-Fiber
Bidirectional Applications. Up to 2.67Gb/s, Distance up to 120 km. The
transceiver consists of three sections: a DFB laser transmitter, a PIN
photodiode integrated with a trans-impedance preamplifier (TIA) and MCU control
unit. All modules satisfy class I laser safety requirements. The transceivers
are compatible with SFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) and SFF-8472.

 

3.CWDM SFP

Gigalight CWDM SFP is compliant with
ITU-T G.694.2. 18-Wavelength is avaiable. Up to 4Gb/s, Distance up to 80 km.
The transceiver consists of three sections: a DFB laser transmitter, a APD
photodiode integrated with a trans-impedance preamplifier (TIA) and MCU control
unit. All modules satisfy class I laser safety requirements.

 

In summary, GBIC is larger than SFP.
SFP is in prominent use while GBIC is already obsolete. GBIC and SFP are equal
in performance.