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GBIC/SFP new question..

uubozou11
Level 1
Level 1

What is the difference between the two? Too much other technical jargon being used on cisco's site to help me accutately understand. Thank you.

1 Accepted Solution

Accepted Solutions

Edison, I am sorry - you are normally pretty good, but I think the way you have but this could lead to confusion.

SFPs ad GBICs do exactly the same job, and can work with the same media. The difference between them is physical. The SFP - Small Formfactor Pluggable - is smaller than a GBIC, and on equipment takes around the same space as an RJ45. SFPs are effectively replacing GBICs on new equipment, as you need half the panel space to fit one.

Take a look at www.sisteme-bis.ro/img_produse/imgprod_385.jpg for a GBIC and www.sisteme-bis.ro/img_produse/imgprod_384.jpg for an SFP. These two are both Single mode LX types. Also you can see that a different connector will be needed for an SFP, as the old ones are just too big.

Paul.

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5 Replies 5

Edison Ortiz
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame

SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) is actually a GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter).

SFP is the Gigabit Interface Converter for Fiber Links.

There are also GBICs for Copper Links. Those are often just called, GBICs.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/modules/ps5455/products_data_sheet0900aecd8033f885.html

HTH,

Edison, I am sorry - you are normally pretty good, but I think the way you have but this could lead to confusion.

SFPs ad GBICs do exactly the same job, and can work with the same media. The difference between them is physical. The SFP - Small Formfactor Pluggable - is smaller than a GBIC, and on equipment takes around the same space as an RJ45. SFPs are effectively replacing GBICs on new equipment, as you need half the panel space to fit one.

Take a look at www.sisteme-bis.ro/img_produse/imgprod_385.jpg for a GBIC and www.sisteme-bis.ro/img_produse/imgprod_384.jpg for an SFP. These two are both Single mode LX types. Also you can see that a different connector will be needed for an SFP, as the old ones are just too big.

Paul.

Paul,

No need to be sorry, that's what this forum is for, to exchange ideas.

I stand corrected and thanks for participating on this thread.

Thank you Paul and Ed, concept understood now.

You are welcome,

Paul.

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