GBIC

GBIC stands for Gigabit Interface Converter. It is a transceiver that converts electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa, allowing for the transmission of data over fiber optic cables at Gigabit Ethernet speeds. GBICs are hot-swappable, meaning they can be inserted or removed from a network device without shutting down the device. This feature makes them convenient for network maintenance and upgrades.

The GBIC module itself contains the optical transmitter and receiver components. It connects to a network device, such as a switch or router, through an electrical interface, typically an SC connector. The other end of the GBIC module has a port for a fiber optic cable, which can be either multimode or single-mode fiber. The type of fiber and the specific GBIC module determine the maximum transmission distance.

GBICs were an early standard for Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. While still in use in some legacy systems, they have largely been superseded by newer, smaller, and more versatile form factors like SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) and SFP+ transceivers. These newer modules offer higher speeds and greater density, allowing for more ports on network equipment. However, the fundamental principle of converting electrical signals to optical signals for high-speed networking remains the same.