A Gigabit interface converter (GBIC) is a hot-swappable transceiver that connects high-speed cables to a compatible network card, providing flexibility for expanding and reconfiguring computer networks. GBICs can be replaced quickly without shutting down the server and are less expensive than replacing media-specific network cards. The Small Form Factor Committee created a specification for GBICs, which includes information specific to Gigabit Ethernet. GBICs typically include a microcontroller and a 1,000 Base-T transceiver, and there is also a smaller version known as a Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver.
A Gigabit interface converter is a hot-swappable transceiver for network equipment. It can connect Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Channel, or other high-speed cable to a compatible network card. It is often used in computer networks that depend on flexibility in the types of connections they can accommodate.
Also known by the acronym GBIC, a Gigabit interface converter can be replaced quickly without shutting down the server it is connected to. A GBIC-compliant network card can be connected to any supported high-speed media. There is one GBIC for each of the different types of Fiber Channel and Gigabit Ethernet cables. This gives network designers and maintainers the flexibility to expand and reconfigure their networks at will.
Without a GBIC, replacing a particular type of cable media was time-consuming and potentially expensive. The server containing the old media-specific network card often had to be powered down, which could be problematic. The card had to be replaced with a potentially expensive one for the new media type. Once the server is powered back on, the software may also need to be reconfigured.
This process is often made faster, easier, and more convenient by using a less expensive GBIC. The original media-specific Gigabit interface converter is unplugged while the server is running. The new GBIC is simply inserted in its place without powering down or reconfiguring the system.
The Small Form Factor Committee (SFF), an ad hoc industry group, created a Gigabit interface converter specification in the late 1990s. Called SFF-8053, it establishes a common electronic interface and mechanical form factor for these devices. Originally written for a Fiber Channel converter project, the specification now also includes information specific to Gigabit Ethernet. It also describes the algorithms to be used for GBIC handling and error recovery.
A Gigabit Ethernet GBIC typically includes a microcontroller and a 1,000 Base-T transceiver. They can communicate with each other via the Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus. Signals to and from the network adapter connector can also travel on this serial bus. On the network side, a transformer couples the transceiver signals to a Registered Jack 45 (RJ45) connector. A Fiber Channel GBIC is similar, replacing specific components of the carrier as appropriate. The transceiver, transformer, and network-side connector would be different, for example.
The form factor of a Gigabit interface converter was originally designed for a Fiber Channel connection. There is also a physically smaller variety known as a Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver. Sometimes called a mini-GBIC, it offers the same flexibility as a standard GBIC in a smaller package. A 10 Gigabit SFP (XFP) transceiver, specially designed for high-speed network technology, is slightly larger. The XFP includes digital diagnostics and extensive management capabilities in its design.
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