GBIC and SPF Modules

[joealcala]

There has been some discussion on these products and what is needed for Fiber connectivity. I know some of the switches come with SPF ports which can accept fiber. However, there seems to be some confussion as to whether or not a GBIC module is needed in addition to the SPF module for switch connectivity to fiber.

If I have a switch with SPF ports, do I need a GBIC module in order to create a point to point connection over fiber?

Thanks

[pkhatri]

Hi,

No, you did not need GBICs in addition to SFPs for the same port - you use one or the other. Just make sure you get appropriate cabling to suit whichever option you go with.

Hope that helps - pls rate posts that help.

Regards,

Paresh

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

on a side note, SFP stands for "small form pluggable"; basically, it is a smaller formed GBIC . You plug them into the switch just like the older GBICs; they will obviously take different patch cables to connect to them. You can connect SFPs and GBICs using an interconnect cable...

Regards,

GP

[joealcala]

Is there any where on this site, or any site, that would show the proper configuration when using fiber, SFPs and GBICs?

Also, from my discussions with my counterparts I am told the GBIC is needed because it houses the laser transceiver and the SFP modules do not. Therefore to send a signal on fiber from a switch with an SFP module I need the GBIC in order to do it. I am just not buying it, but need some documentation to prove this.

[pkhatri · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The following URLs may help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_form-factor_pluggable_interface

http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid7_gci753546,00.html

http://www.metrobility.com/news/index.asp?display=detail&id=137

The GBIC and SFP are two completely different hardware components that perform the same type of function. The SFP is simply a smaller version of the GBIC.

Also consider this link:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5855/products_installation_guide_chapter09186a00802ccf2f.html

In figure 1 of the above page, you will see an SFP module being inserted directly into an SFP slot (there is no GBIC here at all?

Is that proof enough ?

Hope that helps.

Pls remember to rate posts.

Regards,

Paresh.

[joealcala]

Yep, this is what I was looking for.

Thank you.