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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) is a field-replaceable, 1-Gb transceiver module. It plugs into a compatible switch, router or line card and connects that device’s internal electrical circuitry to an external copper or optical network link. The module supplies the physical interface. The host port and the cable or fiber you attach decide which module fits.
GBIC is also an older, larger form factor. It is not the same as the smaller SFP, and a GBIC will not fit an SFP port.
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What a GBIC does
Cisco’s line card documentation describes GBICs as “field-replaceable modules that plug into receptacles on the line card and provide the Gigabit Ethernet optical interface” (Ethernet Line Card Installation and Configuration). Cisco’s Catalyst 6500 installation guide also lists copper GBICs, so the concept covers both media.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11A GBIC is a transceiver, not a switch and not a standalone media converter. The host supplies the switching or routing. The GBIC sets the port’s physical layer: copper or fiber, connector type, wavelength and supported distance. Because the module is swappable, one chassis port can serve different link types without replacing the hardware.
#1 Best Overall
- Wide Compatibility: 10Gbase-T transceiver compatible for Cisco SFP-10G-T-S (NOT support on Cisco Nexus Series and Cisco Meraki Series), Ubiquiti UF-RJ45-10G, Netgear AXM765, D-Link DEM-440XT, Mikrotik CRS318-16P-2S+OUT, Supermicro, Linksys, and Other Open Switches. Notes:The SFP+ copper module can't work in HPE Aruba/Brocode and other need special code switches.
- Multi Rate SFP+: 10G SFP+ to RJ45 Copper module for CAT6A / CAT7 / CAT8 cable, 30M, copper RJ-45 connector. Supports 1000Mbps rate for using Cat 5e cable or better. (30 meters via 10Gbps, 50 meters via 5Gbps and 2.5Gbps, 100 meters via 1000Mbps.)
- Easy to use: Plug and play, hot-pluggable. Rotate the ring latch down at 90 degree angle to unlock, then pulling transceiver out from switch. Widely used in fiber switches, routers, NIC, server or other fiber optic equipments with 10Gb SFP+ RJ45 ports.
- High Quality: All of SFP transceiver are manufactured under strict quality control system, every module has been tested one by one on different switches before shipping, to ensure compatibility with different brand of switch.
- After-sales Service: 90-day free return, 3-year warranty, lifetime technology support. QSFPTEK is a manufacturer of transceiver. We offer many compatible options. If you have any question or problems about the compatibility of your device and sfp module, please contact us([email protected]).
GBIC vs. SFP
SFP modules are sometimes informally called “mini-GBICs.” Cisco nevertheless treats the two as distinct. Its support article says a GBIC is larger and cannot be inserted into an SFP port. Its equipment guide says GBIC and SFP transceivers differ in both form factor and connector type and are not interchangeable.
The terms still get blurred. Cisco’s SFP data sheet (updated November 14, 2024) describes a hot-swappable SFP for a Gigabit Ethernet port or slot, with copper and optical interface options. When you are buying or checking fit, name the form factor, GBIC or SFP, and do not rely on “gigabit interface converter” alone. Cisco’s Cisco Business Switches: SFP Modules page describes SFPs as hot-pluggable input/output devices that plug into dedicated sockets. That statement is about SFPs specifically, not every GBIC.
Rank #2
- 10g SFP+ Copper: Fully Compatible with 100+ Vendors, such as: Netgear, D-Link, Supermicro, Mikrotik, Fortinet and Other Open 10gb switch.
- Data Rate: 10gbs, Interface: copper RJ-45 connector, Low power consumption ≤2.5w, 10GBase-T module for CAT6A/CAT7/CAT8 cable. Supports 1000Mbps rate for using Cat 5e cable or better. (30 meters via 10Gbps, 50 meters via 5Gbps and 2.5Gbps, 100 meters via 1000Mbps.)
- Easy to Use: Plug and play, hot-pluggable. Rotate the ring latch down at 90 degree angle to unlock, then pulling transceiver out from switch. Widely used in fiber switches, pcie ethernet adapter, router, NIC, server or other fiber optic equipments with 10Gb SFP+ ports.
- QSFPTEK Guarantee: All of products are manufactured under strict quality control system, every module has been tested one by one on different switches before shipping, to ensure compatibility with different brand of switch.
- After-sales Service: 30-day free return, 1-year warranty, lifetime technology support. QSFPTEK is a manufacturer of transceiver. Accept OEM, ODM, any request please contact us anytime, we will reply within 24 hours.
Common GBIC types
The examples below come from Cisco’s Catalyst 6500 installation guide, which does not state a publication date on the page. They describe that documented hardware. They are not universal specifications for every product sold as a GBIC.
| Type | Cisco example | Connector / medium | Documented reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000BASE-T | WS-G5483 | RJ-45, copper | 100 m (328 ft) |
| 1000BASE-SX | WS-G5484 | Duplex SC, multimode fiber | Varies by fiber core and modal bandwidth; up to 550 m for 50 μm, 500 MHz·km fiber |
| 1000BASE-LX/LH | WS-G5486 | Multimode or single-mode fiber | Up to 10 km on the listed single-mode fiber; up to 550 m on listed multimode cases |
| 1000BASE-ZX | WS-G5487 | Single-mode fiber | Depends on link conditions and attenuation |
Some legacy multimode deployments of LX/LH modules need a mode-conditioning patch cord. Check the product guide and your fiber plant before assuming a plain patch cable will work.
Rank #3
- Data Rate: 10Gb SFP+ to RJ45 ethernet copper module supports 10 gigabit over Cat 6a/7/8 cable, up to 30 meters. Supprots 5Gb/2.5Gb rate over Cat 5e cable or better,up to 50 meters. 100 meters via 1000Mbps. For configuration, one end (the SFP+ host) needs to use our 10G SFP+ copper module, which provides an RJ45 port. The other end can then connect to a server, NIC, or router via either an SFP+ port or a standard Ethernet RJ45 port output 1000M/2.5G/5G/10G.
- Compatibility: For Cisco SFP-10G-T-S, Ubiquiti UF-RJ45-10G, Unifi, Fortinet, Meraki, MikroTik, TL-SM5310-T, Netgear AXM765, Broadcom, QNAP, Edge-core, EMC, F5, Norkia, QTC with 100+ vendors switch with 10G SFP+ port.
- Easy to Install: Plug and play. Upgrade Chipset Low power consumption ≤2.0w, Interface: RJ-45; Cable type: Cat6/6a. Hot Pluggable SFP+ MSA compliant, instantly use without any configuration, operating temperature range: 0℃ to 70℃.
- Multi Rate SFP+: Supports to 10Gbps transceiver support 10Gbase-R on host port, support 1000M/2.5G/5G/10G on line port.
- Wide Application: RoHS compliant and lead-free. Widely used in Switches, Server, Routers, NIC, Media Converter,and other fiber optic equipments.
How to choose a compatible module
- Confirm the host. Find the exact switch, router or line card model and its supported transceiver list. Cisco cautions that not every module type is supported on every host module. Cisco’s compatibility matrix is the place to check current entries, which can change.
- Confirm the form factor. If the port is an SFP cage, a GBIC will not fit.
- Match the medium and fiber mode. Both ends of a link need the same physical medium and fiber mode: copper to copper, multimode to multimode, single-mode to single-mode.
- Check the connector. The older examples above use RJ-45 or duplex SC, but connector choices vary by product generation, so read the specific module’s documentation.
- Stay within reach. Keep cable length inside the stated limit. Optical reach also depends on fiber quality, splices and connectors, so treat the listed distances as best cases.
If you search for a replacement, use specific phrases such as “1000BASE-SX GBIC transceiver module” or “1000BASE-T GBIC transceiver module.” Treat these as legacy parts and verify host compatibility before buying.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Single-Mode MiniGBIC module, Supports full-duplex
- Wave Length: 1310nm. Data Rate: 1.25Gbps. Port Type: LC/UPC
- Max. Cable Length: 12.4miles (20km) for 9/125um Single-Mode Fiber
- Always keep the protective dust plug on the SFP’s optical bores until you are ready to make a connection
- Compatible with all SFP ports on TP-Link product including JetStream switches, and media converter MC220L
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