What Is GBIC?
A Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) is a piece of hardware called a module that attaches different network devices. Fiber optic systems such as a Gigabit Ethernet or a Fibre Channel device need to convert the signal with attached devices so the data is recognized.
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Signal Conversion
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The GBIC is a module that is plugged into a device that generates electrical signals and into a device that generates optical signals. The GBIC converts the two signals back and forth as required by the devices. The GBIC also has identification and system information that allows each device to know the other's capabilities.
Types
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In a Storage Area Network (SAN), there are three types of GBICs: copper for copper wire, shortwave used for short-wavelength lasers and longwave used for long-wavelength lasers. The GBIC is hot-swap interchangeable, which means it can be moved without powering down the system. This allows network administrators to change network configurations as needed.
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Increasing Capacity
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Network system creators can incrementally add fiber devices and reconfigure them as needed. It saves money to add devices only as needed to be configured to the other components of the system.
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References
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- Photo Credit Fiber Optic Computer Cable . image by Andrew Brown from Fotolia.com
