Storage Area Network: Architecture

GBICs

A gigabit interface converter (GBIC) is used to convert one form of a signal to another--for example, to convert optical signals into electrical signals. A GBIC is a hot-pluggable copper or optical module.

Copper GBIC Module

The copper GBIC module is based on the HSSDC interface standards. The GBIC provides a female connector. HSSDC-to-HSSDC cables of 6m and 12m have been qualified.

HSSDC-to-DB9 male connectors are also available in lengths of 3m, 6m, and 12m.

Short Wave Optical GBIC Module

The short-wave optical GBIC module is based on short wavelength 850-nm lasers supporting 1.0625 Gbps speeds. 50/125-micrometer cables up to 500m in length and 62.5/125 micrometer cables up to 175m in length are supported.

Long Wave Optical GBIC Module

The long-wave optical GBIC module, which has a blue color-coded subscriber connector, is based on long wavelength 1300-nm lasers supporting 10.625 Gbps speeds. The LW GBIC module supports 9-micron single-mode fiber. Cable lengths of up to 10 km can be used with a maximum of five splices.

GBIC modules are keyed so that they can be inserted in only one way. Do not force insertion if the GBIC module does not slide in easily.