What is Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC)?
A Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) is a transceiver that converts optical signals to electrical signals and vice versa in a Gigabit Ethernet or fiber-to-home (FTTH) configuration. These interface converters were most common in the early 2000s. GBIC is not obsolete, but has largely been replaced by a smaller and lighter version.
A gigabit interface converter (GBIC) is an electrical interface that enables the gigabit port to support a variety of physical media over hundreds of kilometers. The transceiver is attached to the end of the Ethernet cable to facilitate signal conversion. A later variant of the GBIC, the Small Form Factor Pluggable Transceiver (SFP), is also known as mini-GBIC. The SFP performs the same functions, but in a smaller form factor. The transceiver module is easy to configure and can be upgraded in opto-electrical systems without the system having to be switched off (hot-swappable).
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