What is the difference between Mini GBIC and SFP?

Whether you’re a network beginner, administrator, engineer, or someone looking to upgrade your network equipment, this post will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive into and explore the differences between GBIC, SFP, and Mini GBIC.

We will explain their definitions before formally comparing GBIC, SFP, and Mini GBIC. For detailed information, you may read our previous articles.

What is GBIC?

GBIC, short for ‘Gigabit Interface Converter’, first launched in 1995 by GBIC MSA INF-8053, is the earliest hot-pluggable form factor in the optical transceiver industry. Initially designed for Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet applications, it also supported 100M and 2.5G data rates. The most common terms include GBIC transceiver, GBIC connector, and GBIC port.

TEG-MGBSX (no covers).jpg

What is SFP?

SFP refers to Small Form-factor Pluggable. It is similar to the GBIC in function, a hot-pluggable interface module used for electrical signal and optical signal converting, so SFP is also called GBIC SFP. However, the size of SFP is much smaller than the GBIC, so SFP is also known as Mini-GBIC. SFP transceivers support Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, SONET, PON, and other communications standards. Same as GBIC, the typical speed of SFP is also 1 Gbit/s, but its connector form is LC connector instead of SC.

Similar to GBIC, the common SFP types include 1000BASE-SX SFP, 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP and 1000BASE-ZX SFP. The corresponding Cisco product models are GLC-SX-MM, GLC-LH-SM, and GLC-ZX-SM. Their specifications are shown in the following table.

SFP Module Options

Module Type	1000BASE-SX SFP	1000BASE-LX/LH SFP	1000BASE-ZX SFP
Cisco Product Number	GLC-SX-MM	GLC-LH-SM	GLC-ZX-SM
Wavelength	850nm	1310nm	1550nm
Dimensions (H x W x D)	0.33 in x 0.53 in x 2.22 in (8.5 mm x 13.4 mm x 56.5 mm)
Connectors	LC	LC	LC
Distance	550m	10km	70 to 100km

What is Mini GBIC?

Mini GBIC is another name for SFP, and it is just a more graphic term. “Mini GBIC” is a more expressive term for SFP as it implies a smaller size and more compact design than the traditional GBIC. Overall, Mini GBIC and SFP are interchangeable terms that refer to the same type of form factor, with “Mini GBIC” being a more descriptive and visual term, while “SFP” is the more commonly used industry term.

Mini GBIC vs. SFPAs previously mentioned, Mini GBIC is just another name for SFP, so there is no difference besides the name itself.

However, some beginners may still feel confused about the difference between Mini GBIC and SFP, as the two terms are used interchangeably. It is important to note that Mini GBIC is just a marketing term used by some vendors to describe the SFP form factor, and it does not refer to a different technology or standard. So, whether you see Mini GBIC or SFP mentioned, they both refer to the same small form-factor pluggable transceiver.

GBIC vs SFP vs Mini GBIC, What is the difference?

The table below shows the main differences and similarities between them.

Comparison	GBIC	SFP	Mini GBIC
Size	SFP is smaller than GBIC, around 1/2 of the size of GBIC	GBIC is larger than SFP, around two size of SFP	Same as SFP
Standard	GBIC MSA INF-8053	SFP MSA INF-8074i	Same as SFP
Wavelength	850nm 1310nm 1550nm	850nm 1310nm 1550nm	Same as SFP
Reach	Max 80km	Max 180km	Same as SFP
Fiber Type	MMF, SMF	MMF, SMF	Same as SFP
Connector Type	SC	LC	Same as SFP
Data Rate	Only avalible in 155M, 1.25G	Wide rate avalible in 155M, 622M, 1.25G, 2.5G, 2GFC, 3G,4GFC, 6G	Same as SFP
DOM Support	Yes	Yes	Same as SFP
Operating Temperature	0°C to 70°C (Commercial Grade) -40°C to 85°C (Industrial Grade)	0°C to 70°C (Commercial Grade) -40°C to 85°C (Industrial Grade)	Same as SFP
Compatibility	Yes	Yes	Same as SFP
Weight	~45g	~25g	Same as SFP
Rlease date	Around 1990s, Earlier than SFP	Around 2000s, Later than GBIC	Same as SFP
Price (Optcore)	Higher	Lower	Same as SFP
Pros	NA	Popular and more vendors available Higher port density Short lead time Lower price than GBIC Diversified options for different scenarios	Same as SFP
Cons	Outdated, and very few vendors are available Lower port density Long lead time It is a much higher price than SFP Very few options for different scenarios	NA	Same as SFP
Application	Old networking device	Medern networking device	Same as SFP

FAQs about GBIC vs. SFP vs. Mini GBIC

Q: Can we connect GBIC with the SFP module?

A: In some cases, connecting a GBIC with an SFP module is possible. However, this requires that the GBIC and SFP have equal data transfer rates, use the same fiber cable, have matching wavelengths, and have enough link budgets. It is crucial to ensure all these requirements are met before connecting them. Besides that, you should use a suitable patch cable to connect the SC and LC interface.

Q: Is there a GBIC to SFP converter adapter?

A: Not sure, but at least we have yet to find it. The possible reason is that although producing the GBIC to SFP adapter is not tricky, Minimal market demand prevented him from showing up.