
GBIC vs. SFP Modules: How to Choose the Right One for Your Network
Updated at Dec 27th 20241 min read
Selecting the suitable transceiver modules for your network is crucial to attaining optimal performance and scalability. In networking, SFP and GBIC modules are two prevalent options. Understanding the differences between these modules is important.
Choosing the right one for your network can make it work better. This can improve both efficiency and effectiveness. This article will guide you in choosing the better one for your needs to ensure network success.
What Is the GBIC Module?
A GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter) is a hot-swappable input/output device that connects a Gigabit Ethernet port to a network with an electrical interface on one end and an SC or LC connector on the other. Depending on the type, the electrical interface may be copper or optical.
GBIC Module Types
We discuss GBIC module classification primarily based on data rates, wavelengths, transmission distances, and fiber optic cable types. The main types are as follows:
Type | Fiber Interface | Wavelength | Transmission Distance | Data Rate | Application Scenarios |
SX GBIC | Multimode Fiber | 850 nm | Up to 550 meters | 1 Gbps | High bandwidth, short distance connection |
LX GBIC | Single-Mode Fiber | 1310 nm | Up to 10 kms | 1 Gbps | Long distance, low attenuation connection |
ZX GBIC | Single-Mode Fiber | 1550 nm | Up to 80 kms | 1 Gbps | Long distance, low loss connection |
Copper GBIC | Copper Fiber | / | Up to 100 meters | 1 Gbps | Short distance, low cost connection |
CWDM GBIC | Single-Mode Fiber | 1470–1610 nm | Up to 80 kms | 1 Gbps | Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) applications |
DWDM GBIC | Single-Mode Fiber | 1528.77 nm - 1563.86 nm | Up to 80 kms | 1 Gbps | Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) applications |
SX GBIC: Connects to a multimode fiber optic cable using a multimode fiber interface. Transmission distances of up to 550 meters and data speeds of up to 1 Gbps are supported. It is primarily used for high-bandwidth, short-distance connections, and operates at 850 nm wavelength.
LX GBIC: Uses a single-mode fiber interface to connect to a single-mode fiber optic cable. It can support data rates up to 1 Gbps and transmission distances up to 10 kilometers. It uses a 1310 nm wavelength and is mainly used for long-distance and low-attenuation connections.
ZX GBIC: Connects to a single-mode fiber optic cable using a single-mode fiber interface. Transmission distances of up to 80 kilometers and data speeds of up to 1 Gbps are supported. It is primarily used for very long-distance, low-loss connections and operates at a wavelength of 1550 nm.
Copper GBIC: Uses a copper interface to connect to a twisted-pair cable. It can support data rates up to 1 Gbps and transmission distances up to 100 meters. It is mainly used for short-distance and low-cost connections.
CWDM GBIC: Connects to a single-mode fiber optic cable using a single-mode fiber interface. Transmission distances of up to 80 kilometers and data speeds of up to 1 Gbps are supported. Its primary use is in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) applications, and its wavelength range is 1470–1610 nm.
DWDM GBIC: Connects to a single-mode fiber optic cable using a single-mode fiber interface. Transmission distances of up to 80 kilometers and data speeds of up to 1 Gbps are supported. Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) applications are its primary use, and its wavelength range is 1528.77 nm to 1563.86 nm.
GBIC Modules' Advantages
Easy Installation and Removal: Hot-swappable and simple plug-and-play design.
Flexibility and Versatility: Supporting various data rates, wavelengths, and transmission distances.
GBIC Modules' Disadvantages
Space-occupying: Large size and a metal casing.
Inefficiency: Higher heat dissipation and a worse signal-to-noise ratio.
Expensive and less available: Older technology and low production volume.
Limited compatibility: Limited compatibility with newer networking equipment and standards, potentially leading to interoperability issues.
Applications of GBIC Modules
Integration into Networks: Connects switches, routers, servers, and firewalls to fiber optic networks in LANs, WANs, MANs, and SANs.
Implementation of WDM Systems: By implementing CWDM and DWDM, enables fiber optic networks to support more data channels, enhancing performance and scalability.
Extension of Transmission Distance: Extends fiber optic network transmission distance and enhances signal quality in FTTx, PON, and SONET/SDH.
What Is the SFP Module?
The Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver is a hot-swappable interface module for network devices and complies with the SFP standard. The design includes a plastic housing and electrical interface, which you can divide into fiber or copper cable connections depending on the module type, with an LC connector at the other end.
SFP Module Types
We address SFP module categorization primarily based on data rates, wavelengths, transmission distances, and fiber optic cable types. The main types are as follows:
Type | Fiber Interface | Wavelength | Transmission Distance | Data Rate | Main Application Scenarios |
SX SFP | Multimode Fiber | 850 nm | Up to 550 meters | 1.25 Gbps | ISP Gigabit Ethernet Communication links Enterprise & Data center LAN Storage Area network |
LX SFP | Single-Mode Fiber | 1310 nm | Up to 10 kms | 1.25 Gbps | ISP Gigabit Ethernet Communication links Enterprise & Data center LAN Storage Area network |
ZX SFP | Single-Mode Fiber | 1550 nm | Up to 80 kms | 1 Gbps | ISP Gigabit Ethernet Communication links Enterprise & Data center LAN Storage Area network |
EX SFP | Single-Mode Fiber | 1550 nm | Up to 40 kms | 1000Mbps | ISP Gigabit Ethernet Communication links Enterprise & Data center LAN Storage Area network |
LH SFP | Single-Mode Fiber | 1310 nm | Up to 40 kms | 1000Mbps | Gigabit Ethernet Telecom Data Center (Indoor/Outdoor Deployment) |
EZX SFP | Single-Mode Fiber | 1550 nm | Up to 120 kms | 1000Mbps | ISP Gigabit Ethernet Communication links Enterprise & Data center LAN Storage Area network |
ZXC SFP | Single-Mode Fiber | 1550 nm | Up to 160 kms | 1000Mbps | ISP Gigabit Ethernet Communication links Enterprise & Data center LAN Storage Area network |
Copper SFP | Copper | / | Up to 100 meters | 1000Mbps | Short Distance Low Cost Connection |
SX SFP: Employs a multimode fiber interface for connecting to multimode fiber optic cables, supporting data rates up to 1.25 Gbps and transmission distances up to 550 meters. Operates at an 850 nm wavelength and is suitable for Internet Service Provider (ISP) Gigabit Ethernet communication links, Enterprise LAN & SAN Networks, Data Center LAN & SAN Networks, and other optical links.
LX SFP: Utilizes a single-mode fiber interface for connecting to single-mode fiber optic cables, supporting data rates up to 1.25 Gbps and transmission distances up to 10 kilometers. Operates at a 1310 nm wavelength and is used for ISP Gigabit Ethernet communication links, Enterprise LAN & SAN Networks, Data Center LAN & SAN Networks, and other optical links.
ZX SFP: Employs a single-mode fiber interface for connecting to single-mode fiber optic cables, supporting data rates up to 1 Gbps and transmission distances up to 80 kilometers. Operates at a 1550 nm wavelength and is suitable for ISP Gigabit Ethernet communication links, Enterprise LAN & SAN Networks, Data Center LAN & SAN Networks, and other optical links.
EX SFP: Offers an enhanced solution for high-speed data transmission over single-mode fiber interfaces, supporting speeds of up to 1000Mbps and transmission distances of up to 40km. Operates at a wavelength of 1550nm, and is particularly suited for demanding applications such as ISP Gigabit Ethernet communication links, Enterprise LAN & SAN Networks, Data Center LAN & SAN Networks, and other optical links requiring long-distance, high-performance connectivity.
LH SFP: Provides robust connectivity over single-mode fiber interfaces, supporting data rates of up to 1000Mbps and transmission distances of up to 40km. Operates at a wavelength of 1310nm, and is ideal for Gigabit Ethernet, Telecom, and Data Center applications, catering to both outdoor and indoor deployments. Whether for long-distance connections or demanding environments, the LH SFP module offers reliable performance for critical networking needs.
EZX SFP: Enables high-speed data transmission over single-mode fiber interfaces, supporting 1000Mbps speeds and extending up to 120km. Operating at 1550nm, they are ideal for ISP Gigabit Ethernet links, Enterprise LAN & SAN Networks, Data Center LAN & SAN Networks, and other long-distance optical connections.
ZXC SFP: Utilizes single-mode fiber interfaces, delivering speeds of 1000Mbps and extending connectivity up to 160km. Operating at 1550nm, they excel in ISP Gigabit Ethernet links, Enterprise LAN & SAN Networks, Data Center LAN & SAN Networks, and various optical connections requiring long-distance capabilities.
Copper SFP: Utilizes a copper interface for connecting to twisted-pair cables, supporting data rates up to 1000Mbps and transmission distances up to 100 meters. Primarily used for short-distance and cost-effective connections.

SFP Modules' Advantages
Compact Design: Smaller size and plastic casing save space in network configurations.
Efficiency: Consumes less power with lower heat dissipation and a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
Cost and Availability: Being a newer technology with higher production volume, it’s more cost-effective and widely available.
Excellent Compatibility: Benefiting from compatibility through adherence to MSA standards, enabling universal use, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility in network setups.
Disadvantages of SFP Modules
Fragility: Vulnerable to damage due to the plastic casing and smaller connector.
Limited Configurability: Supports fewer data rates, wavelengths, and transmission distances compared to GBIC modules.
Applications of SFP Modules
Network Connectivity: Connecting switches, routers, servers, and firewalls to fiber optic networks, including LANs, WANs, MANs, and SANs.
High-Speed Connections: Utilized in scenarios requiring high-speed and high-performance network connections.
Implementation of WDM Systems: Implementing CWDM and DWDM to increase bandwidth and capacity in fiber optic networks.
GBIC vs. SFP: How to Choose
Comparing GBIC and SFP modules
Both GBIC and SFP modules provide connectivity via fiber optic cables, with the main differences being connector size, compatibility, and power consumption. The following table clearly shows the difference between them:
Feature | GBIC | SFP |
Connector Type | SC connector | LC connector |
Required Fiber Type | Duplex SC optical fiber | LC optical fiber |
Size | Larger | Smaller allowing more ports on the same panel |
Compatibility | No variants | Has variants (e.g., SFP+, SFP28) supporting higher speeds (up to 10 Gbit/s and 25 Gbit/s), with backward compatible |
Power Consumption | Higher | Lower, resulting in improved energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, and environmental impact |

GBIC vs. SFP: Choosing the Best Solution
GBIC transceivers offer unique advantages in situations that require a high degree of flexibility and configurability, especially those involving older systems or specific Settings. These devices usually have a wide range of compatibility and strong adaptability, and can be seamlessly interfaced with different network infrastructures to meet the requirements of complex and changing application scenarios.
With the continuous progress of technology and the change of application environment, the modern installation environment has put forward higher requirements in terms of space occupation, interoperability, scalability and cost efficiency. In this case, the SFP is becoming the first choice due to its compact size design, excellent energy efficiency and economic viability. SFP modules can not only effectively save valuable space resources in the data center, but also simplify the maintenance process by supporting the hot-swap function, and greatly enhance the compatibility between products from different manufacturers due to the use of standardized interfaces. In addition, SFP modules typically have lower power consumption, which is very important for enterprises pursuing green energy saving goals.
By carefully assessing the distinct needs and constraints of your network infrastructure, you can make an educated selection that aligns harmoniously with both your future objectives and budget boundaries.
Conclusion
Through the above analysis, it concludes that the GBIC module and SFP module each occupy a unique advantage in the network connection solution. Whether upgrading existing networks or deploying new high-speed architectures, reasonable evaluation and selection of appropriate types will provide strong support for improving overall performance and optimizing long-term operating costs.
FS offer a comprehensive selection of original quality SFP modules for Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications. These modules are known for their compatibility and adaptability, ensuring stable and efficient performance across a wide range of hardware and software environments. At the same time, the inclusive copper modules support standard Ethernet interfaces such as RJ-45 and SFP, to achieve seamless docking with all kinds of equipment and network infrastructure, whether it is a data center or communication network and other diversified industry scenarios can be flexibly responded to. In addition, the low latency characteristics of FS modules meet the high standards of customers in different industries. If you are particularly interested in GBIC and SFP related content above, or need to learn more about our product support, please feel free to contact us for assistance.