What is the difference between GBIC and SFP?

The full meaning of GBIC is Gigabit Interface Converter, while SFP simply stands for Small Form-Factor Pluggable. The GBIC quite gained some popularity in the 1990s. It was used as a standard way to connect to various media such as copper and fiber optic cables.

Considering SFP, it also carries out the same function as GBIC. The major thing that forms the difference between them is that GBIC is considerably bigger than SFP. The smaller size of SFP makes it largely accepted and desirable by several people.

This is simply because more SFP would take less space than the GBIC on a rack. In other words, you can use more SFP on a rack unit than GBIC. This single factor has made the SFP be more acceptable by users than the GBIC. Due to this, the GBIC seems to be obsolete, while the SFP is more in use.

To connect a fiber optic medium into a motherboard, you will need to have connectors like the GBIC or SFP. GBIC and SFP performance have no comparison. Either for electrical or fiber optics, they are just identical.

GBIC stood for gigabit interface converter and was popular in the 1900s. It was the standard way of connecting different medial like copper and fiber optics cables. GBIC is larger and obsolete when compared to SFP.

SFP stands for small form-factor pluggable, which also serves the very same purpose as GBIC. When it comes to space, a lot of people prefer SFP because it takes a lot less space when compared to GBIC.

Since the performance for SFP and GBIC are the same, it is still advisable to go for SFP rather than spending so much on acquiring GBIC compatible equipment.

GBIC is an abbreviation for Gigabit Interface Converter. The purpose of this converter is to link types of media together, which can include media like fiber optic cables. SFP is also an abbreviation. It stands for Small Form Factor Pluggable. Both are used for the purpose of linking media.

The key difference between the two is related to the size. Between the two, SFP is smaller than GBIC. Another difference between the two is related to each's popularity. Between the two, SFP is more popular. The reason for this is because the user is allowed to put on multiple rack units.

GBIC stands for Gigabit Interface Converter, and it allows a way of linking to different media, such as fiber optic cables. SFP stands for Small Form Factor Pluggable, although, GBIC and SFP both have the same purpose. The significant difference between GBIC and SFP is their size. SFP is relatively smaller than GBIC.

SFP has gained popularity over GBIC because it lets you put more than one rack unit. It is because of this that GBIC is now considered outdated. It is not very likely that you would find suppliers that still carry equipment that is compatible with GBIC. Also, you would have to spend the additional money to acquire equipment corresponding with GBIC, while SFP has set the new standards. That being said, both GBIC and SFP are equal in performance.