Installation and Reference Guide
Mini-GBIC and SFP Modules
Mini-GBIC and SFP Modules
Overview
The SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) transceiver modules are classified into two models: optical SFP modules
including duplex SFP modules shown in Figure 1-1 and BIDI SFP modules in Figure 1-2, and copper SFP modules in
Figure 1-3. The BIDI SFP module applies different wavelengths in transmission and reception. In such way, the optical
signal gets bidirectional transmission in the same optical fiber. The SFP module is an input/output device that supports hot
swapping. When installed into the Ethernet port, the SFP is responsible for connecting the port and optical fiber network.
The SFP module can be described as a smaller version of the Giga Bitrate Interface Converter (GBIC), also referred to as
a mini-GBIC. In addition to applications to the Gigabit Ethernet port, the SFP also supports transceiver applications on FE
ports and STM-1 SDH ports. 1000Base-T SFP uses existing copper wires to implement the full-duplex Gigabit
connections between high-end workstations and power distribution rooms.
Figure 1-1 Dual-fiber SFP Module
Figure 1-2 BIDI SFP Module
Figure 1-3 Copper SFP Module
