2E
2W
W1
STP
ETHERNET 1 ETHERNET 0
AU
EN
WC
STATUS
100 Mbps
Link
100 Mbps
Link
1
2
H5796
10/1000 Mbps FAST ETHERNET SWITCHING MODULE
Figure 3-11 Connection Types
A Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC), shown in Figure 3-12 , is a hot-swappable I/O
device that plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet port. A key benefit of using a GBIC is that it is
interchangeable, allowing you the flexibility to deploy other 1000BASE-X technology
without having to change the physical interface or model on the router or switch. GBICs
support UTP (copper) and fiber-optic media for Gigabit Ethernet transmission.
RJ-45
Connector
Plastic Tab
Figure 3-12 1000BASE-T GBIC
Typically, GBICs are used in the LAN for uplinks and are normally used for the backbone.
GBICs are also seen in remote networks.
The fiber-optic GBIC, shown in Figure 3-13 , is a transceiver that converts serial electric
currents to optical signals and converts optical signals to digital electric currents