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GBIC

Short for gigabit interface converter, a transceiver that converts serial electric signals to serial optical signals and vice versa. In networking, a GBIC is used to interface a fiber optic system with an Ethernet system, such as Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet.

A GBIC allows designers to design one type of device that can be adapted for either optical or copper applications. GBICs also are hot-swappable, which adds to the ease of upgrading electro-optical communication networks.



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