Specifications

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Cisco ONS 15454 Installation and Operations Guide, R3.2
January 2005
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
Card Installation
1.12.2 Gigabit Interface Converter
GBICs are hot-swappable input/output devices that plug into a Gigabit Ethernet card to link the port with
the fiber-optic network. The type of GBIC determines the maximum distance that the Ethernet traffic
will travel from the card to the next network device.
Cisco provides two GBIC models: one for short reach applications (part number 15454-GBIC-SX) and
one for long-reach applications (15454-GBIC-LX). The short reach, or “SX” model, connects to
multimode fiber of up to 550 m in length, and the long reach, or “LX” model, requires single-mode fiber
of up to 10 km in length. Because the GBICs are very similar in appearance, check the label on the GBIC
carefully before installing it. The E1000-2, E1000-2G, and G1000-4 cards support SX and LX GBICs.
Note The SX and LX GBIC models are incompatible and cannot be used together.
For a description of GBICs and their capabilities, see Chapter 9, “Ethernet Operation.”
Procedure: Install Gigabit Interface Converters
Step 1 Remove the GBIC from its protective packaging.
Step 2 Check the part number to verify that the GBIC is the correct type for your network.
Step 3 Grip the sides of the GBIC with your thumb and forefinger and insert it into the slot on the front panel
of the Gigabit Ethernet card (shown in Figure 1-30).
GBICs are hot-swappable and can therefore be installed/removed while the card/shelf assembly is
powered and running.
Note GBICs are keyed to prevent incorrect installation.