Gigabit Interface Converter Installation Instructions

This document provides instructions for installing and removing Gigabit Interface Converters (GBICs) on the Cisco 7200 series routers, the Cisco 7304 router, the Cisco 7401ASR router, and the Cisco 12000 series routers. The GBIC is an input/output device that plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet (GE) port, linking the port with a 1000BASE-X fiber-optic network. The device is used on Cisco platforms that have GE interfaces.

This document contains the following sections:

GBIC Overview

The GBIC is an input/output device that plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet port, linking the port with a 1000BASE-X fiber-optic network. A GBIC is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Gigabit Interface Converter

The GBIC has a receiver port (RX) and a transmitter port (TX) that make up one optical interface. Table 1 lists the available GBIC options and their Product Numbers. Table 2 lists GBIC transmit power, receive power, and power budget information.

Table 1 GBIC Options

Product Number	GBIC	Description
GBIC-SX=	Short wavelength (1000BASE-SX)	Contains a Class 1 laser of 850 nm for 1000BASE-SX (short wavelength) applications.
GBIC-LX/LH=	Long wavelength/long haul (1000BASE-LX/LH)	Contains a Class 1 laser of 1300 nm for 1000BASE-LX/LH (long wavelength) applications.
GBIC-ZX=	Extended distance (1000BASE-ZX)	Contains a Class 1 laser of 1550 nm for 1000BASE-ZX (extended wavelength) applications.

Table 2 GBIC Transmit Power, Receive Power, and Power Budget

GBIC	Transmit Power		Receive Power		Power Budget
GBIC	Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	Maximum	Power Budget
SX	-9.5 dBm¹	-4 dBm¹	-17 dBm	0 dBm	7.5 dBm²
LX/LH	-9.5 dBm³ -11.5dBm⁴	-3 dBm⁵	-20 dBm	-3 dBm	7.5 dBm⁶ and 8.0 dBm⁷
ZX	0 dBm	5.2 dBm	-24 dBm	-3 dBm	-24 dBm

1 For fiber types 50/125 mm, NA = 0.20 fiber and 62.5/125 mm, NA = 0.275 fiber.

2For fiber types 50/125 mm MMF and 62.5/125 mm MMF.

3For fiber types 9/125 mm SMF.

4For fiber types 62.5/125 mm MMF and 50/125 mm MMF.

5For fiber types 9/125 mm SMF, 62.5/125 mm MMF, and 50/125 mm MMF.

6For fiber types 50/125 mm MMF and 62.5/125 mm MMF.

7For fiber type 10 mm SMF.

Physical Specifications

Table 3 lists GBIC physical specifications.

Table 3 GBIC Specifications

Specification	Description
Dimensions (H x W x D)	0.39 x 1.18 x 2.56 inches (1 x 3 x 6.5 cm)
Connectors	Multimode fiber-optic: SC Single-mode fiber-optic: SC
Wavelength	SX: 850 nm LX/LH: 1300 nm ZX: 1550 nm
Cabling distance (maximum)	SX: 1804 feet (550 m) LX/LH: 6.2 miles (10 km) ZX: 43.5 to 62.1 miles (70 to 100 km)

GBIC-SX

The 1000BASE-SX (short wavelength) GBIC operates on standard multimode fiber-optic link spans of up to 1804 feet (550 m). (See Table 4.)

GBIC-LX/LH

The 1000BASE-LX/LH (long wavelength/long haul) GBIC interfaces fully comply with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-LX standard. However, their higher optical quality allows them to reach 10 km over single-mode fiber (SMF) versus the 3.1 miles (5 km) specified in the standard.

GBIC-ZX

The 1000BASE-ZX (extended wavelength) GBIC operates on ordinary single-mode fiber-optic link spans of up to 43.5 miles (70 km). Link spans of up to 62.1 miles (100 km) are possible using premium single-mode fiber or dispersion-shifted single-mode fiber (premium single-mode fiber has a lower attenuation per unit length than ordinary single-mode fiber; dispersion-shifted single-mode fiber has both lower attenuation and less dispersion).

The 1000BASE-ZX GBIC must be coupled to single-mode fiber-optic cable, which is the type of cable typically used in long-haul telecommunications applications. The 1000BASE-ZX GBIC will not operate correctly when coupled to multimode fiber, and it is not intended to be used in environments where multimode fiber is frequently used (for example, building backbones, horizontal cabling).

The 1000BASE-ZX GBIC is intended to be used as a Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) component for Gigabit Ethernet interfaces found on various switch and router products. It operates at a signaling rate of 1250 Mbaud, transmitting and receiving 8B/10B encoded data.

When shorter lengths of single-mode fiber are used, it may be necessary to insert an in-line optical attenuator in the link to avoid overloading the receiver.

Insert a 10-dB in-line optical attenuator between the fiber-optic cable plant and the receiving port on the 1000BASE-ZX GBIC at each end of the link whenever the fiber-optic cable span is less than 15.5 miles (25 km).
Insert a 5-dB in-line optical attenuator between the fiber-optic cable plant and the receiving port on the 1000BASE-ZX GBIC at each end of the link whenever the fiber-optic cable span is equal to or greater than 15.5 miles (25 km) but less than 31 miles (50 km).

GBIC Cabling and Connection Equipment

The GBIC receptacle is a 1000-Mbps optical interface in the form of an SC-type duplex receptacle (see Figure 1) that supports IEEE 802.3z interfaces compliant with the 1000BASE-X standard.

Table 4 provides cabling specifications for the GBICs that you install in Gigabit Ethernet devices. Note that all GBIC ports have SC-type connectors. Also, the minimum cable distance for the GBIC-SX and GBIC-LX/LH (multimode fiber [MMF] and single-mode fiber [SMF]) is 6.5 feet (2 m), and the minimum link distance for the GBIC-ZX is 6.2 miles (10 km) with an 8-dB attenuator installed at each end of the link. Without attenuators, the minimum link distance for the GBIC-ZX is 24.9 miles (40 km).

Table 4 GBIC Port Cabling Specifications

GBIC	Wavelength (nm)	Fiber Type	Core Size (micron)	Modal Bandwidth (MHz/km)	Maximum Cable Distance
SX	850	MMF¹	62.5	160	722 ft (220 m)
			62.5	200	902 ft (275 m)
			50.0	400	1640 ft (500 m)
			50.0	500	1804 ft (550 m)
LX/LH	1300	MMF² and SMF	62.5	500	1804 ft (550 m)
			50.0	400	1804 ft (550 m)
			50.0	500	1804 ft (550 m)
			9/10	—	6.2 miles (10 km)
ZX³	1550	SMF	9/10	—	43.5 miles (70 km)
ZX³	1550	SMF⁴	8	—	62.1 miles (100 km)

1Multimode fiber (MMF) only.

2A mode-conditioning patch cord (Product Number CAB-GELX-625 or equivalent) is required.

When using the GBIC-LX/LH with 62.5-micron diameter MMF, you must install a mode-conditioning patch cord between the GBIC and the MMF cable on both the transmit and the receive ends of the link when link distances are greater than 984 ft (300 m).
We do not recommend using the GBIC-LX/LH and MMF with no patch cord for very short link distance (tens of meters). The result could be an elevated bit error rate (BER).

3You can have a maximum of 12 1000BASE-ZX GBICs per system to comply with EN55022 Class B and 24 1000BASE-ZX GBICs per system to comply with FCC Class A regulations.

4Dispersion-shifted single-mode fiber-optic cable.

Note The 1000BASE-ZX GBIC provides an optical power budget of 21.5 dB. You should measure your cable plant with an optical loss test set to verify that the optical loss of the cable plant (including connectors and splices) is less than or equal to 21.5 dB. The optical loss measurement must be performed with a 1550-nm light source.

Mode-Conditioning Patch Cord Description

A mode-conditioning patch cord (Cisco Product Number CAB-GELX-625=) can be used with the GBIC-LX/LH to allow reliable laser transmission between the single-mode laser source on the GBIC and a multimode optical fiber cable.

When an unconditioned laser source designed for operation on single-mode optical fiber is directly coupled to a multimode optical fiber cable, an effect known as differential mode delay (DMD) might result in a degradation of the modal bandwidth of the optical fiber cable.

This degradation results in a decrease in the link span (the distance between a transmitter and a receiver) that can be supported reliably. The effect of DMD can be overcome by conditioning the launch characteristics of a laser source. A practical means of performing this conditioning is to use a device called a mode-conditioning patch cord.

A mode-conditioning patch cord is an optical fiber cable assembly that consists of a pair of optical fibers terminated with connector hardware. Specifically, the mode-conditioning patch cord is composed of a single-mode optical fiber permanently coupled off-center (see Offset in Figure 2) to a graded-index multimode optical fiber. Figure 2 shows a diagram of the mode-conditioning patch cord assembly.

Figure 2 Mode-Conditioning Patch Cord Assembly

The mode-conditioning patch cord assembly is composed of duplex optical fibers, including a single-mode-to-multimode offset launch fiber connected to the transmitter, and a second conventional graded-index multimode optical fiber connected to the receiver. The use of a plug-to-plug patch cord maximizes the power budget of multimode 1000BASE-LX and 1000BASE-LH links.

Note The mode-conditioning patch cord (CAB-GELX-625 or equivalent) is required to comply with IEEE standards. The IEEE found that link distances could not be met with certain types of fiber-optic cable cores. The solution is to launch light from the laser at a precise offset from the center, which is accomplished by using the mode-conditioning patch cord. At the output of the patch cord, the GBIC-LX/LH is compliant with the IEEE 802.3z standard for 1000BASE-LX.

Installation Prerequisites

This section describes safety and compliance guidelines you should observe before you install the GBIC in your Gigabit Ethernet device.

Safety Guidelines

Before handling a GBIC, observe the following guidelines:

GBICs are static-sensitive. To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, follow your normal board- and component-handling procedures.
GBICs are dust-sensitive. When storing a GBIC or when a fiber-optic cable is not plugged in, always keep plugs in the GBIC optical bores. (See plugs in Figure 8 and Figure 9.)
The most common source of contaminants in the optical bores is debris picked up on the ferrules of the optical connectors. Use an alcohol swab or lint-free absorbent wipes to clean the ferrules of the optical connector.

Warning Class 1 laser product.

Warning Class 1 LED product.

Warning Because invisible laser radiation may be emitted from the aperture of the port when no fiber cable is connected, avoid exposure to laser radiation and do not stare into open apertures.

FCC Class A Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case users will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.

You can determine whether your equipment is causing interference by turning it off. If the interference stops, it was probably caused by the Cisco equipment or one of its peripheral devices. If the equipment causes interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the interference by using one or more of the following measures:

Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops.
Move the equipment to one side or the other of the television or radio.
Move the equipment farther away from the television or radio.
Plug the equipment into an outlet that is on a different circuit from the television or radio. (That is, make certain the equipment and the television or radio are on circuits controlled by different circuit breakers or fuses.)

Note This product has been designed to meet these requirements. Modifications to this product that are not authorized by Cisco Systems, Inc., could void the various approvals and negate your authority to operate the product.

Installing and Removing the GBIC

GBICs might ship already installed in your device, or they might arrive packaged separately. This section describes how to install or remove the GBIC from your Gigabit Ethernet interface.

Note You can install and remove GBICs with power on to the system; however, we strongly recommend that you do not install or remove the GBIC with optical fiber cables attached to it. Disconnect all cables before removing or installing a GBIC.

Caution To prevent system problems, do not use GBICs from third-party vendors. Use only GBICs supplied by Cisco Systems.

Removing a GBIC in Vertically or Horizontally Oriented Systems

Warning Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and regulations.

Note You can install and remove GBICs with power on to the system; however, we strongly recommend that you do not install or remove the GBIC with optical fiber cables attached to it.

To remove a GBIC, perform the following steps:

Step 1 Disconnect the network fiber cable from the GBIC SC connector.

Step 2 Release the GBIC from the slot by simultaneously squeezing the two plastic tabs (one on each side of the GBIC).

Step 3 Slide the GBIC out of the slot. A flap drops down to protect the GBIC connector.

This completes the procedure to remove a GBIC from the chassis.

Installing a GBIC in Vertically Oriented Systems

Use the following procedure to install a GBIC in a vertically oriented slot:

Step 1 Attach an ESD wrist strap to your wrist and to the ESD connection socket on the chassis or to a bare metal surface on the chassis or frame.

Step 2 Locate the alignment groove on the GBIC. (See the enlargement in Figure 3.)

Step 3 Align the groove on the GBIC with the interface opening.

Note GBICs are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion.

Step 4 Squeeze the tabs on each side of the GBIC using your thumb and forefinger, and insert the GBIC into the slot on the front panel of your device. (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3 Installing a GBIC in a Vertically Oriented System

Step 5 Insert the GBIC into the GBIC slot guides.

Step 6 Carefully slide the GBIC into the GBIC slot and seat it. When installed, the GBIC input/output panel should be flush with the face of the router. The tabs on either side of the GBIC will snap into place when the GBIC is properly inserted.

Step 7 Proceed to "Installing the GBIC Interface Cables" section to reattach the SC-type fiber-optic cable to the GBIC.

This completes the procedure for installing a GBIC in a vertically-oriented system.

Installing a GBIC in Horizontally Oriented Systems

Use the following procedure to install a GBIC in a horizontally oriented slot:

Step 1 Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap between you and an unpainted chassis surface.

Step 2 Locate the alignment groove on the GBIC. (See the enlargement in Figure 4 and Figure 6.)

Step 3 Align the groove on the GBIC with the interface opening (see Figure 5 and Figure 7).

Note GBICs are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion.

Figure 4 Inserting a GBIC with Alignment Groove on Top—Cisco 7200 Gigabit Ethernet Port Adapter Shown

Figure 5 20-Pin Plug on the GBIC—Orientation for Alignment Groove on Top

Note Some horizontally oriented devices accept the GBIC with the alignment groove on top (see Figure 4) and the plug in the orientation shown in Figure 5. Other devices accept the GBIC with the alignment groove on the bottom (see Figure 6) and the plug in the orientation shown in Figure 7. If the GBIC does not go into the interface slot, ensure that the alignment groove and the interface opening are lined up and, if necessary, flip the GBIC over (rotate it 180 degrees) and try inserting it again.

Figure 6 Inserting a GBIC with Alignment Groove on the Bottom

Figure 7 20-Pin Plug on the GBIC—Orientation for Alignment Groove on Bottom

Step 4 Holding the GBIC with your thumb and forefinger, insert the GBIC into the slot on the front panel of your chassis, as shown in Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10, and Figure 11.

Figure 8 Installing a GBIC in a Cisco 7200 Input/Output Controller

Figure 9 Installing a GBIC in the Cisco 7304 Network Services Engine

1	GBIC	3	GBIC slot
2	Alignment groove	4	Plug

Figure 10 Installing a GBIC in the Cisco 7401ASR Router

1	GBIC	4	GBIC port 1
2	Alignment groove	5	Plug
3	GBIC port 0

Figure 11 Installing a GBIC in the Cisco 12000 Gigabit Ethernet Line Card

Step 5 Carefully slide the GBIC into the GBIC slot and seat it. When installed, the GBIC input/output panel should be flush with the face of the router.

Step 6 Attach the network interface fiber-optic cable, as described in the "Installing the GBIC Interface Cables" section, remove the plug from the GBIC optical bores and save the plug for future use.

This completes the procedure for installing a GBIC in horizontally-oriented systems.

Installing the GBIC Interface Cables

This section describes how to attach the interface cables to the GBIC.

Note Optical fiber cables are commercially available; they are not available from Cisco Systems.

Attaching Multimode and Single-Mode Optical Fiber Cables

Attach the appropriate optical fiber cable directly to the SC-type receptacle on the GBIC. You can use either simplex or duplex connectors for most devices. (See Figure 12.)

For simplex connectors, two cables are required, one cable for transmit (TX) and a second cable for receive (RX).
For duplex connectors, only one cable that has both TX and RX connectors is required.

Caution If you plan to use a GBIC-LX/LH at distances greater than 984.25 feet (300 meters) over 50/125-micron or 62.5/125-micron multimode fiber, to prevent data transmission problems you must use the mode-conditioning patch cord. (See the "Attaching the Mode-Conditioning Patch Cord" section.)

Figure 12 GBIC Port Connections

Attaching the Mode-Conditioning Patch Cord

Perform the following steps to attach the mode-conditioning patch cord:

Step 1 Attach the patch cord to the SC-type receptacle on the GBIC. (See Figure 2.)

Step 2 Attach the network ends of your patch cord to the appropriate 1000BASE-X equipment in your building cable plant.

Note Ensure that you connect the TX and RX ports on one end of the patch cord to the RX and TX ports (respectively) on the other end. Connect TX to RX and RX to TX.

This completes the procedure for attaching a mode-conditioning patch cord.

Obtaining Documentation

The following sections explain how to obtain documentation from Cisco Systems.

World Wide Web

You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at the following URL:

http://www.cisco.com

Translated documentation is available at the following URL:

http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml

Documentation CD-ROM

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Cisco Documentation CD-ROM package, which is shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated monthly and may be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or through an annual subscription.

Ordering Documentation

Cisco documentation is available in the following ways:

Registered Cisco.com users (Cisco direct customers) can order Cisco product documentation from the Networking Products MarketPlace:

http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/order/order_root.pl

Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM through the online Subscription Store:

http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription

Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by calling Cisco corporate headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-7208 or, elsewhere in North America, by calling 800 553-NETS (6387).

Documentation Feedback

If you are reading Cisco product documentation on Cisco.com, you can submit technical comments electronically. Click the Fax or Email option under the "Leave Feedback" at the bottom of the Cisco Documentation home page.

You can e-mail your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com.

To submit your comments by mail, use the response card behind the front cover of your document, or write to the following address:

Cisco Systems
Attn: Document Resource Connection
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883

We appreciate your comments.

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco provides Cisco.com as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from online tools by using the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Web Site. Cisco.com registered users have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC Web Site.

Cisco.com

Cisco.com is the foundation of a suite of interactive, networked services that provides immediate, open access to Cisco information, networking solutions, services, programs, and resources at any time, from anywhere in the world.

Cisco.com is a highly integrated Internet application and a powerful, easy-to-use tool that provides a broad range of features and services to help you to

Streamline business processes and improve productivity
Resolve technical issues with online support
Download and test software packages
Order Cisco learning materials and merchandise
Register for online skill assessment, training, and certification programs

You can self-register on Cisco.com to obtain customized information and service. To access Cisco.com, go to the following URL:

http://www.cisco.com

Technical Assistance Center

The Cisco TAC is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product, technology, or solution. Two types of support are available through the Cisco TAC: the Cisco TAC Web Site and the Cisco TAC Escalation Center.

Inquiries to Cisco TAC are categorized according to the urgency of the issue:

Priority level 4 (P4)—You need information or assistance concerning Cisco product capabilities, product installation, or basic product configuration.
Priority level 3 (P3)—Your network performance is degraded. Network functionality is noticeably impaired, but most business operations continue.
Priority level 2 (P2)—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects of business operations. No workaround is available.
Priority level 1 (P1)—Your production network is down, and a critical impact to business operations will occur if service is not restored quickly. No workaround is available.

Which Cisco TAC resource you choose is based on the priority of the problem and the conditions of service contracts, when applicable.

Cisco TAC Web Site

The Cisco TAC Web Site allows you to resolve P3 and P4 issues yourself, saving both cost and time. The site provides around-the-clock access to online tools, knowledge bases, and software. To access the Cisco TAC Web Site, go to the following URL:

http://www.cisco.com/tac

All customers, partners, and resellers who have a valid Cisco services contract have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC Web Site. The Cisco TAC Web Site requires a Cisco.com login ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or password, go to the following URL to register:

http://www.cisco.com/register/

If you cannot resolve your technical issues by using the Cisco TAC Web Site, and you are a Cisco.com registered, you can open a case online by using the TAC Case Open tool at the following URL:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen

If you have Internet access, it is recommended that you open P3 and P4 cases through the Cisco TAC Web Site.

Cisco TAC Escalation Center

The Cisco TAC Escalation Center addresses issues that are classified as priority level 1 or priority level 2; these classifications are assigned when severe network degradation significantly impacts business operations. When you contact the TAC Escalation Center with a P1 or P2 problem, a Cisco TAC engineer will automatically open a case.

To obtain a directory of toll-free Cisco TAC telephone numbers for your country, go to the following URL:

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml

Before calling, please check with your network operations center to determine the level of Cisco support services to which your company is entitled; for example, SMARTnet, SMARTnet Onsite, or Network Supported Accounts (NSA). In addition, please have available your service agreement number and your product serial number

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