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Product Numbers: WS-G5484(=), WS-G5486(=), WS-G5487(=)
This installation note provides the technical specifications and installation instructions for the Gigabit Ethernet Converters (GBICs) that you install in Catalyst 4000, Catalyst 5000, and Catalyst 6000 family Gigabit Ethernet ports that accept GBICs.
This installation note contains these sections:
The GBIC is a hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet port, linking the port with the fiber-optic network. A GBIC is shown in Figure 1.

Table 1 is a list of the available GBICs.
| GBIC | Product Number |
|---|---|
Short wavelength (1000BaseSX) | WS-G5484 |
Long wavelength/long haul (1000BaseLX/LH) | WS-G5486 |
Extended distance (1000BaseZX) | WS-G5487 |
The WS-G5484, 1000BaseSX operates on ordinary multi-mode fiber optic link spans of up to 550 m in length (See Table 4).
The WS-G5486, 1000BaseLX/LH interfaces fully comply with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BaseLX standard. However, their higher optical quality allows them to reach 10 km over single-mode fiber (SMF) versus the 5 km specified in the standard.
The WS-G5487, 1000BaseZX operates on ordinary single mode fiber optic link spans of up to 70 km in length. Link spans of up to 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 per unit length, and less dispersion).
The WS-G5487 must be coupled to single mode fiber optic cable, which is the type of cable typically used in long haul telecommunications applications. The WS-G5487 will not operate correctly when coupled to multi-mode fiber, and it is not intended to be used in application environments (e.g. building backbones, horizontal cabling) where multi-mode fiber is frequently used.
The WS-G5487 is intended to be used as a Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) component for Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, as found on various switch and router products. It will operate at a signaling rate of 1250 MBaud, transmitting and receiving 8B/10B encoded data.
When shorter distances 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:
| Platform | Maximum number of 1000BASE-ZX GBICs |
|---|---|
Catalyst 4000 family | 12 to comply with EN55022 Class B and FCC Class A. |
Catalyst 5000 family | 12 to comply with FCC Class A. |
Catalyst 6000 family | 12 to comply with EN55022 Class B. 24 to comply with FCC Class A. |
This section describes the warning symbol used in this document and GBIC handling recommendations.
![]() | Warning This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents. To see translations of the warnings that appear in this publication, refer to the appendix "Translated Safety Warnings" in the Catalyst 4000 or 5000 Series Installation Guide. |
GBIC specifications are listed in Table 3.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 0.39 x 1.18 x 2.56 inches |
Connectors | Multimode fiber-optic: SC |
Wavelength | SX: 850 nm |
Cabling Distance | SX: 1804 feet (550 m) |
Table 4 provides cabling specifications for the GBICs that you install in the Gigabit Ethernet port. Note that all GBIC ports have SC-type connectors, and the minimum cable distance for all GBICs listed (multimode fiber [MMF] and SMF) is 6.5 feet (2 m).
| GBIC | Wavelength (nm) | Fiber Type | Core Size (micron) | Modal Bandwidth (MHz/km) | Cable Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WS-G5484SX1 | 850 | MMF | 62.5 | 160 | 722 ft (220 m) |
WS-G5486LX/LH | 1300 | MMF2 | 62.5 | 500 | 1804 ft (550 m) |
WS-G5487ZX | 1550 | SMF | Not Conditional | N/A | 70 to 100 km |
GBIC handling guidelines follow:
Gigabit Ethernet switching modules can be shipped with or without GBICs installed.
Perform the following steps to install a GBIC.
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 (see the "GBIC Description" section).
Step 3 Grip the sides of the GBIC with your thumb and forefinger and insert the GBIC into the slot on the front panel of the Gigabit Ethernet switching module, as shown in Figure 2.

Step 4 Slide the GBIC through the flap covering the opening into the slot until you hear a click. The click indicates the GBIC is locked into the slot.
![]() | Warning
Class 1 laser product |
![]() | Warning Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from the aperture ports of the single-mode fiber-optic modules when no cable is connected. Avoid exposure and do not stare into open apertures. |
Step 5 When you are ready to attach the network interface fiber-optic cable, remove the plug from the GBIC and save the plug for future use.
If you are removing a defective GBIC, perform these 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 Gigabit Ethernet module slot. A flap drops down to protect the Gigabit Ethernet module connector.
![]() | Warning Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and regulations. |
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:
Modifications to this product not authorized by Cisco Systems could void the FCC approval and negate your authority to operate the product.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class 1 laser for IEC825, EN60825, and 21CFR1040 specifications.
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Posted: Fri Sep 8 08:43:15 PDT 2000
Copyright 1989-2000©Cisco Systems Inc.