[rescue] Re: 1000base-T GBIC

[Gavin Hubbard]

Shawn said:

"Hmm, the GBIC's I have worked in both my Sun A5000 Fiber Channel Array 
and my Extreme Black Diamond 6808."


The problem is that GBICs are designed to send an ID string to the switch 
and some vendors design their equipment to deactivate the port if a 'non 
genuine' part is found. The explanation from the vendors is that they're 
trying to ensure a high level of compatibility that you might not get if you 
mix & match your GBICs.

On most equipment, the port is reactivated when you remove the GBIC but 
on some items the GBIC port is disabled until a repair technician comes out! 

The crazy thing is that almost all GBICs are made by a small handful of OEMs 
these days. IIRC the Sun 1Gb GBICs are IBM parts.

Regards,

Gavin