Proprietary GBIC??

[Naterr]

My company has purchased two of these MOXA Industrial Swtiches and I am not super familiar with fiber connections and gbic connectors. I went through several troubleshooting tactics, but I am not getting a fiber connection. I am told by Moxa that I have to purchase THEIR gbic connectors (LC male). Has anyone ran into this?

[BobVonBob]

The GBIC standard is non-proprietary, but I also wouldn't be surprised if a company broke the standard to make it proprietary. However, given the response you got from their support I expect that they won't work with you unless you cough up the money for their connectors.

[Naterr]

14 hours ago, BobVonBob said:

The GBIC standard is non-proprietary, but I also wouldn't be surprised if a company broke the standard to make it proprietary. However, given the response you got from their support I expect that they won't work with you unless you cough up the money for their connectors.

We already have several FS gbic's. Roughly $18-30/e. A third party vendor for Moxa is asking $335/e!!!

After talking it over with my coworker, we are going with the "industrial" media converter instead.

[Naterr]

Just now, Naterr said:

We already have several FS gbic's. Roughly $18-30/e. A third party vendor for Moxa is asking $335/e!!!

After talking it over with my coworker, we are going with the "industrial" media converter instead.

Forgot to mention that the switch we are working with, the devices connected to it do not require much, only to refresh the status of there equipment. So, hardly any bandwidth needed, really.

[BloodKnight7]

Some switches have hidden commands to "support"/enable third party SFPs/DAC cables.

 

I would research in that, also I don't know if you have tried but maybe order a DAC cable from FS. Or can them to tell you what would work best in your case, their support in my experience is amazing.

[asquirrel]

@naterr GBIC is standard in and only insofar as the physical dimension. The communication protocol used by each GBIC is up to the relevant driver to understand. Standard OS drivers will work with standard GBICs. Custom drivers will be needed with custom GBICs. "How do I know?" You have to plug it in and see if it works. "What can I do if it doesn't?" You have two options:

1. Write your own driver
2. Use a different GBIC

It sucks, but this is how most companies make money with GBIC hardware. They sell the switch cheap, and shaft you on the GBICs. This is 100% normal industry practice. I said normal, not ethical.

[Naterr]

I spoke with FS about this, and they offer gbic's custom to the brand, which Moxa is one. I am going to try them.