IBM 21H9846 Short Wave Fibre Channel Optical GBIC Transceiver Module

Product Description

The IBM 21H9846 is a Short Wave (SW) GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter) transceiver module, engineered for Fibre Channel (FC) communication. GBIC modules represent an earlier standard for network transceivers, commonly found in legacy Fibre Channel switches and host bus adapters (HBAs). This module utilizes short wave optics, which are optimized for high-speed data transmission over shorter distances, typically within a single data center rack or across a local area network. It is generally used with multi-mode fiber optic cabling. This transceiver module performs the essential function of converting electrical signals from the host system into optical signals for transmission over fiber optic cables and vice versa. The 'Short Wave' designation signifies its operational wavelength and suitability for shorter link lengths, providing cost-effective connectivity for local storage area network (SAN) deployments. The standard connector for GBIC modules is an SC duplex connector, ensuring a secure physical connection. As a hot-pluggable device, the 21H9846 can be inserted or removed from a compatible GBIC slot without interrupting network operations or requiring a system reboot. This feature is critical for maintaining high availability in enterprise environments. It plays a key role in connecting servers to storage devices within a data center, facilitating efficient and reliable data access.