Finisar Debuts 1000Base-T GBIC

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Finisar Corporation, a technology leader in gigabit fiber optic solutions for high-speed data and telecommunication networks, announced general availability of the first 1000BASE-T GBIC with auto-negotiation capability. The FCM-8521-3 features a standard RJ-45 receptacle for the client interface, and a GBIC MSA compliant connector and pin-out for the host interface. The module has excellent EMI performance and typically dissipates 1.5W of power. A transmission distance of 100 meters is guaranteed over the entire operating temperature and voltage range using standard Cat5 cable. When Finisar introduced the FCM-8519-3 in 2001, they were first to market with a 1000BASE-T GBIC. In early 2003, Finisar released the FCM-8520-3, a replacement for the FCM-8519-3, with greatly reduced power consumption and improved diagnostic and control functions. The FCM-8521-3 shares all the advantages of the FCM-8520-3 and also features 1000BASE-X auto-negotiation capability, making this module fiber-port compliant. This allows the users of Gigabit Ethernet switches the flexibility of installing either a standard optical GBIC with multi-mode or single-mode fiber, or a 1000BASE-T GBIC with copper cabling (Cat5 cable with RJ-45 connectors) in the same port with no software or hardware changes. "The addition of these advanced, copper-based GBICs further strengthens Finisar's position in offering the broadest range of Gigabit Ethernet transceiver products on the market," said Todd Swanson, Senior Director of Marketing at Finisar. "In the near future, Finisar plans to expand its line of 1000BASE-T transceivers by introducing an SFP product with the same features as the FCM-8521-3," he added. Finisar Corp.