The single-mode fiber GBIC module supports transmission distances up to 80km, while the multimode fiber GBIC module has a maximum transmission distance of 550m. GBIC modules are compatible with optical cabling and connectors, including LC, SC, and ST. They cost less and are easier to set up. Think about distance, speed, fiber you have. Yes, single mode optics are much more expensive than multi-mode optics. When used over legacy multimode fiber type, the transmitter should be coupled through a mode conditioning. GBIC stands for Gigabit Interface Converter, a standard transceiver module used to connect Gigabit Ethernet ports to fiber-optic networks. Key characteristics include: Speed: 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, or higher.