Price list for best-selling optical transceiver modules for data center interconnection

400G SR8 modules start around $1,400–$1,800, while high-end coherent ZR+ modules can exceed $130,000, with third-party alternatives offering significant savings.

Pricing Overview

400G Modules:

• SR8 (Short Reach, in-rack/cross-row): $1,400–$1,800 from reputable third-party vendors; OEM pricing may be slightly higher .
• DR4/FR4 (Medium Reach, between rows or campus links): Prices are competitive in the third-party market, generally lower than OEM equivalents due to market compression .
• LR4 (Long Reach, DCI): OEM modules can exceed $10,000; third-party alternatives may offer substantial savings while maintaining equivalent performance .
• ZR/ZR+ (Ultra Long Reach, coherent optics for DCI): OEM pricing can reach $130,000–$135,000 per module; validated third-party modules are available around $12,000, offering identical optical performance . 800G Modules:
• OSFP 800G transceivers are available for high-speed DCI, with pricing influenced by DSP complexity, thermal management, and switch compatibility . Exact prices vary by vendor and module type, but third-party options are increasingly cost-effective compared to OEMs. Other Considerations:
• Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables: Extremely cost-effective for short in-rack connections (<3 meters), often under $120 per cable, compared to $1,400 for equivalent SR8 optical modules .
• Active Optical Cables (AOCs): Premium pricing for extended intra-row reach, typically higher than DACs but lower than long-reach optical modules .

Market Insights

• OEM vs Third-Party: Third-party modules often use the same lasers, photodiodes, and DSPs as OEMs, providing identical performance at a fraction of the cost .
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Beyond unit price, consider thermal management, DSP power draw, and switch ASIC limitations, as these factors can significantly impact operational costs in high-density deployments .
• Future Trends: Silicon Photonics (SiPh) is expected to reduce unit costs for 800G and higher-speed modules, but facility cooling and power constraints remain critical for DCI planning .

Where to Purchase

• NADDOD: Offers 100G, 400G QSFP-DD, and 800G OSFP transceivers for DCI applications .
• DigiKey: Provides a wide selection of fiber optic transceiver modules with real-time pricing and same-day shipping .
• Unitekfiber: Supplies MSA-compliant modules including 400G QSFP-DD, engineered for low latency and high reliability in data centers .

Summary

For new optical transceivers in DCI applications, expect:

• Short-reach 400G SR8: $1,400–$1,800
• Medium-reach DR4/FR4: Competitive third-party pricing
• Long-reach LR4: $10,000+ OEM, lower for third-party
• Ultra long-reach ZR/ZR+: $130,000 OEM, ~$12,000 third-party
• 800G OSFP: Vendor-dependent, influenced by DSP and thermal requirements Selecting modules should balance reach requirements, performance, and TCO, with third-party options offering substantial cost savings without compromising quality.