QSFP module prices vary widely by type, reach, and vendor, ranging from under $2,000 for short-reach 400G modules to over $130,000 for long-haul coherent ZR+ modules, with third-party alternatives offering significant savings.

400G QSFP-DD Modules

• SR8 (Short-Reach, in-rack/cross-row): $1,400–$1,800 from reputable third-party vendors; OEM prices may be slightly higher .
• DR4/FR4 (Medium-Reach, between rows or campus links): Competitive third-party pricing due to market commoditization; exact prices vary but generally lower than OEM .
• LR4 (Long-Reach): OEM modules can exceed $10,000; third-party alternatives may offer substantial savings .
• ZR/ZR+ (Coherent, long-haul DCI): OEM modules can cost over $130,000; third-party options can reduce costs dramatically while maintaining compatibility .

800G QSFP-DD Modules

• Pricing is still stabilizing; buyers can expect 60–70% of OEM list prices for proven third-party modules .
• OEM modules are often preferred for critical workloads due to DOM integration and firmware compatibility, but third-party options are increasingly reliable and cost-effective .

100G QSFP28 Modules

• SR4 (Short-Reach): Third-party modules can be as low as $35 per module, delivering 100G connectivity at $0.35 per Gbps .
• LR4 (10 km single-mode): OEM modules may cost $2,200 each, while third-party alternatives are available around $280 per module .
• CWDM4, FR1, LR1: Mature optics with multiple suppliers; third-party pricing is highly competitive, often matching OEM performance at a fraction of the cost .

Key Pricing Considerations

• OEM vs Third-Party: OEM modules guarantee full vendor support; third-party modules are often MSA-compliant and tested for compatibility, offering significant cost savings .
• Volume Discounts: Many vendors provide tiered pricing, which can reduce per-unit costs for large deployments .
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Consider not only module price but also cabling (DAC for short distances, AOC for longer intra-row links), spares, and operational support .
• Factors Affecting Cost: Engineering development, BOM, production, overhead, and profit margins influence final pricing; high-volume purchases and strategic vendor relationships can lower costs .

Practical Guidance

• For in-rack or short-distance DCI, SR8 or SR4 modules from third-party vendors provide the best cost efficiency.
• For medium-distance links, DR4/FR4 or CWDM4 modules balance performance and price.
• For long-haul DCI, carefully evaluate ZR/ZR+ modules; third-party options can reduce costs but require validation for compatibility.
• Always test third-party modules on your specific switch platforms to ensure reliability before large-scale deployment . This pricing overview provides a practical benchmark for planning QSFP optical module procurement in modern data center interconnect scenarios.