The core acquisition cost of 800G optical modules ranges from approximately $700 to $1,900 per unit, depending on form factor, technology, and vendor.

Price Ranges by Module Type

• 800G OSFP-DR8: $1,100–$1,400 per module for volume orders of 1,000+ units, representing the standard short-reach option for AI and data center deployments (third-party vendors often offer 60–70% of OEM list prices) .
• 800G QSFP-DD-DR8: $1,000–$1,300 per module for large-volume purchases, suitable for intra-rack or short inter-rack links .
• 800G OSFP-FR4: $1,500–$1,900 per module, designed for longer reach and more complex optics .
• 800G LPO (Linear Pluggable Optics): $700–$900 per module, lower cost due to absence of DSP and reduced power consumption .

Factors Affecting Cost

• Vendor Tier: OEM modules (Cisco, Arista) command a 30–50% premium over third-party compatible modules .
• Volume Discounts: Orders >1,000 units may receive 10–20% discounts; orders >5,000 units can achieve 20–30% off .
• Technology Choice: Silicon Photonics (SiPh) modules are increasingly cost-effective compared to traditional EML designs, especially for DR8 short-reach links, due to integrated modulators and lower power consumption .
• Power and Cooling: Module power ranges from 8–20W depending on type; higher power modules increase operational costs and may require additional cooling infrastructure .
• Market Maturity: Early-generation 800G modules can cost 40–60% more than mature products, and supply constraints can temporarily raise prices 20–40% .

Summary

For procurement planning, expect a baseline core cost of $700–$1,900 per 800G module, with the lower end representing LPO or third-party DR8 modules and the higher end representing FR4 or OEM modules. Volume, technology, and deployment requirements significantly influence the final price, and operational costs such as power and cooling should also be considered in total cost of ownership calculations .