QSFP-DD module prices range from around $1,400 for short-reach 400G SR8 modules to over $130,000 for long-haul coherent ZR+ modules, depending on type, distance, and vendor.

Price Ranges by Module Type

• SR8 (Short-Reach, in-rack connections): Typically $1,400–$1,800 from reputable third-party vendors, making them the most cost-effective option for standard 400G data center deployments .
• DR4 and FR4 (Data center row and campus links): Prices are higher than SR8 but remain competitive due to a robust third-party market, with significant price compression over recent years .
• LR4 (Long-Reach, 10 km): OEM modules can exceed $10,000, reflecting the higher cost of long-distance optical transmission .
• ZR and ZR+ (Ultra-long-haul, coherent DCI): Prices can reach $130,000 or more for OEM modules, particularly for 400G coherent ZR+ transceivers .

Factors Affecting Pricing

1. Vendor Type: OEM modules are generally more expensive than third-party equivalents, sometimes by a factor of 10 or more .
2. Transmission Distance: Longer-reach modules (LR4, ZR, ZR+) cost significantly more due to advanced optics and coherent technology .
3. Volume Discounts: Many vendors offer tiered pricing for bulk purchases, which can substantially reduce the per-unit cost .
4. Module Type and Features: Active Optical Cables (AOCs) and modules with advanced Digital Coherent Optics (DCO) or encryption features may carry additional costs .

Purchasing Considerations

• Short-reach SR8 modules are ideal for in-rack or cross-row connectivity and are the most economical entry point for 400G adoption.
• Longer-reach modules like LR4, ZR, and ZR+ are necessary for data center interconnects or campus links but require careful budgeting due to high costs.
• Third-party vendors can provide cost-effective alternatives without compromising performance for many standard deployments . In summary, QSFP-DD module pricing is highly variable, ranging from a few thousand dollars for short-reach modules to over $100,000 for ultra-long-haul coherent modules, with vendor choice, module type, and transmission distance being the primary cost drivers.