Price of QSFP 100G Optical Module

100G QSFP28 optical modules typically range from $35 for short-reach SR4 modules to several hundred dollars for long-reach LR4, ER4, or ZR4 modules, depending on vendor and specifications.

Typical Pricing

• Short-reach (SR4) modules: Around $35 per module, which equates to approximately $0.35 per Gbps .
• Long-reach (LR4) modules: OEM versions can cost significantly more, often several times the price of compatible third-party modules, due to branding, support, and platform coding .
• Extended reach (ER4/ZR4) modules: Prices can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on fiber type, distance, and vendor .

Factors Affecting Cost

1. Engineering and Development: Costs include design verification, reliability testing, and qualification tests such as temperature cycling, moisture resistance, and shock testing .
2. Bill of Materials (BOM): Chipsets, optical components, mechanical casing, and other materials contribute significantly to the module cost .
3. Production and Manufacturing: Labor, equipment, assembly, and testing impact pricing, with high yield rates helping reduce costs .
4. Overhead and Business Strategy: Marketing, administration, profit margins, and volume discounts influence final pricing. Companies may offer lower prices to expand market share or meet quarterly targets .
5. Vendor Type: OEM modules often cost more than third-party compatible modules, even if specifications are identical, due to firmware, thermal performance, and support differences .

Cost Efficiency

QSFP28 modules provide lower cost per Gbps compared to lower-speed modules like SFP+ (10G), making them a cost-effective choice for high-bandwidth applications .

Purchasing Options

Modules are available from multiple vendors, including Cisco, FS, and QSFPTEK, with options covering 100GBASE-SR4, LR4, ER4, and ZR4, supporting distances from 100 meters to 80 kilometers . In summary, the cost of a 100G QSFP optical module depends on reach, vendor, and module type, with SR4 modules being the most affordable and long-reach modules commanding higher prices due to engineering, materials, and brand factors.