Price List for Low-Loss Active Optical Equipment for Data Center Interconnection

Low-loss active optical devices for DCI range from under $2,000 for short-reach 400G modules to over $130,000 for long-haul coherent 800G modules, with active optical cables offering cost-effective, low-power alternatives.

Optical Transceiver Modules

• 400G QSFP-DD SR8 Modules: Short-reach in-rack or cross-row connections typically cost $1,400–$1,800 from reputable third-party vendors, providing low-latency, high-bandwidth links suitable for hyperscale data centers .
• 400G/800G DR4 and FR4 Modules: Designed for row-to-row or campus links, prices vary depending on vendor and reach, generally ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for third-party options, while OEM coherent ZR+ modules for long-haul DCI can exceed $130,000 .
• 1.6T and 800G Silicon Photonics Modules: Advanced low-power modules consume <8.5W, typically 7.5W at 800G, and are optimized for AI/ML and HPC workloads, with pricing available through verified suppliers .

Active Optical Cables (AOCs)

• Data Rates: Available from 10G up to 400G, with lengths up to 50 meters for standard deployments, and custom builds extending to 100–300 meters depending on speed .
• Cost Efficiency: AOCs are generally lower-cost and lower-power than traditional optics, ideal for switch-to-switch or switch-to-server links in hyperscale, cloud, and enterprise data centers .
• Compatibility: Fully compatible with over 80–90 OEM vendors, including Cisco, Arista, Dell, Juniper, Intel, Mellanox, and HPE, ensuring flexibility and avoiding vendor lock-in .

Key Considerations

• Form Factor: QSFP-DD, OSFP, QSFP28, and breakout AOCs are available depending on port density and network architecture .
• Reach and Media Type: Choose between SR (short-range multimode) and DR/LR/ER (long-range single-mode) based on link distance .
• Power Consumption: Low-loss active optical devices are optimized for energy efficiency, critical for large-scale deployments .
• Volume Discounts: Vendors often provide tiered pricing for bulk purchases, which can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership . For detailed pricing and product selection, suppliers like CSC Energia provide downloadable price lists for low-loss active optical modules, while guides like the QSFP-DD Price Guide 2026 offer market comparisons and TCO analysis for 400G and 800G modules .