Price list for SFP active optical equipment for data center interconnection

SFP and SFP+ active optical components for data center interconnects range from $5 for basic 1G modules to over $900 for high-end 25G–100G OEM transceivers, with active optical cables offering cost-efficient alternatives for short-reach links.

Typical Price Ranges by Speed and Type

• 1G SFP Modules: Generic or compatible modules typically cost $5–$25, while OEM-branded or industrial-grade units can reach $60–$120 per unit, depending on vendor and specifications .
• 10G SFP+ Modules: Compatible short-reach SR modules are often priced in the tens of dollars, whereas OEM long-reach LR or ER modules can cost $100–$300+ .
• 25G SFP28 Modules: Low-cost compatible SR modules may be under $30, while branded single-mode or specialized parts can range from $200–$900 .
• 40G QSFP+ Modules: Compatible SR4 modules are available for $40–$150, with LR4 or WDM-certified modules priced $300–$1,000+ .
• 100G QSFP28 Modules: Short-reach MMF modules are relatively affordable, but single-lambda DR/FR/DR4 or coherent DWDM units carry higher premiums, often exceeding $1,000 .

Active Optical Cables (AOCs)

Active optical cables provide a cost-effective, power-efficient alternative to discrete transceivers and patch cords, especially for short-reach data center interconnects. Popular configurations include:

• 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+
• 100G QSFP28 to 4x25G SFP28 AOCs are favored for lower power consumption, reduced bulk, and high-density rack deployments, with prices generally competitive compared to equivalent discrete SFP+ or SFP28 modules .

OEM vs Third-Party Modules

• OEM Modules: Manufactured by original suppliers and branded by vendors like Cisco, Arista, or Juniper. They are fully tested and certified for vendor ecosystems, often commanding higher prices .
• Third-Party Compatible Modules: Produced to MSA standards, offering significant cost savings while maintaining interoperability. Price reductions can range from 30% to over 90% compared to OEM units .

Regional Considerations

Pricing can vary by region. For example, Germany offers competitive pricing and high-quality SFP modules, with multiple suppliers providing fast shipping and local support . Asia-Pacific, particularly China, is a major manufacturing hub for AOCs and compatible SFP modules, influencing global pricing trends .

Summary

When planning data center interconnects, consider:

1. Speed and reach requirements (1G–100G, SR/LR/ER)
2. Form factor (SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP28)
3. OEM vs compatible modules for cost optimization
4. Active optical cables for short-reach, high-density deployments
5. Regional sourcing for price and delivery advantages By balancing these factors, data center operators can optimize both performance and procurement costs.