Price list for QSFP-DD hybrid optical electrical cable for data center interconnection

QSFP-DD hybrid cables for 400G and 800G data center interconnects range from approximately $1,400 for short-reach passive cables to over $130,000 for long-haul coherent modules, depending on type, length, and vendor.

Pricing Overview

• Short-Reach Passive Copper Cables (SR8, DR4): Typically used for in-rack or cross-row connections, these cables cost $1,400–$1,800 from reputable third-party vendors, providing a cost-effective solution for 400G deployments .
• Active Optical Cables (AOCs): Suitable for short to medium distances within racks or across adjacent racks, AOCs are thinner, lighter, and improve airflow, with lengths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Prices vary based on length and vendor, generally starting around $2,000–$3,000 for 400G AOCs .
• Hybrid 2x200G or 2x100G Cables: These cables allow splitting a 400G QSFP-DD port into two 200G or 100G connections, offering flexible connectivity for servers and switches. Pricing is similar to standard AOCs for short distances, with cost efficiency for high-density deployments .
• Long-Haul Coherent Modules (ZR/ZR+): For data center interconnects over longer distances, coherent optical QSFP-DD modules can exceed $130,000, reflecting the complexity and performance of long-reach transmission .

Cable Types and Features

• Passive Copper QSFP-DD: Ideal for very short links, supports 200G, 400G, and 800G signaling, available in 1–3 meter lengths, and compatible with 25G/Lane NRZ or 50–112G/Lane PAM4 signaling .
• Active Optical Cables (AOC): Support 400G and 800G, reduce weight and improve airflow, available in lengths from 1 to 30 meters, and suitable for high-density racks .
• Hybrid Electrical/Optical Cables: Enable flexible breakout configurations (e.g., 2x200G or 4x100G), combining electrical and optical interfaces for cost-effective short-reach interconnects .

Vendor Considerations

• Cisco: Offers QSFP-DD AOCs and hybrid cables with lengths from 1 to 30 meters, supporting 400GBASE and 800GBASE standards, with FEC performed on the host platform .
• Amphenol: Provides both passive and active QSFP-DD copper and optical assemblies, supporting 200G, 400G, and 800G per cable assembly, including loopback modules for testing .
• Smartoptics: Focuses on cost-efficient 400G and 800G optical transceivers and AOCs, optimized for metro, regional, and DCI networks .
• CablesPlusUSA: Offers QSFP-DD AOCs compatible with Arista and Nvidia switches, with free shipping for short-reach active optical cables .

Summary

For data center interconnection, the choice of QSFP-DD hybrid cable depends on distance, bandwidth, and budget:

• In-rack or short cross-row: Passive copper or short AOCs ($1,400–$3,000)
• Medium distance within data center: Active optical cables (AOCs) with flexible lengths ($2,000–$5,000)
• Long-haul DCI: Coherent optical modules ($50,000–$130,000+) Selecting the right cable type and vendor ensures cost-effective deployment, high bandwidth, and compatibility with existing 400G/800G infrastructure.