Wholesale prices for QSFP28 modules in 2026 range from $35 for standard third-party SR4 modules to $300+ for Intel Silicon Photonics co-packaged variants.

Standard QSFP28 Modules

For conventional QSFP28 modules, pricing varies widely depending on type, reach, and vendor:

• Short-reach (SR4) modules: Can cost as low as $35 per module, offering 100G connectivity at approximately $0.35 per Gbps .
• Long-reach (LR4) and CWDM4 modules: Third-party alternatives typically range from $280 per module, compared to OEM prices that can exceed $780 per module .
• Factors affecting price: Optical performance, vendor branding, EEPROM coding, warranty, and platform support. Third-party modules often meet the same specifications as OEM modules but at a fraction of the cost .

Co-Packaged Photonics QSFP28

Intel's Silicon Photonics QSFP28 modules, which integrate photonics with silicon for high-speed optical connectivity, are priced higher due to advanced technology:

• Current wholesale pricing examples:
  • $61.89 to $299.99 per module depending on configuration and volume .
  • These modules support 100–1600 Gbps over several kilometers of fiber, suitable for large-scale data center deployments .
• Advantages: Co-packaged photonics reduces power consumption, increases bandwidth density, and enables scaling for future high-performance networks .

Procurement Considerations

• Volume discounts: Bulk purchases can significantly reduce per-unit cost, especially for third-party modules.
• Compatibility: Ensure modules are compatible with your switch platform and meet required optical standards (e.g., 100GBASE-SR4, LR4, CWDM4).
• Testing and qualification: Even third-party modules should be validated for performance, thermal behavior, and EEPROM coding before large-scale deployment . In summary, wholesale QSFP28 pricing ranges from $35 for standard third-party SR4 modules to $300+ for Intel co-packaged photonics modules, with the exact cost depending on reach, vendor, and volume. Co-packaged photonics modules command a premium due to their advanced integration and higher performance capabilities.