Ericsson achieves first Cloud RAN call on Intel Xeon 6 powered by Dell PowerEdge servers

 Ericsson drives the evolution of Cloud RAN by leveraging Intel's cutting-edge processors and advanced server technologies from Dell. This collaboration aims to provide more flexible, scalable, and efficient solutions to meet the growing demands of the digital landscape.

The new Intel Xeon 6 SoCs offer significant performance improvements, enabling more efficient processing and throughput in Cloud RAN deployments. Additionally, the integration of Intel's Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX) and Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (Intel AVX) facilitate RAN AI capabilities, enhancing machine learning and AI processing within the network infrastructure.

The newly launched Intel Xeon 6 SoCs promise to deliver enhanced capabilities by supporting embedded AI models within Cloud RAN applications. This advancement will enable more efficient data processing and decision-making at the network's edge, optimizing performance and resource allocation. Their AI-driven capabilities are designed to seamlessly integrate with far-edge deployments, unlocking benefits such as reduced latency, enhanced network reliability, and greater scalability.

A key strategic advantage of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN software was demonstrated in this first call achievement. The highly portable Cloud RAN software was able to run on the existing commercial software stack, which included Ericsson's Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution as a reliable, system verified and pre-integrated layer for Ericsson Cloud RAN to run on, without any real modification. This rapid integration highlights the efficiency and adaptability of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN solution in multi-vendor environments.

Mårten Lerner, Head of Product Area Networks at Ericsson, says: “Achieving the first Cloud RAN call on the new Intel Xeon 6 SoC-powered servers is a testament to the high performance and innovation we can achieve through our partner ecosystem. This milestone is a steppingstone towards realizing the full potential of software and hardware disaggregation, offering the flexibility and efficiency needed for the future of telecommunications."

Cristina Rodriguez, Vice President and General Manager, Communications Solutions Group at Intel: "Intel Xeon 6 SoC redefines the standard for performance-per-watt, total cost of ownership savings, and AI acceleration for virtualized RAN. Ericsson’s achievement with Dell highlights the advance work we have done together, and Intel’s work with the broader mobile ecosystem, to ensure market readiness and support for RAN AI use cases.”

The ecosystem readiness driven by this collaboration ensures that Ericsson and its partners are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of telecommunications networks. Cloud RAN and Open RAN technologies are key enablers of programmable networks, providing the flexibility and adaptability necessary to optimize network performance and drive innovation in the modern digital landscape.

Andrew Vaz, Vice President, Product Management, Telecom Systems Business, Dell Technologies, says: "Through our collaboration with Ericsson and Intel, using Dell PowerEdge servers, we’re enabling network operators to deploy high-performing Cloud RAN solutions that achieve unprecedented scalability and efficiency. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in providing the performance and flexibility that modern networks require."

Ericsson remains dedicated to the principles of openness, interoperability, and vendor diversity in the telecommunications industry. Partnering with industry leaders like Dell and Intel fosters an environment where network components can seamlessly interact across multi-vendor platforms, promoting a dynamic and competitive ecosystem.