Multiple server open vRAN sites can be consolidated into a single server footprint thanks to the Intel Xeon 6 SoC.
The continuous telecom transition to software-based RAN designs that are scalable, adaptable, and open is reflected in the constant advancement of open RAN. This year, there have been some significant developments and unmistakable progress made by the sector. Among other things to earlier this year that it will construct Canada’s first 5G virtualized RAN, Open RAN network, which it is currently working on, and Vodafone started rolling out commercial Open RAN in Romania.
For almost ten years, Intel has been steadfastly dedicated to the telecom business. Intel has worked closely with operators to promote virtualization in the 5G network core and, more recently, in radio access networks by using the finest cloud technologies for telecommunications and partnering with other companies. It have long understood that operators want cost-effective, high-performing goods that enable them to achieve their long-term objectives in order to succeed.
Intel vRAN Boost
The key to satisfying operators’ demands for cost-of-ownership and network performance is silicon innovation. Since going on sale earlier this year, AT&T, Telus, Verizon, Vodafone, and other tier-1 operators have committed to deploying 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors with Intel vRAN Boost, the only vRAN processor in the industry with fully integrated acceleration.
The Intel Xeon 6 SoC, formerly known as Granite Rapids D, will build on this achievement by providing significant improvements in performance and power efficiency. These processors, which will be on the market in 2025, have more than twice as many cores as currently available 4th Gen Xeon processor and include architectural improvements that boost Intel vRAN capacity.
Performance, security, and management are improved by its integrated Intel Ethernet and Intel vRAN Boost acceleration. In 2025, Intel will also introduce a new line of Ethernet E830 Controllers and Network Adapters with features including Precision Time Management (PTM), a maximum data bandwidth of 200 Gbps, and other accurate time synchronization features. When combined with the integrated Intel Ethernet, this new series of Ethernet Controllers and Network Adapters will provide the adaptability required to meet different vRAN connection needs globally.
Most site setups that need two or more servers may now operate on a single vRAN server thanks to the Intel Xeon 6 SoC’s improved design and capacity increase, which will enable network operators drastically decrease their server footprint. When compared to earlier systems that often needed numerous servers per location, this consolidation may drastically reduce the deployment capital expenditure. This advantage is further enhanced by increased performance-per-watt, which lowers continuing operational expenses via energy savings.
AI will also be crucial in helping operators achieve their ambitious energy efficiency targets and RAN business objectives. AI can improve RAN efficiency, lower power consumption, and create new income streams by allowing intelligent network optimization, predictive maintenance, and resource allocation. Intel made it simpler for operators to start integrating AI in RAN earlier this year by providing the Intel vRAN AI Development Kit in early availability. Everyone recently showcased Intel AI models combined with Mavenir’s commercial Open RAN software as a further step toward making AI ubiquitous in RAN.
This most recent CPU is designed to do AI in RAN settings. With Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) and Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX), the Intel Xeon 6 SoC offers potent integrated AI acceleration. An improvement in deep learning inference and training performance is made possible by Intel AMX’s capacity to store more data in each core and calculate bigger matrices in a single operation. By processing AI inference workloads without the need for extra hardware, this CPU-based acceleration may reduce latency and maximize power and resource efficiency savings.
With all these characteristics, Intel Xeon 6 SoCs will raise the bar for advanced AI capabilities, compact architecture, and Intel vRAN performance-per-watt. To secure operators’ long-term success, Intel provides a multi-generation roadmap of CPU, Ethernet, and software technologies. In the next months, there will be a lot more to say about Intel Xeon 6 SoCs and the rest of the portfolio.
