Powering the future of cloud RAN with the Dell PowerEdge XR8720t

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Communication Service Providers (CSP) need infrastructure that delivers more value with fewer resources. They require higher performance, reliable networking, straightforward deployment, and room to grow — all without replacing existing platforms. The Dell PowerEdge XR8720t meets these needs, offering a 2U compute sled purpose-built for modern cloud RAN and edge workloads. With the PowerEdge XR8720t now shipping, CSPs can take advantage of its robust features and proven capabilities to move their edge strategies forward.

The XR8720t, designed for the PowerEdge XR8000 platform, takes a modular approach to simplify deployment, improve serviceability, and drive network transformation. Equipped with the latest Intel® Xeon® 6 SoC processor and leading, energy-efficient Ethernet options, this sled enables CSPs to consolidate workloads, boost efficiency, and reduce total ownership costs. Now available, the Intel-based PowerEdge XR8720t is ready to support teams in advancing their edge and cloud RAN initiatives.

Building on the PowerEdge XR8000 foundation

When the PowerEdge XR8000 platform launched in 2023 with the XR8620t and XR8610t sleds, it introduced a modular chassis design that stood out in the CSP edge market. The XR8000r made deployment and maintenance simpler while giving customers a flexible path for transformation.

The XR8720t builds on that foundation. It continues the XR8000 platform’s support for three CPU generations within a single chassis, giving customers a practical way to modernize over time while protecting existing infrastructure investments.

Designed around three core priorities

The XR8720t was developed with three clear goals in mind:

1. Increase processing and I/O capacity for radio access network (RAN) workloads, while providing best in class timing capabilities required for robust 5G networks.
2. Deliver more performance and scalability to help reduce total cost of ownership.
3. Support the convergence of cloud RAN workloads, including vDU and vCU, in a single server.

These priorities reflect what CSPs need at the edge today: high performance, flexible networking with highly accurate timing capabilities, and infrastructure that can handle more work in less space.

Higher performance for demanding edge workloads

The Intel® Xeon® 6 system-on-a-chip (SoC) processor is central to the XR8720t, a major step forward for CSP and enterprise edge computing. The system offers up to 72 cores, giving customers the compute density they need for demanding distributed workloads.

That extra performance matters. The Intel® Xeon® 6 SoC processor delivers feature-rich performance for networking and edge applications, including AI acceleration. It also improves efficiency and helps reduce power consumption. These factors are especially important in edge environments where space, energy use, and thermal limits are concerns.

For RAN workloads, the platform can increase capacity by up to 2.4x compared with the previous processor generation. This server can support greater workload consolidation, reduce physical footprint, and help lower both capital and operational costs.

Networking built for modern RAN requirements

Performance at the edge depends on fast, flexible, high-density networking, not just CPU capacity. The XR8720t meets this need with integrated Ethernet and expanded adapter support.

The Intel® Xeon® 6 SoC processor includes 200 Gbps of integrated Ethernet. Each sled also supports two Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter E830-XXVDA8F for OCP 3.0. These adapters have a Dual Small Form Factor design that improves chassis airflow and provides eight ports of 25GbE bandwidth per card.

Together, the integrated Ethernet and dual adapter configuration allow the XR8720t to deliver up to 24 networking ports, doubling the port count from the previous generation. This added connectivity offers greater design flexibility and a lower total cost for CSPs planning dense and scalable edge deployments.

Two sled options for different deployment needs

One of the XR8720t’s strengths is its ability to meet different workload and deployment needs. The sled is available in two versions, giving Network Equipment Vendors, Independent Software Vendors, System Integrators, and CSPs more choice when planning infrastructure.

1. Network-optimized sled

The network-optimized sled is built for high I/O capacity and strong port density right out of the box. It includes:

• 200 Gbps of integrated Ethernet on the motherboard, spread across eight 25G ports
• Two Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter E830-XXVDA8F for OCP 3.0
• Up to 400 GbE of additional connectivity from the adapters

This configuration is ideal for Cloud RAN and Open RAN DU deployments where high port counts, precise timing, and deterministic performance are essential.

2. Flexible configuration sled

The flexible configuration sled gives customers more room to tailor the system to specific requirements. It includes:

• Three PCIe slots for network adapters
• Two QSFP 100G LAN on motherboard ports

This design makes it easier to customize the networking setup for specialized workloads in mixed environments that might run RAN, user-plane functions, MEC applications, and edge AI on the same platform to support evolving deployment needs

A strong fit for cloud RAN consolidation

As cloud RAN architectures evolve, many providers want to run more workloads on fewer systems. The XR8720t is designed to support that shift. With greater core density, stronger networking, and integrated timing support, it can bring vDU and vCU workloads and multiple layers for a cell site into a single server.

That level of consolidation can deliver immediate value. Instead of using multiple servers for complex workloads, organizations can streamline deployments with a smaller hardware footprint. This can reduce capital spending, lower operating costs, improve energy efficiency, and simplify serviceability in the field.

A future-ready platform for the edge

The XR8720t extends the value of the PowerEdge XR8000 family with a practical mix of performance, scalability, and operational simplicity. It gives CSPs and enterprises a platform that can support current edge demands while preparing for what comes next.

For organizations looking to modernize cloud RAN infrastructure, the XR8720t offers a clear path forward. It combines strong compute performance, expanded networking, precision timing, and flexible configuration options in a modular design that helps teams scale with confidence.

In a complex edge landscape, that balance of power and flexibility can help organizations move faster, operate more efficiently, and get more from every deployment.