Dell unveils rugged outdoor server for Cloud RAN, edge AI

Dell has launched the PowerEdge XR9700, a rugged, fully enclosed server designed for outdoor deployment at the network edge. It is positioned as an x86 platform for Cloud RAN processing and edge AI workloads in locations where data centre infrastructure is impractical.

The system uses closed-loop liquid cooling inside an IP66-rated enclosure. Dell says it is suited to installations on utility poles, rooftops and building exteriors, targeting dense urban sites, remote areas, and facilities with limited space and power.

Outdoor compute

Telecom operators are increasingly pushing compute closer to radio sites and end users. Cloud RAN and Open RAN models shift more processing into software running on general-purpose hardware. This can improve flexibility, but it also creates deployment challenges when space is limited or equipment must operate in exposed conditions.

Dell says the XR9700 is designed to fill that gap with a "zero-footprint" form factor for outdoor mounting. Its sealed enclosure is intended to protect against dust and water ingress, and to support sites that cannot accommodate a cabinet or shelter.

Rugged design

The PowerEdge XR9700 is designed to operate from -40°C to 46°C and to withstand direct solar radiation. With a 15-litre form factor, it sits among compact edge systems built for constrained installations.

The platform also carries GR-3108 Class 4 certification, a standard for network equipment used in outside plant environments, including exposure to temperature extremes, moisture and mechanical stress.

Liquid cooling is uncommon in outdoor telco edge deployments, where air cooling and passive thermal designs are more typical. Dell describes the XR9700 as "closed-loop" and "fully enclosed", suggesting a design aimed at minimal maintenance and reduced exposure to contaminants.

Intel platform

The server is based on the Intel Xeon 6 system-on-chip and includes Intel vRAN Boost and Intel AMX, aimed at accelerating virtualised RAN workloads and AI processing.

In Cloud RAN deployments, capacity and connectivity determine whether a platform can serve as an edge node at cell sites. Dell says the XR9700 supports up to 15 5G sectors in a single server and can also be used for non-telecom edge applications, depending on the network architecture and service requirements.

The XR9700 is part of Dell's PowerEdge XR-series and integrates with existing management tools and software. It includes Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller for remote management and zero-touch provisioning.

Dell also highlights compatibility with Cloud RAN software previously validated on its PowerEdge XR8720t, saying this reduces certification effort for telecom deployments and makes it easier to deploy common software across different hardware footprints.

Operator interest

Rakuten Mobile is listed as a launch customer and plans to deploy the platform across its nationwide mobile network in Japan.

Outdoor edge servers could appeal to operators looking to add processing capacity closer to radio units without building new shelters. They also align with broader efforts to modernise RAN infrastructure and increase software control over network functions.

RAN vendors have also promoted distributed compute for AI-related edge use cases, including analytics, network optimisation and local processing of data generated by connected devices. However, deploying hardware outside traditional facilities brings trade-offs, including servicing, power access and physical security.

Andrew Vaz, Vice President, Dell Technologies, said: "Operators and enterprises shouldn't have to compromise when deploying compute in challenging environments. The Dell PowerEdge XR9700 brings Cloud RAN, Open RAN, and edge AI capabilities to places they've never been able to go before, opening up new possibilities for network expansion and edge applications."

Cristina Rodriguez, VP and General Manager, Intel Network & Edge, said: "Intel Xeon 6 SoC processors are built to deliver market-leading performance with breakthrough power- and space-efficiency. Through long-standing collaboration with Dell - including the newest PowerEdge servers - together, we're empowering operators and enterprise alike to access the power of open, virtualised and AI-driven innovations for their most challenging environments. This represents a significant step forward in making 5G and edge computing truly ubiquitous."

Ji-Yun Seol, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Strategy, Networks Business, Samsung Electronics, said: "Samsung is committed to accelerating the shift toward AI-native, end-to-end software-driven networks, and we continue to work closely with our ecosystem partners to deliver virtualised solutions optimised for diverse deployment requirements. Dell PowerEdge XR9700 offers a promising pathway to further expand our vRAN to challenging edge environments, while enhancing operational efficiency."

"The relationship with Dell Technologies is key for Rakuten Mobile's virtualised Open RAN cloud-native infrastructure in Japan. Their new server solution will significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of our high-performance Cloud RAN and AI capabilities, particularly in challenging outdoor environments, ensuring superior 5G services and advanced edge applications for our nationwide network," said Sudhakar Pandney, Head of RAN, Rakuten Mobile.