New Servers for Computing at the Edge

Dell PowerEdge XR servers cover a range of computing requirements — outside the data center.

It’s that time of the year, when technology takes a giant leap forward through new and improved capabilities that enhance your experience—and outcomes. Over the last several months, Dell Technologies has been announcing the launch of its next-gen server portfolio. And, of those products mentioned recently, we have three new Intel-powered servers that are edge-focused and telecom-ready.

While we kicked off the start of this year with the release of the edge-optimized Dell PowerEdge XR4000 server, we’re continuing that momentum with the launch of the new PowerEdge XR5610 server, XR7620 server and XR8000 server, all powered by 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors. The addition of these servers to the existing XR lineup puts Dell Technologies in a solid position to meet a wider, and expanding, range of edge workload requirements — from near core to far edge – including enhanced built-in AI capabilities for edge workloads with all-new Intel® Advanced Matrix Extensions (Intel® AMX).Graphic depicting the new additions to Dell PowerEdge XR server portfolio, listing multiple industries they can benefit.

Built Exclusively for Edge

Servers in the XR series are purpose-built from the ground up with the edge in mind. As such, we’ve taken size and design constraints into consideration, adding ruggedized components and shorter-depth servers that fit into cabinets or MECs at the base of cell towers. These servers are designed to withstand bumps and bruises, vibration and shocks, dust and dirt, harsh weather and extreme temperatures.

They power workloads close to the core, at the very edge and everywhere in between. And while these servers address a variety of industries and edge use cases, innovative design enhancements on these newer servers meet key telecom industry requirements.

New Products to Serve your Needs

PowerEdge XR5610 and the XR8000 models are built to meet the challenges of today’s edge and O-RAN deployment environments. Both servers are vRAN- and cloud RAN-optimized. The single-socket, 1U PowerEdge XR5610 monolithic server is a short-depth server designed for telecom, defense and enterprise edge use cases. It’s ruggedized with a hyper-tolerance to dusty environments, extreme temperatures and humidity. It’s also MIL-STD-810H– and NEBS Level 3–certified.

Likewise, the PowerEdge XR8000 server is sled-based and optimized for total cost of ownership and performance in O-RAN applications. The uber-dense XR8000 offers extended tolerance to heat and cold. And it comes in a 1U and 2U single-socket sled form factor that’s easy to scale and upgrade.

The PowerEdge XR7620 server, in turn, has powerful edge acceleration capabilities that make it ideal for use at the industrial edge or in select telecom use cases. Put it in the equipment closet on the factory floor or anywhere near the end user. This 2U dual-socket workhorse, with integrated networking and enhanced storage, is perfect for situations where data must be collected and rapidly analyzed at the edge.

Key Enhancements

With this launch, we build on the previous – and proven – XR portfolio. These next-gen ruggedized servers deliver key innovations in terms of design, improved energy efficiency, infrastructure consolidation and so much more. Specific improvements include:

    • Enhanced ruggedized design meets NEBS Level 3 and GR-3108 Class 1 certification.
    • Inclusion of dry inputs are custom to edge and remote deployments. Easily hook in moisture sensors, remote door alarms, intrusion detection, etc. as you would with traditional purpose-built servers for telecom.
    • Cooling and heating design innovations enable more energy efficient, power-saving operation.
    • Support for a variety of accelerators and NICS allows you to create unique edge solutions.
    • All front-facing maintenance significantly simplifies maintenance at the edge. Gone are the days taking the server offline to access the back side for maintenance.
    • Sled and chassis design (on the PowerEdge XR8000) is a format that many telecom companies are accustomed to using. The sled design enables familiar maintenance procedures and provides support for generational upgrades.

Let’s Not Forget

In addition to getting ruggedized features in servers designed specifically for the edge, it’s important to remember these servers are PowerEdge at their core. They include features and benefits that are common to all PowerEdge servers and that are the reason Dell Technologies is the leading server vendor. Simplify your experience with advanced automation and management tools like iDRAC, OpenManage Enterprise and Cloud IQ. Gain peace of mind with powerful security that is built into and layered on all PowerEdge servers. And get the assistance you need with support services that optimize uptime while providing the backup you demand.

The PowerEdge Advantage

Don’t take our word for it. Check out the new servers in our XR portfolio and discover for yourself just what you can do with powerful technology positioned at the edge. Contact us today to discover the right PowerEdge solution with Intel processing for your industry and your needs – no matter where on the edge spectrum your workloads reside.

Visit our website to learn more.

Deania Davidson

About the Author: Deania Davidson

Deania Davidson is Director of Product Planning and Management for Dell’s AI-optimized compute portfolio. She has been in the tech industry for 20 years, with experience in engineering, business development and portfolio planning and development. She received her BSEE from Rice University and lives in Round Rock, TX with her family.