Intel’s Xeon 6 “Granite Rapids” CPUs Drive Massive Telecom Adoption with Integrated AI and RAN Innovations
Intel’s latest Xeon 6 “Granite Rapids” server CPUs are making significant waves in the telecommunications sector. With massive adoption already underway among leading network operators, these processors are redefining performance and efficiency for next-generation networks—thanks to groundbreaking integrated AI acceleration and innovative RAN (Radio Access Network) technologies.
A Breakthrough in Network Transformation and AI Acceleration
At the heart of this revolution is the Intel Xeon 6 SoC, purpose-built for network and edge applications. Nearly every commercial virtual radio access network (vRAN) deployment already relies on Intel Xeon processors. Now, with the new Xeon 6 series, telecom operators can experience a performance-per-watt breakthrough. By integrating advanced AI acceleration through Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) and Intel Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX), the Xeon 6 SoC boosts AI RAN performance by up to 3.2x over previous generations—eliminating the need for discrete accelerators. In addition, eight integrated Ethernet ports deliver a combined throughput of up to 200 Gbps, providing the robust connectivity required for modern, high-capacity networks.
This innovative architecture allows operators to consolidate multiple-server open vRAN sites into a single-server footprint, dramatically reducing their overall server count and total cost of ownership (TCO). Furthermore, the industry’s first integrated media transcode accelerator, Intel® Media Transcode Accelerator, delivers up to a 14.25x performance-per-watt gain for video transcoding. This feature is particularly valuable for video service providers who demand near-real-time streaming for live sports, gaming, and auction events—all while significantly reducing power consumption.
Comprehensive Security and Sustainability for Modern Networks
With data generation surging at the network edge, security is more critical than ever. The Intel Xeon 6 SoC is equipped with leading-edge security features that support secure, zero-trust connectivity across the entire edge-to-cloud ecosystem. These advanced security measures ensure that as networks become more sophisticated, they remain resilient against emerging threats.
In a parallel drive towards sustainability, Intel’s Xeon 6 processors with E-cores—launched in 2024—are already being widely adopted by 5G core solution vendors and telecom operators. The inclusion of Intel® Infrastructure Power Manager (IPM) software further enhances energy efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes hardware footprints without sacrificing performance. Partner sustainability success stories highlight the impact of these advancements:
Ericsson’s software optimizations have delivered a 3.8x improvement in performance-per-watt compared to current CoSP-deployed configurations.
Nokia has leveraged Xeon 6 processors to reduce runtime power consumption for its 5G Packet Core solution by 60%.
Samsung’s next-generation Cloud Native Core, scheduled for Q2 2025, is expected to feature Xeon 6 processors with E-cores, achieving up to 3.2x better performance and density.
Advancing Ethernet Solutions for Modern Networks
Intel isn’t stopping at CPU innovations. The company has recently introduced two new families of discrete Ethernet controllers and network adapters, the E830 and E610 product lines. The Intel® Ethernet E830 family supports up to 200 Gb of bandwidth and includes precision time measurement capabilities that are critical for real-time vRAN workloads. Meanwhile, the Intel® Ethernet E610 family offers 10GBASE-T connectivity, providing a power-efficient solution for control plane networking.
Industry Enthusiasm and Global Adoption
The real-world impact of Intel’s Xeon 6 “Granite Rapids” processors is best exemplified by the enthusiastic adoption among leading telecom operators:
Vodafone is showcasing its first OpenRAN deployments, demonstrating the competitive edge of networks built on Intel Xeon technology.
AT&T is partnering with Ericsson and Intel to build what they describe as the world’s most open, programmable, and reliable RAN network. AT&T will soon integrate the Xeon 6 SoC into its high-capacity, programmable virtual RAN platform to support ongoing AI advancements.
Samsung is utilizing the Xeon 6 SoC to enhance performance and energy efficiency, accelerating AI integration across its RAN, and aligning with its TCO objectives.
Verizon has virtualized over 40% of its nationwide 5G RAN footprint—including its 5G core and edge—and is developing a high-compute-density vRAN server based on the Xeon 6, aimed at doubling RAN compute capacity while reducing TCO.
Ericsson, in collaboration with Dell servers, has achieved its first Cloud RAN call on Xeon 6, paving the way for industrialized Open RAN and AI RAN innovations.
As the telecommunications landscape evolves with the convergence of 5G, AI, and edge computing, Intel’s Xeon 6 “Granite Rapids” processors stand at the forefront of this transformation. With their integrated AI capabilities, robust connectivity, comprehensive security features, and sustainability benefits, these CPUs are set to empower telecom operators around the globe. The widespread adoption of these processors not only underscores the technological prowess of Intel’s latest node but also highlights a shifting paradigm in network design and management.
What do you think about Intel’s groundbreaking Xeon 6 “Granite Rapids” processors? With integrated AI acceleration and robust Ethernet capabilities, could these advancements reshape the telecom industry? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion!
