Dell PowerEdge XR9700 Brings Cloud RAN and AI to Harsh Edge Environments

Key Terms

cloud ran technical

Cloud RAN (Cloud Radio Access Network) is a way of running the software that controls cell towers and wireless base stations from centralized data centers instead of dedicated hardware at each site. Think of it like shifting many roadside control boxes into a shared, remote utility so operators can scale capacity up or down, cut equipment and maintenance costs, and roll out new features faster—factors that can materially affect a telecom company’s expenses, growth and competitive position for investors.

open ran technical

Open RAN is an approach to building the radio part of mobile networks that breaks the system into standard, swappable pieces so equipment from different suppliers can fit together, like using Lego bricks instead of one molded toy. For investors, it can mean lower equipment costs, more supplier competition and faster innovation — but also potential integration and security risks that can affect telecom vendors, operators and capital spending plans.

edge computing technical

Edge computing is a technology that processes data close to where it is generated, such as sensors or devices, rather than sending it all to a distant central location. This allows for faster decision-making and reduces delays, much like having a local office handle urgent matters instead of waiting for instructions from a main headquarters. For investors, it signifies improved efficiency and real-time insights, which can enhance the performance of technology-dependent industries.

ip66 technical

IP66 is a standardized durability rating that tells how well a device or enclosure keeps out dust and powerful water jets; think of it as a tight seal and a heavy-duty raincoat for electronics. Investors care because this rating signals product robustness for harsh environments, which can reduce returns and warranty costs, broaden market access, and improve competitiveness and revenue potential for hardware-makers.

closed-loop liquid cooling technical

Closed-loop liquid cooling is a sealed system that circulates a coolant through pipes and contact plates to carry heat away from electronic equipment, then returns the warmed fluid to a radiator or heat exchanger to be cooled and reused. For investors, it matters because this method lets data centers and high-performance computing gear run faster and denser with lower long‑term energy and maintenance costs—similar to how a car’s radiator keeps an engine from overheating—potentially improving operating margins and asset utilization.

vran technical

vRAN (virtualized Radio Access Network) is a way of running the software that controls cellular radio equipment on standard, off‑the‑shelf servers instead of proprietary hardware. Think of it as replacing a specialised kitchen appliance with an app on a common computer: it makes networks more flexible, faster to update and often cheaper to scale. Investors care because vRAN can lower costs, increase vendor competition and speed rollout of new services, all of which can affect carriers' profitability and capital spending.

zero-touch provisioning (ztp) technical

An automated setup method that lets new networking or IT equipment configure itself when first powered on, using pre-set instructions delivered remotely so technicians don’t have to manually program each device. For investors, this matters because it cuts labor and error, speeds product and service rollouts, and lowers operating and deployment costs—like turning complex installations into plug-and-play devices, enabling faster scaling and more predictable margins.

ai workloads technical

AI workloads are the computing tasks and data processing needed to build, train, and run artificial intelligence systems—examples include teaching a model from data, running real‑time predictions, or sorting large datasets. They matter to investors because the size and complexity of these tasks drive demand for specialized chips, cloud services, and software: firms that handle AI workloads more efficiently can scale faster, cut costs, and improve profit potential.

Liquid-cooled, weather-resistant server enables zero-footprint deployments in extreme outdoor conditions, expanding network capacity where space and power are constrained

• Industry’s first outdoor x86 server for cloud RAN and edge applications¹
• Closed-loop liquid-cooled, ultra-compact, weather-resistant server will accelerate cloud RAN, edge computing and AI use cases in extreme environments including utility poles, rooftops and beyond
• New server will enable open compute capabilities at zero-footprint locations

ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) introduces the Dell PowerEdge XR9700 server, a first of its kind closed-loop liquid-cooled, fully-enclosed, ruggedized server engineered to run Cloud RAN and edge AI workloads in unprotected outdoor environments. Designed to mount on utility poles, rooftops and building exteriors, the PowerEdge XR9700 brings high performance computing into dense urban areas, remote locations and space-constrained facilities where traditional data center infrastructure cannot reach.

Dell PowerEdge XR9700 server

Why it matters

Telecommunications operators and those working at the edge often struggle to deploy compute due to lack of power and space. The PowerEdge XR9700 solves this, delivering high performance compute directly at the point of need in an ultra-compact, zero-footprint IP66-rated enclosure that’s sealed from the elements. For telecommunications operators, it provides a flexible, software-defined alternative to traditional RAN solutions, supporting Cloud RAN and Open RAN processing at the cell site. At the same time, the platform can run edge and AI applications directly where data is created and consumed.

Built for Extreme Conditions

Designed to withstand the harshest environments, this platform’s ultra-compact IP66-rated enclosure and GR-3108 Class 4 certification delivers reliable, quiet performance in environments exposed to extreme temperatures, dust and moisture. Closed-loop liquid cooling with a thermal management architecture maintains consistent operation across a temperature range of -40°C to 46°C (-40°F to 115°F) and withstands direct solar radiation, all in a compact 15-liter form factor suitable for mounting on utility poles, rooftops and building sides. This zero-footprint design brings telecom and edge workloads to locations where only traditional radio solutions could previously operate.

Performance that Scales

Powered by the Intel Xeon 6 SoC with integrated Intel vRAN Boost technology and Intel AMX technology, the PowerEdge XR9700 delivers the processing power and fronthaul connectivity to support up to 15 5G sectors in a single server. While optimized for Cloud RAN, the platform’s flexibility allows operators to run edge and AI workloads based on network architecture and service requirements.

As part of the Dell PowerEdge XR-Series, the XR9700 integrates with Dell’s existing management tools and software stack. Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) provides remote visibility and control for zero-touch provisioning (ZTP), while compatibility with the same Cloud RAN software validated on the PowerEdge XR8720t simplifies certification and accelerates telecom deployments.

Perspectives

Andrew Vaz, vice president, Dell Technologies: “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, vice president and general manager, Intel Network & Edge: “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, virtualized and AI-driven innovations for their most challenging environments. This represents a significant step forward in making 5G and edge computing truly ubiquitous.”

Rakuten Mobile, as one of the launch customers, will deploy the Dell PowerEdge across its nationwide mobile network in Japan.

Sudhakar Pandney, head of RAN, Rakuten Mobile: “The relationship with Dell Technologies is key for Rakuten Mobile's virtualized 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.”

Ji-Yun Seol, executive vice president and head of Product Strategy, Networks Business, Samsung Electronics: “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 virtualized solutions optimized for diverse deployment requirements. Dell PowerEdge XR9700 offers a promising pathway to further expand our vRAN to challenging edge environments, while enhancing operational efficiency.”

Availability

The Dell PowerEdge XR9700 will be globally available 2H CY 2026.

Additional resources

• Find out more about the Dell PowerEdge XR9700.
• Learn more about Dell Open Telecom Ecosystem Lab (OTEL) AI-assisted telecom testing and validation.
• Connect with Dell on X and LinkedIn

About Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) helps organizations and individuals build their digital future and transform how they work, live and play. The company provides customers with the industry’s broadest and most innovative technology and services portfolio for the AI era.

© Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

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1 Based on Dell internal analysis, February 2026.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225863901/en/

Media Relations: Media.Relations@Dell.com 

Source: Dell Technologies