How Intel Xeon Next-Gen Processors and Intel Infrastructure Power Manager Software Boost 5G Core Efficiency and Sustainability

Intel has announced two major updates to help network operators scale their 5G core networks with energy efficiency and lower TCO: the preview of Intel Xeon next-gen processors, code-named Sierra Forest, with up to 288 Efficient-cores (E-cores), and the commercial availability of the Intel Infrastructure Power Manager (IPM) software for 5G core.

Intel Xeon Next-Gen Processors with E-cores

E-cores are optimized for energy and TCO savings, and will offer up to 288 cores per processor, enabling a 2.7x performance per rack improvement for 5G core workloads. The new processors will allow network operators to increase performance per rack, vCPUs and performance per watt without significant changes to application software. Intel is collaborating with operators and 5G core software suppliers to deploy the new processors and Intel IPM software.

Intel Infrastructure Power Manager Software for 5G Core

Intel IPM software leverages the built-in telemetry of Intel Xeon processors to reduce CPU power usage without compromising key performance metrics such as throughput, latency and packet drop. The software can be installed on existing and future Xeon-based network infrastructure, and can help operators achieve their sustainability goals and offset carbon dioxide emissions.

Ecosystem Partners Showcase Power Savings and Performance Improvements

Several ecosystem partners have integrated Intel IPM software into their 5G core solutions and demonstrated significant power savings and performance improvements. Some of the highlights include:

– Casa Systems showcased up to 50% power savings with Intel IPM software running on 4th Gen Intel Xeon processors.

– NEC improved the energy efficiency of UPF by using Intel IPM software, enabling the offset of increasing power consumption for carbon neutrality.

– Nokia validated a 40% reduction in CPU power levels with zero packet loss with Intel IPM software for 5G core, and will provide the first commercially available 5G core stack based on this capability in 2024.

– Orange collaborated with Intel and Nokia to significantly reduce the runtime power consumption of its network function infrastructure by leveraging Intel IPM software and the #Sylva project.

– Samsung partnered with SK Telecom to launch a lab trial featuring Intel IPM software for user plane, measuring over 27% CPU power savings and projecting energy savings of over $10 million.

– ZTE collaborated with Intel to drive down power costs and TCO of network infrastructure by using Intel IPM software integrated with the ZTE 5G Common Core Solution.

What End Customers Can Do Next

Customers can visit the Intel Booth at MWC (Hall 3, Booth 3E31) to see demonstrations of the Intel Xeon next-gen processors, code-named Sierra Forest, and work with 5G core network function software vendors to learn more about the Intel IPM software.

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