Dell PowerEdge XR8720t is a single server for Cloud RAN and edge with 72 cores, 24x25GbE, telecom timing, and AI readiness. Ships Q1 2026.
Dell Technologies has announced the PowerEdge XR8720t, a next-generation server designed to redefine telecom and edge infrastructure. Purpose-built for Open RAN and Cloud RAN deployments, the XR8720t consolidates what previously required complex multi-server configurations into a single, rugged, and highly connected system. The result is a significant leap in performance and efficiency that lowers the total cost of ownership (TCO) for telecom operators and enterprise edge deployments.
Breaking the Multi-Server Bottleneck
Historically, Cloud RAN and advanced edge computing architectures have faced steep adoption barriers. Organizations were compelled to deploy a range of servers to meet the low-latency and high-throughput demands of next-generation telecom workloads. This approach not only drove up costs but also strained power, space, and management resources, particularly at cell sites where real estate and energy efficiency are a priority.
The PowerEdge XR8720t changes that equation. As the industry’s first single-server Cloud RAN solution, it streamlines infrastructure by consolidating multiple functions into a single system, thereby reducing complexity, space requirements, and operational overhead. For service providers navigating RAN modernization, Dell’s new platform represents a more accessible and sustainable deployment path.
Performance and Scalability Redefined
At the core of the XR8720t is a powerful configuration designed to close the performance gap between cloud-native and traditional RAN architectures. Supporting up to 72 cores, this compute sled delivers twice the processing power of its predecessor while integrating seamlessly with Dell’s PowerEdge XR8000 platform.
Connectivity is another key differentiator. The XR8720t packs 24 SFP28 ports (each supporting 25GbE) into a 2U chassis, delivering up to 600GbE aggregate bandwidth per server. This type of density is designed to accelerate Cloud RAN workloads and enable linear scalability, allowing operators to add racks without compromising throughput. Deployment time is significantly reduced, while maintenance and lifecycle costs are streamlined compared to bulky multi-server alternatives.
Telecom-Grade Engineering
The XR8720t isn’t simply about compute. Dell has equipped the server with Intel Xeon 6 SoCs, integrated Intel vRAN Boost, and Intel Ethernet E830 adapters, ensuring telecom-specific functionality, such as hardware-enhanced timing synchronization. The system’s support for PTP, PTM, and SyncE standards makes it a precision-ready platform for 5G and future 6G RAN deployments, where microsecond-level timing is critical.
Its 430mm short-depth chassis and -5°C to 55°C operating range ensure that the XR8720t can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Combined with NEBS Level 3 compliance and front-accessible I/O, it’s engineered to handle extreme telecom and defense environments without compromising serviceability.
Enabling AI at the Edge
Beyond RAN workloads, Dell has positioned the XR8720t as an AI-ready edge platform. With the increasing demand for real-time analytics, agentic AI models, and ML-driven automation, CPU-based AI acceleration is becoming increasingly significant. Dell enables customers to deploy AI applications today, while offering GPU expansion options for future workloads that require greater acceleration.
This development allows telecom providers to perform real-time network optimization. It enables retailers to implement AI-driven customer analytics. Additionally, it provides defense or manufacturing organizations with the ability to run mission-critical machine learning workloads at the edge. They can do this without needing to backhaul sensitive data.
Rugged Modularity for Longevity
The PowerEdge XR8720t embodies Dell’s expertise in ruggedized, modular server design. Its front-access I/O and tool-less architecture simplify upgrades and in-field maintenance, critical for reducing downtime at distributed cell sites. Intelligent airflow management ensures optimal cooling in space-constrained telecom cabinets, a frequently overlooked differentiator that directly impacts system longevity and reliability in the field.
Industry Impact
Dennis Hoffman, Senior Vice President at Dell Technologies, summarized the significance of the XR8720t by framing it as a pioneering single-server platform for RAN modernization. Hoffman highlighted the server’s ability to consolidate workloads, enhance scalability, and unlock AI capabilities at the edge, all while reducing power and space requirements. His remarks highlight the system’s role as not just a performance upgrade but a strategic enabler for telecom operators facing OPEX and CAPEX pressures.
Analysts expect Dell’s move to put pressure on both RAN hardware incumbents and cloud providers, marking a step toward cloud-scale performance without forfeiting on-premises sovereignty. The XR8720t could accelerate Open RAN adoption, a priority for governments and operators worldwide as they seek vendor flexibility and reduced infrastructure costs.
Availability
The Dell PowerEdge XR8720t will be globally available in the first quarter of 2026.
Engage with StorageReview
Newsletter | YouTube | Podcast iTunes/Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | RSS Feed
