Powering the Future with AirFrame Open Edge Servers
As the world rapidly advances towards a hyper-connected future, the demand for scalable, high-performance data centers has never been more pressing. Communication service providers (CSPs) and enterprises are on the frontline of this transformation, driving innovations requiring unprecedented computing power, efficiency, and flexibility. At the heart of this evolution are two solutions from Nokia: the AirFrame Rackmount Server and the AirFrame Open Edge Server.
Nokia AirFrame Rackmount Server Meets Growing Data Center Demands
The Nokia AirFrame Rackmount Server is engineered to tackle the most demanding data center workloads while delivering superior energy efficiency. Designed with the latest generation of processors and cutting-edge technologies, this server is a powerful ally for any data center looking to maximize computing performance and scalability.
High Performance with Advanced Technology
One of the standout features of the Nokia AirFrame Rackmount Server is its integration of the latest NVMe SSDs, which come in various forms to suit different use cases. These solid-state drives offer the fastest bandwidth, higher input/output operations per second (IOPS), and lower latency, making them ideal for heavy workloads. Additionally, PCIe 4.0 technology ensures data moves quickly and efficiently across the system, enhancing performance.
The server is also built to support a complete portfolio of data center components, including servers, storage, networking, accelerators, and other commodities. This makes it an ideal solution for CSPs and enterprises transitioning to a cloud-defined data center.
With native support for Nokia’s Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) and Cloud Native Network Functions (CNFs), the AirFrame Rackmount Server is crucial in deploying 5G networks.
Energy Efficiency and Scalability
Energy efficiency is a key consideration for any data center today. The Nokia AirFrame Rackmount Server addresses this need with uncompromised energy efficiency. Integrating the latest technology ensures that the server delivers maximum performance while minimizing energy consumption – a crucial factor for cost savings and environmental sustainability.
Additionally, the server offers scalability through customized pre-defined reference configurations. This allows CSPs and enterprises to tailor their data center infrastructure to their specific needs, starting with 5G deployments or expanding existing operations. The server’s full compliance with Network Equipment-Building System (NEBS) requirements ensures that it meets the standards required by the telecom industry, making it a reliable and robust solution for any environment.
Openness and Security
Openness and security are two pillars of the Nokia AirFrame Rackmount Server’s design. The server is certified for all commonly used software platforms, ensuring it can seamlessly integrate into any existing data center environment. This openness is complemented by Nokia’s Design For Security approach, which ensures that the server offers superior protection against potential threats. In a world where data security is paramount, having a server that combines openness with robust security features is a significant advantage.
Nokia AirFrame Open Edge Server Enhances Edge Cloud Deployment
While the Nokia AirFrame Rackmount Server is ideal for centralized data centers, the Nokia AirFrame Open Edge Server is designed specifically for the network’s edge, where low latency and high-performance computing are critical. As the pioneer in edge computing, Nokia’s edge cloud solution is set to transform how CSPs and enterprises deploy and manage their networks, particularly as 5G becomes more widespread.
The Importance of Edge Cloud in 5G
The edge cloud is becoming an essential asset for service providers, supporting new services and applications that demand low latency and high bandwidth. With the imminent rollout of 5G, edge computing is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a necessity. The Nokia AirFrame Open Edge Server is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a highly specialized, workload-agnostic solution that can meet the demands of even the most complex use cases.
One key benefit of deploying an edge cloud is the ability to run critical network functions closer to the end user. For example, in a 5G network, the User Plane Function (UPF) can be run on the edge, significantly reducing latency and improving performance. This is particularly important for applications like Cloud RAN and Open RAN, which require ultra-low latency and high throughput to function effectively.
A Compact and Robust Solution
The Nokia AirFrame Open Edge Server is designed with the specific needs of edge environments in mind. Available in two power-efficient variants (2RU and 3RU), the server chassis can be installed in existing base station sites, whether indoors or outdoors. Each chassis supports up to five server sleds, all powered by the latest generation of Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors. These processors, combined with purpose-optimized accelerator capabilities, enable the server to handle real-time processing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), video, security, digital signal processing (DSP), and packet processing.
In addition to its powerful processing capabilities, the AirFrame Open Edge Server offers a compact NVMe EDSFF E1.S storage solution, providing the fastest bandwidth, higher IOPS, and lower latency. This makes it an ideal choice for edge applications requiring quick data access and processing, such as those in multi-access edge computing (MEC) environments.
Enabling the Future of Edge Computing
Nokia’s commitment to open standards is evident in the design of the AirFrame Open Edge Server. The server supports various software certifications, including all major operating systems and cloud stacks, ensuring it can integrate seamlessly into any edge cloud environment. This openness is further enhanced by Nokia’s involvement in the Open Compute Project’s (OCP) openEDGE specification, which has led to the development of competitive formats for edge data centers.
The AirFrame Open Edge Server also includes the Nokia Fronthaul Gateway (FHGW), allowing for easy connection and conversion of legacy Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) based radios to the new Ethernet-based enhanced CPRI (eCPRI) and ORAN network standards. This feature is particularly valuable for CSPs looking to modernize their networks without entirely replacing existing infrastructure.
Driving Innovation with Nokia’s Edge Automation
One of the most challenging aspects of deploying and managing edge cloud infrastructure is ensuring it operates efficiently and cost-effectively. Nokia’s Edge Automation solution addresses this challenge by fully automating infrastructure deployment for cloud-based services and applications. With centralized management user interfaces and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), CSPs can easily deploy, monitor, and upgrade their edge infrastructure, reducing operational expenses (OPEX) and accelerating time-to-market for new capabilities.
About Infinity Technology Solutions
Infinity Technology Solutions specializes in broadband and critical communications infrastructure development. We help our channel partners create and deploy private wireless, microwave backhaul, IP/MPLS, and optical networking technologies.
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