Samsung and Intel Achieve Breakthrough with Single-Server vRAN for Commercial Networks

According to Telecoms Tech News, Samsung and Intel have successfully demonstrated the commercial viability of a single-server virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) deployment on a live Tier 1 US operator network. This milestone signals a significant step forward for telecom operators aiming to reduce hardware sprawl, lower costs, and adopt sustainable network architectures.

Samsung’s Single-Server vRAN: A Closer Look at the Achievement

Samsung’s deployment leveraged its vRAN solution with Intel’s Xeon 6700P-B processors, running on a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) server from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and powered by Wind River’s cloud platform. The test achieved a critical milestone: running complex network workloads, including RAN and AI processing, simultaneously on a single server.

This efficiency-focused approach consolidates previously disparate components—like the mobile core, radio access, transport, and security—into a unified platform. With Intel’s high core-count (up to 72 cores), operators can reduce both capital expenditure (CAPEX) by purchasing fewer hardware units and operational expenditure (OPEX) by saving on power consumption and simplifying site management.

During a live call on the Tier 1 operator’s network, Samsung proved the robustness of its solution under commercial conditions. This builds upon the company’s earlier 2024 lab test and confirms that the technology has real-world applicability.

Market Context: Why This Matters for the Telecom Industry

The telecom industry faces increasing pressure to modernize its networks while reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Traditional architectures with hardware sprawl have become unsustainable due to high energy consumption and complex site management requirements. A single-server vRAN approach not only reduces these burdens but also aligns with global sustainability goals.

Globally, the demand for software-defined and Open RAN architectures is rising. According to a 2023 report by Dell’Oro Group, vRAN and Open RAN revenues are projected to hit $15 billion by 2027, with North America driving much of the growth.

Competitors like Nokia and Ericsson have also been actively pushing their own vRAN solutions. This breakthrough from Samsung and Intel sets a high bar, showcasing technology readiness in high-pressure commercial scenarios. The ability to reduce hardware footprints will likely prompt other operators and vendors to accelerate similar deployments.

What’s Next: Expert Analysis and Future Outlook

Experts believe Samsung’s milestone is a tipping point for telecom modernization. June Moon, Executive VP and Head of R&D at Samsung Networks Business, highlighted that this achievement positions their vRAN solution to support future AI-powered applications and prepare networks for 6G standards. “This represents a major leap forward in network virtualization,” Moon said. “It confirms that single-server vRAN deployments can meet the stringent performance standards required by leading carriers.”

The involvement of Intel’s Xeon 6700P-B processor series also points to a trend toward “AI-native” networks. Rather than adding separate AI accelerators, these processors embed AI processing capabilities directly into the architecture. Cristina Rodriguez, VP and GM at Intel’s Network and Edge Group, underscored the collaborative nature of the success. “This collaborative achievement enables greater consolidation of RAN and AI workloads, lowering power and total cost while speeding innovation,” she said.

However, challenges remain. Analysts like Daryl Schoolar from Recon Analytics caution that while the technology shows promise, wide-scale deployment requires rigorous integration testing and operational planning. Operators must build resilience strategies to manage the consolidated architecture effectively, mitigating the risks of workload concentration.

As the industry moves toward 6G, the convergence of RAN and AI on unified platforms is anticipated to become the standard. Samsung’s success in deploying single-server vRAN under commercial conditions marks a significant milestone in this journey.

Closing Thoughts

Samsung and Intel’s breakthrough in single-server vRAN deployment showcases the telecom industry’s evolution toward more efficient, scalable, and AI-ready networks. This development not only reduces costs but also sets a strong foundation for future 6G innovation and sustainability in telecom infrastructure. Are operators ready to embrace this shift at scale? Share your thoughts below.