Intel and Nokia are expanding their long-standing and strategic collaboration to advance core network infrastructures with the deployment of Intel Xeon 6 processors with Efficient-cores (E-cores) in the Nokia NFVI v5.0 and Nokia Core Networks Applications.
With better energy efficiency, capacity and scalability for 5G core workloads, the joint infrastructure initiative will provide Nokia customers with up to a 60% reduction in power consumption, a 60% smaller server footprint and a 150% performance boost compared to widely deployed previous-generation servers.
“The combination of Intel Xeon 6 E-core processors – engineered for power-efficient, high-density compute – and Intel Infrastructure Power Manager, which delivers stable run-time power savings, provides a robust foundation for the most energy-efficient 5G core networks,” says Alexander Quach, Intel vice-president and GM of the Wireline and Core Network Division. ‘”We’re proud to see Nokia Core Networks continue to lead with Intel Xeon processors, helping communications service providers reduce both power use and infrastructure footprint at scale.”
The adoption highlights the telecom industry’s need for power-optimised, high-density infrastructure to meet modern 5G performance and sustainability demands.
For decades, Intel and Nokia have worked together to produce tangible innovation. By combining Intel Xeon 6 (specifically the Intel Xeon 6780E) with Intel Infrastructure Power Manager (IPM), Nokia Core Networks will enable:
- Load-aware and power-aware compute.
- Lower operational costs.
- Reduced carbon footprint.
- No compromise on network stability.
Nokia is already running successful cloud service provider trials with IPM, validating its applicability across multiple server generations and showcasing measurable energy savings. The Intel Xeon 6 processor platform and IPM support for the forthcoming Nokia Packet Core Application v25.7 are on track for availability later this year.
“The results from our joint IPM trials using Intel Xeon 6 with E-cores underscore how industry partnerships – like our long-standing collaboration with Intel – are essential to driving shared innovation and delivering scalable, energy-efficient solutions that enable more sustainable networks,” says Kal De, senior vice-president of products and engineering, cloud and network services at Nokia. “The important energy efficiency gains demonstrated in these trials align closely with what operators need as they modernize their networks.”