Dell Technologies has introduced the new PowerEdge XR9700 server, which is not for the big bad data centers but instead, it is for outdoor deployments, specifically Cloud RAN and edge AI applications, where traditional gear simply cannot be utilized.
It is made to be mounted directly on utility poles, rooftops, or even building exteriors, bringing computing power to all sorts of environments like dense urban areas, remote locations, or facilities where space and infrastructure are limited.
The enclosure is designed with a zero-footprint concept, meaning it can operate in locations where only radio equipment could typically be installed. For telecom deployments, this makes it possible to run Cloud RAN and Open RAN processing directly at the cell site, while also enabling edge AI applications that process data closer to where it’s generated.
It also hosts a closed-loop liquid cooling system that certifies it to operate in extreme temperatures from -40°C to 46°C while also tolerating direct solar exposure. Despite all of this ruggedization, the entire system fits into a compact 15-liter form factor powered by Intel Xeon 6 SoCs with integrated Intel vRAN Boost and Intel AMX technologies.
Although it is primarily optimized for Cloud RAn workloads, the platform is flexible enough to run other edge and AI applications depending on the operator’s network architecture and service requirements.
Since it’s part of the Dell PowerEdge XR-Series, the XR9700 also ties into Dell’s existing management ecosystem. Administrators can use the integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) for remote monitoring and zero-touch provisioning, and it supports the same Cloud RAN software stack already validated on the PowerEdge XR8720t. That compatibility should help operators speed up certification and deployment.
The PowerEdge XR9700 is expected to become globally available in the second half of 2026.
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